Jolene Bernagene, Chicago Booth MBA Class of 2026
Age: 26
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Dartmouth College, Computer Science modified with Digital Arts
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Product Manager, Microsoft, 3 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
In Spring of 2023, I encountered a setback when Microsoft eliminated 10,000 roles, including mine. Instead of re-entering the workforce immediately, I chose to take time to reflect on my journey. I found excitement in the opportunity to take a chance on entrepreneurship, knowing that it had been a long-term dream of mine. This led to the founding of The Dev Difference, a company my friends and I started to address challenges underrepresented talent faced in passing Tech interviews.
Although I had the technical skills to build the platform, I was missing the business acumen to help grow and sustain the business over time. As I researched how an MBA could support my goals, I discovered that business school was a great place to scale the company for greater impact and strengthen my leadership skills. This moment solidified my decision to apply to business school.
Why did you choose Chicago Booth? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Chicago Booth checked off a lot of what I was seeking in an MBA program.
(1) The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation stood out to me. The opportunities, mentorship, and New Venture Challenge (NVC) were a few of the highlights that I felt would help me scale my startup, The Dev Difference.
(2) I was drawn to Chicago itself—a city that I’ve never lived in but had always heard was dynamic, diverse and beautiful.
(3) The flexibility Booth offers in its curriculum was another major factor. While there are essential foundational courses, the freedom to dive deep into different concentrations ensures I’ll leave with a well-rounded skill set and the confidence to be a stronger leader.
(4) Among these things, Chicago Booth is also a partner school for the QuestBridge MBA Match program. I placed Booth at the top of my ranking list and once I was selected, I was offered a scholarship to Chicago Booth. That solidified my decision to attend.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
As an entrepreneur, my ability to think critically and ask the right questions to root out ambiguity is one of my greatest strengths. I listen, observe, and understand diverse perspectives, which allows me to bring clarity and insight to complex challenges. My authenticity and direct approach helps foster open, meaningful dialogue, which I believe will add value to my classmates both in and out of the classroom.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I spent a year doing adult gymnastics to overcome my fear of falling. It was a fun and challenging way to build confidence and push my boundaries.
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA, I aim to continue my entrepreneurial journey by growing The Dev Difference while also learning and exploring the world of consultancy to support and build other impactful technology ventures.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Do not silently apply. Tap into your community. Ask for help. If you can, apply to the MBA prep programs or test prep programs. Have a sibling, friend, grandmother, or someone read your essays and help you tell your story. I genuinely believe we all have an interesting story to tell, but sometimes, it is those around us who can help show us parts of ourselves we tend to overlook or take for granted.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Nothing, everything was meant to happen as it did.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would’ve skipped the GRE, which was one of the more stressful parts of the application process for me. Thankfully, I enrolled in Sherpa Prep, where I received valuable instruction and test-taking strategies. A special thanks to my instructor, Jay Friedman, and the entire Sherpa Prep team for their support.
What is your initial impression of the Booth students/culture/community?
That the community is incredibly welcoming and transparent! My first impression came when I reached out to current students and alums after receiving an invitation to interview. Everyone I reached out to responded, sharing their authentic experience without overselling, which I appreciated.
Though I did not have a chance to visit Booth before I applied, I attended admitted students weekend, also known as “First Day,” and felt the warmth of the community. Everyone was ready to answer questions and provided honest feedback on Booth classes, culture and the city of Chicago. Every interaction I had with a Boothie felt genuine and wholesome.
What is one thing you have learned about Booth that has surprised you?
The integration between Booth and the other UChicago graduate programs was surprising. Booth is open to students from different programs, allowing them to participate in classes, activities, and events. My co-founder, Jovanay Carter, who was in her first year of her Master’s in Computer Science program, was able to join the Entrepreneurs Unplugged program just by walking into the Polsky Center and asking. Our startup was then able to apply, pitch and win the 2024 John Edwardson, ‘72 Social New Venture Challenge (SNVC), which is a pitch competition for ventures with a social mission.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Time management. There are so many clubs and activities that pique my interest, but I know I have significant responsibilities. I will need to be intentional about how I spend my time each quarter to ensure I am making the most of the Booth experience while staying focused on my priorities.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to get to know my classmates, especially after spending the past few years in the Tech bubble. I am ready to hear and learn from a wider array of experiences and perspectives. The incoming class of 2026 has talented and brilliant individuals and I look forward to meeting them through clubs, classes, and trips. I am excited to see what continues to stir up my curiosity and how this experience will shape my career and mindset.
