Natalia Eguez, Kellogg MBA Class of 2021
Age: 27
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
Undergraduate Institution and Major: B.A. in Human Biology, Stanford University
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 2.5 years in healthcare at DaVita Inc. and 2 years in the Peace Corps working as a health volunteer in Paraguay.
Why business school? Why now?
Having studied human biology and worked on the operations side of project development, I realized I needed to hone my skills in finance and strategy in order to reach my long-term career goals as a leader. I decided to pursue my MBA right after finishing the Peace Corps because I want to combine the qualitative skills I had gained with the quantitative courses available in business school.
Why Kellogg? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When applying to business schools, I was most drawn to Kellogg because of the school’s commitment to social impact and corporate social responsibility. Experiential courses and programs are offered, such as Kellogg Board Fellows, where students work with Chicago nonprofit board members to learn the ins and outs of board governance. This combination of academics and experiential learning was exactly what I was looking for from an MBA.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
My experiences in rural Paraguay have shown me the importance of cultural competence in project development and management, which I hope to apply during business school projects and internships. Difficult conversations and topics are inevitable, so I hope to teach and learn how to apply cultural understanding in conflict resolution.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I paid $700 for a pear by mistake. Long story short: I had pneumonia when traveling from Australia to New Zealand. In my delirious state, I forgot I had a tiny pear at the bottom of my backpack when I filled out customs forms…
Post-MBA career interests?
After graduation, I would like to work in a strategy role with a diverse team that fosters continuous growth, ideally in the healthcare industry.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I’m grateful that I applied first round. Since I was working abroad, finding out where I was going to be in the fall gave me plenty of time to figure out living arrangements and funding.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had visited schools in person before applying. Learning about the school’s academic environment and talking to students who are currently going through the program is invaluable. Although I didn’t visit any campuses, I was able to talk with a few current students, which was helpful but not the same as stepping foot on campus to see it in person.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could, I would have skipped the interview portion of the application. Since I was applying abroad, I did my interviews through Skype, which added a whole other level of stress. To help take pressure off, I did countless mock Skype interview with friends and family. Find someone who will honestly and constructively critique your responses.
What is your initial impression of Kellogg’s students/culture/community?
Everyone is so welcoming and eager to help! Personally, this is also my favorite part about Kellogg. Students are friendly and collaborative, making it easy and enjoyable to learn from their past career experiences in different industries. For example, during Day at Kellogg (DAK—Kellogg’s admitted students’ weekend), I was able to schedule coffee chats with multiple current students who gave me advice about recruiting, finding housing, and choosing a major – granted, this was all before I was even a student! Everyone’s openness and willingness to find time for others is what made the Kellogg community stand out from the beginning.
One thing you have learned about Kellogg that has surprised you?
Although I had heard how inclusive the Kellogg community is towards partners (spouses, significant others, etc.), my husband and I were pleasantly surprised at the level of inclusivity. Partners can audit classes, join clubs (like the Joint Venture club) and come along on the trips that make business school the unique experience that it is!
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m most anxious about the upcoming recruiting season, since there will be an immeasurable number of open houses, coffee chats, informal interviews, etc. Balancing this with academics will undoubtedly challenge my time management abilities.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to be a part of and contribute to such a diverse and collaborative community. I’m looking forward to learning from classmates about industries and organizations I currently know little about.
