Ryan Ghosh, Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA Class of 2026
Age: 28
Hometown: Rockville, MD
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Maryland, Chemical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Operations Procurement roles at AstraZeneca (3.5 years), Supplier Quality Engineer at W.L. Gore (1.5 years)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
To help fulfill my potential as a leader and changemaker in the biotech sector while allowing me the opportunity to pivot into new areas of the sector. Further, I was excited to learn foundational business knowledge to complement my engineering background and help me become a better business leader.
Why did you choose Northwestern Kellogg? What factors figured most prominently
The Healthcare at Kellogg (HCAK) program combines a wide array of courses on the business of healthcare, experiential learning opportunities, numerous clubs, speaker series, career treks, networking opportunities, and more. As a Hawryluk Biopharmaceutical Scholar, I am excited to receive customized mentorship opportunities as well with a cohort of like-minded individuals focused on advancing the biotech sector.
The culture of Kellogg also stood out to me for its emphasis on collaboration, openness, diversity, and fostering an environment for empathetic leaders to thrive and grow.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
Fueled by a positive and adventurous spirit, I hope to bring a global perspective (as someone who has lived in three continents and traveled to >30 countries) and a passion for driving life sciences innovation and reducing health inequities.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love mountain biking and my first time trying it was on the “Death Road” in Bolivia, known as the most dangerous road in the world. Trial by fire, I guess!
Post-MBA career interests:
Healthcare consulting with a focus on life sciences, market access, and commercial strategy
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I spent time trying to visit campuses and speak with students. This was invaluable in helping learn more about what schools were a good fit for me, helping me learn more about the career opportunities for MBAs in the healthcare industry, and preparing myself for what to expect. I was always amazed by how helpful and encouraging every student I approached was.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have begun the process of thinking deeply about what I wanted to get out of the business school experience as early as possible and specific career routes that appealed to me. I was so focused on improving my GMAT score that I put off those deep questions for much later in the application process.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I supposed standardized testing is a necessary evil, but it was exhausting to devote so much time to a single exam and I put a lot of pressure on myself. Finding a good test prep company was worthwhile for me and surrounding myself with “accountability partners” that helped me through those challenging times.
What is your initial impression of the Northwestern Kellogg students/culture/community?
Evanston/Kellogg has very quickly become home. I am continuously impressed with my classmates, both for their talents and their eagerness to contribute to building a stronger Kellogg community. I have also appreciated the program’s focus on building inclusive environments and support structures to help us all reach our goals over the next 2-years.
What is one thing you have learned about Northwestern Kellogg that has surprised you?
While I expected the caliber of teaching to be top-notch, I have been nonetheless been extremely impressed by the professors. They have made the learning environment highly engaging and have gotten me excited for future quarters where I will have even more flexibility over my schedule.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Recruiting can be stressful, especially as the process starts quite early for the industries I am targeting. However, I look forward to leveraging Kellogg’s resources and network to support me through the application process so I can find a role that is an optimal fit for me.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting involved in the student life at Kellogg and joining clubs that will help me grow outside of my comfort zone.
