Meg Uttley, Kellogg 1Y MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Washington University in St. Louis, Economics & Psychology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 years, Retail
Why business school? Why now?
I absolutely loved my career in retail and my previous employer I had been with since graduating college. Leaving for business school (and when to leave for business school) were decisions I weighed heavily given my early career success.
Ultimately, I felt the opportunity to learn alongside world-class peers and professors would be invaluable in equipping me to be the type of transformative leader I aspire to be. It was an opportunity for growth I knew if I had the chance to take, I couldn’t pass up.
Why Kellogg? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
At the end of my time at business school I wanted to be able to look back and say that I had an immersive, global experience that allowed me to grow professionally and personally. When looking at the top MBA programs, I felt a number would foster my professional development, but that Kellogg was uniquely positioned to accelerate my personal leadership growth.
The administration and student body emphasize your holistic development and build a curriculum centered around getting to know yourself and others on a deep level. Collaborative, low ego, high-impact, and student-led are truly core characteristics of the culture. I’m excited to contribute and develop alongside this team.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
Inside the classroom, my corporate background in retail brings different perspectives to class discussions. Outside of the classroom, I have a lifelong passion for wellness that I am excited to contribute. This year as a member of the Kellogg Student Association I’ll be serving as the 1Y Personal Development & Wellness Representative.
In that role I will be working to help my peers best take care of their mental, physical, and emotional health while balancing the demands of business school. I hope to play at least a small part in increasing the dialogue around mental health and in promoting access to critical resources.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’m a certified barre instructor and love coaching clients. I sustained an injury that ended my college volleyball career and found barre to be a low-impact, effective workout that made me feel just as much of a #boss as I once did on the court. I love giving my clients a safe space to build strength – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Post-MBA career interests?
Long-term, my goal is to be a leader who positions companies to thrive in the midst of industry and macro-economic change. I love rolling up my sleeves, solving complex problems, and empowering the team around me to excel. With an MBA in hand I hope to find such opportunities in fields where I can also leverage my past expertise in merchandising, operations, and strategy.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I took my GMAT several years before I was seriously considering applying to school. By knocking out my GMAT early, I was able to dedicate extra time towards the thoughtful self-reflection an application requires.
Understanding and articulating who I am, what I value, and what my unique strengths, weaknesses and experiences are became easier because I didn’t also have the added mental demand of memorizing GMAT arithmetic shortcuts and geometric ratios.
If you think you might apply to school in the next 5 years but aren’t quite ready just yet, I highly recommend going ahead and studying for and taking the GMAT. Come application time, you’ll be so glad you have one less thing on your plate!
What is your initial impression of Kellogg’s students/culture/community?
I have to say I wake up every day feeling honored to be at Kellogg. In a matter of weeks, I’ve built friendships with intelligent, driven, kind, hilarious classmates from all over the world – Netherlands, Chile, Peru, China, and India just to name a few countries. Kellogg’s orientation programming (CIM – Complete Immersion in Management) sets the tone for a student culture centered around inclusivity and the sense that we are all on “one team.” I feel like I hit the jackpot.
One thing you have learned about Kellogg that has surprised you?
The Kellogg administration cares deeply not just about investing in you, the student, but also about investing in your spouse or partner. Spouses and partners (known as “Joint Ventures” or “JVs”) are fully integrated into the Kellogg experience. JVs attend classes, lead clubs, travel on KWEST and plan events – the list goes on. Kellogg has made it seamless for my husband to be part of this experience, and that means the world to me.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
There are a million fun and exciting things to do at any given time. Maintaining a balance of taking advantage of all the awesome opportunities and finding time to recharge is what I’m most anxious about. The FOMO is very real.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Kellogg kicks off the Fall with KWEST – Kellogg Worldwide Exploration Student Trips. Led by second-year students, the +30 trips span a variety of activities and locations worldwide. My JV and I are headed to Italy and we can’t wait to bond with our new classmates, make lifelong memories, and eat our body weight in Italian cuisine.
