Sanjana Pai, Northwestern Kellogg’s MMM Class of 2027
Age: 26
Hometown: Corning, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Texas at Austin: Business Honors Program and Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Strategy Consulting at Accenture for 5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I learned a lot during my time in consulting but the nature of professional environments can be constantly “go-go-go.” I saw value in taking concentrated time in an educational setting with diverse perspectives to reflect, discuss, and challenge the assumptions I’ve developed over the last several years. I believe this will help me build more comprehensive skills and insights in the professional areas I want to hone in on.
Why did you choose Northwestern Kellogg? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Kellogg had the right mix of what I was looking for professionally and personally. They offer a variety of MBA programs, and the MMM program (dual degree for MBA and MS in Design Innovation) uniquely matched my career aspirations for a more interdisciplinary approach to strategic innovation. I also wanted a socially vibrant program that was close to a major city, so Kellogg fit my lifestyle preferences as well.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
The question “why?” usually plays on loop in the back of my head. I try to dig through the layers of a situation and see how factors are interconnected to get to root causes. This means I seek out and integrate diverse perspectives, working toward a shared understanding of a context for a holistic approach to problem-solving.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’ve backpacked across 12 international cities, so I’ve gained a preference for traveling light!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’d like to work in the social innovation space- either designing new organizational models that better navigate our interconnected landscape or new products/ services that tackle complex issues.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talking with alumni of different MBA programs was immensely insightful. Hearing personal stories about their experience and what they found valuable years later helped paint a more vivid picture of the different programs and what I wanted to prioritize. It would’ve been harder to get to that point if I had solely done research through my computer screen!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would’ve started my essays earlier. Getting something written down sooner rather than later, even if I wasn’t fully confident in those initial drafts, would’ve alerted me faster to the parts that needed more refining since the process was more iterative and time-consuming than I had planned.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I’m not a big fan of pre-recorded interviews since I feel a bit strange knowing I’m not talking to anyone in real-time. Practicing with the format beforehand and imagining that there is someone on the other side helped me ease into it.
What is your initial impression of the Kellogg students/culture/community?
Kellogg’s culture is definitely one of its biggest highlights. My fellow students are incredibly friendly and open-minded. Even on my first day (no exaggeration), I had conversations on a range of topics that spanned well beyond what I expected to be exposed to in business school. There’s an inclusive spirit that welcomes anyone to participate in these discussions or activities, so I’m excited to connect more with my classmates during my time here.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
As clubs are just starting up, I’m looking forward to joining the Social Impact Club and Innovation & Design Association for hands-on experiences at the intersection of my professional interests. On the recreational end, I plan to join KFit and Kellogg Eatz with the hopes that my exercise habits and food exploration will at the very least balance each other out.
What is one thing you have learned about Kellogg that has surprised you?
Though I knew Kellogg put an emphasis on collaboration, I was pleasantly surprised by how community-orientated the MBA program is. In almost anything you join, from your class sections to student clubs, there’s initiatives to connect you with a small group of peers so you’re able to form deeper relationships across the program.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’ve only been to the Chicago-area twice before, and very briefly, so I’m excited to explore a new location and culture!
