Halle Sterling, Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA Class of 2027
Age: 27
Hometown: Woodbury, MN
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Wisconsin-Madison / Majors: Industrial Engineering and Economics – Math Emphasis
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Analyst, Investment Banking, Rothschild & Co, 2 years; Associate, Private Equity, Siris Capital, 1 year; Associate, Private Equity, Berkshire Partners, 2 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After several years in investment banking and private equity, I realized I wanted to commit to a long-term career as an investor and had built the technical foundation to succeed. At the same time, I recognized I was at a pivotal point to grow into a more well-rounded leader and manager. I decided going to business school would be the right next step to broaden my perspective, refine my leadership style, and build a global network to support my long-term trajectory in investing.
Why did you choose Northwestern Kellogg? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
What first drew me to Kellogg was its collaborative, team-oriented culture, which I felt strongly aligned with how I like to work and lead. Beyond the culture, I was particularly excited about the Advanced Private Equity Experience (APEX), which offers accelerated coursework, experiential deal work and alumni mentorship — opportunities I knew would support me in growing as an investor. I was also attracted to Kellogg’s global focus, from KWEST trips that create bonds before classes even begin, to the wide range of student-led treks across the world, to immersive global business coursework. Together, these factors made Kellogg feel like the place where I could both deepen my investing skills and expand my perspective in a global and collaborative environment.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I believe my most differentiating contribution is the combination of global investing experience and my passion for mentorship. Through deal work in Latin America, Israel, and South Africa, I’ve developed a cross-cultural perspective on how businesses grow and the challenges they face. At the same time, mentorship has always been important to me — I’ve led programs with Wisconsin undergraduates and served as a mentor in various organizations. I think these two facets of my background differentiate me in bringing diverse perspectives to the table while also creating an environment where others feel heard and supported.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Something that I was very passionate about in high school was ceramics class (wheel throwing and glazing). By the end of high school, I had taken nine ceramics classes, with the last few being classified as “independent studies,” since I had run out of courses to take that were offered by the school. I am excited to get back into pottery with some of my free time in business school, and I have already found a pottery studio nearby that will allow me to flex this creative muscle again.
Post-MBA career interests:
Private Equity / Family Office (investing role)
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
During the application process, I tried to stay focused on my story and staying true myself. It’s easy to think you have to force in that one extra activity or leadership position on your resume to stand out, but I found my authenticity to be an incredibly valuable attribute of my application. I felt very proud of my acceptance to Kellogg knowing that I had achieved it through being the true version of myself and not who I thought the admissions committee wanted me to be.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I could go back, I would take the GMAT during my final year of undergrad. It was difficult finding time to study while also working, and it created a lot of unnecessary stress in the application process. I think if I had taken the time to study and take the GMAT while still in “school mode” rather than when I was in “work mode,” it would have given me more stress-free time to focus on my essays and my story, which, in my perspective, are the more important part of the application process.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
One part of the application process I wish I could have skipped is the self-doubt that comes with applying to highly competitive MBA programs. I found it most helpful to focus on my own application and my own stories and to avoid comparing myself to peers who were also applying to MBA programs. It is tempting to chat about test scores and resumes and essays with your peers, but I ultimately benefitted myself by blocking out this noise. I instead turned to my mentors for advice, who were more removed from the actual application process, and I found comfort and self-assurance from these trusted individuals during the stress and pressure that came with the application process.
What is your initial impression of the Kellogg students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Kellogg community has been even better than I expected. From the start, students have been incredibly welcoming and genuinely collaborative, with a culture that encourages people to “embrace the weird” in one another. I’ve loved how diverse the community is, not just in backgrounds, but also in perspectives, and how supportive everyone is in helping each other succeed. It feels like a place where people push you to grow while also celebrating what makes you unique.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
On the career-oriented side, I joined APEX and Private Equity club to focus on my long-term career goals in investing. I have found the groups in these organizations to be collaborative communities where we can mutually benefit each other in furthering our goals in the industry. Specifically, we can be a great resource to each other as we begin to prepare for interviews for our internships next summer.
On the social and activity-oriented side, I joined Ski Club and Golf Club. Through these clubs, I will have the opportunity to lead the planning of ski trips and golf outings. My favorite thing about these social clubs is they bring together students with diverse backgrounds but shared interests, I am excited for the opportunity to build connections outside of my typical career-oriented cohorts.
What is one thing you have learned about Kellogg that has surprised you?
I have been surprised by the number of events and opportunities to build community. If you wanted to take part in a group activity every day, you could. These activities include things like small group dinners, game nights, mixers, going to a sports event and club-hosted events. It is exciting to have so many diverse opportunities to continue to build connections with my classmates.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to take part in treks with my classmates this year. Specifically, I am planning to go on a trek to Colombia over spring break this year that is led by some of the Colombian students in my section.
