Grant Kushner, Chicago Booth’s MBA Class of 2021
Age: 24
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Chicago, Major: Public Policy & Minor: Molecular Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry):
A year of consulting in the pharmaceutical space, specifically with novel drug launch strategy. Another year and half years working on a venture founded by a University of Chicago undergrad in the CPG space. The company Frönen offers a dairy-free “nice cream,” which is low in sugar, made from real fruit and all-natural ingredients.
Why business school? Why now?
I had entered college knowing I wanted to pursue an MBA at some point in my career and the opportunity presented itself my last year of undergraduate study when I applied to a deferred entry program with Booth called “Booth Scholars” where you commit to returning for your MBA after several years of work experience and the timing was just right to matriculate for the Class of 2021.
Why Chicago Booth? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
As previously stated, I was looking for deferred entry MBA programs, but none were as attractive to me as Booth Scholars. The combination of academic rigor, course flexibility, and cross-disciplinary opportunity were major positive factors in my decision as was Booth’s noted faculty, accomplished and supportive administration, and dedicated staff.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
There are truly amazing and deserving people here at Booth and each and every one of us contributes our unique set of perspectives, meaning we each have a different “lived experience” to share and shed insight in and out of the classroom
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I have scrimmaged (at different times) with 9 American Olympic Water Polo Team players as well as 1 Canadian and 1 Italian national team members.
Post-MBA career interests?
I hope to find a role that immerses me in interesting and impactful work alongside bright and determined peers. A role where I consistently feel challenged so that I may continue to grow and build upon the education I have been fortunate enough to receive.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I think this should be part of everyone’s application process if possible: during a campus visit, sit in on at least one class.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Hindsight is 20/20, but I have to say I don’t think I would change anything significant.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the essay just because it forces you to be quite introspective at a moment in time where your head is all over the place with the application process and GMAT. With the support of friends and family I was able to stay centered, which allowed for a successful self-reflection when preparing the essay.
What is your initial impression of Chicago Booth’s students/culture/community?
While in the midst of orientation, it is not so much my “impression,” but rather my being “impressed” by the enthusiasm, focus, and diversity of my peers.
One thing you have learned about Chicago Booth that has surprised you?
I was surprised by how much bonding is incorporated into orientation and how much I appreciate having the time to meet my cohort and peers before classes begin.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about trying to balance classes with working on and continuing to grow Frönen, the new venture I continue to work on with my founding partners.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am on the younger side of the average age, so I am excited to see how I fit into the mix so to speak, to see how my experiences give point or counterpoint to classmates’ experiences within the classroom and project team settings.
