Kieran Long’s Post

Getting an MBA at Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management has been an incredible life experience. I've loved getting to know people from all different backgrounds, living in the Chicago area, and learning from amazing professors. If you're considering applying to business school, you should absolutely do it. Plus, we have great resources at Leland to make the process of applying a lot easier. Tune in next week for our big MBA week to learn application tips from expert admissions coaches. Link in comments below. #mba #businessschool #Kellogg

Whether you're applying for Round 1, 2 or 3, this is one session you don't want to miss 🔥 ! Adeyanju Folarin, Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management Class of 2024 would be with us this Sunday, sharing major do's and don'ts for MBA admission success. Trust me, it'll be a game-changer! Share this post to invite a friend on this journey too! And leave a reaction if you will be attending. 🚀 #MBAandChill #GistSession #MBAGistSession #Kellogg #BusinessSchool #MBAadmissionprocess

🚀 From Search & Rescue Specialist to Kellogg MBA 🎓 In the last decade, I've faced life-or-death decisions as a Search and Rescue Specialist, navigating critical situations under immense pressure. 🆘 Now, I've embarked on a new adventure at Northwestern Kellogg, connecting the dots between my experiences in the field and the dynamic world of business. 💼 Thrilled to kick off this new chapter, learning from amazing professors, collaborating with awesome classmates, and growing personally and professionally together! 🌱✨ #KelloggMBA

I promised myself four public reflections throughout my MBA (part of a larger goal of intentionality). Here's the first one (Aug-Dec): 1. I'm unusually pleased to reaffirm my love of learning. I was worried that I would walk into a classroom and (a) not be able to keep up and (b) feel intimidated by subjects that Past Me couldn't incorporate into how I saw myself. Instead, I've found comfort and chosen curiosity in my classes these past few months. 2. One of the most lasting impacts of the pandemic for me has been increased social anxiety. I knew it would be challenging to navigate this in a new community, especially while pursuing a degree that emphasizes visible connectivity. While I've tried to be strategic in how/where I spend my time and energy to maximize connection opportunities, I still struggle with accepting rather than comparing my Way of Being (to those of others). The next step is working with myself rather than against. 3. Changing behavior leads to changing perspective. I believe it and yet must work at it every day because I hold some limiting beliefs about myself. I've been intentional about initiating conversations, adding to class discussions, but still have a lot of growth needed to achieve my current goals. I'm looking forward to leading the Johnson Board Fellowship as Executive Director and supporting the Sustainable Global Enterprise Club as Treasurer when we get back to campus. It's been a tough and fulfilling four months. I'm grateful for friends who inspire me, professors who keep their doors open, and the opportunity to keep leaning in every day.

This is a terrific video from Eddie Asbie, Executive Director of Admissions for the Two-Year MBA at Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management. It conveys the importance of being authentic in the application process and this line, in particular, caught my attention: "We want you to acknowledge any weaknesses to improve yourself both personally and professionally." I think we often think we need to present our 'perfect' selves to gain admission to a top business school like #Cornell #Johnson. It's such a competitive process that it makes sense to feel that way. But the thing is that the MBA is an opportunity for transformational growth and if you don't have anything to work on, one could argue, why do you need the MBA? It's totally fine to acknowledge your weaknesses, in addition to your strengths, and provide a strong argument on *how* the program can help. Think of business school as an "academic" gym and show self-awareness of what you want/need to work on. 😊 The final application deadline for this admissions cycle is April 10.

🎓 Exciting News to Share! 🎓 In May, I had the privilege to don the graduation cap, step onto the stage, and receive my master's degree from the prestigious Yale School of Management. The journey was filled with countless late nights, copious amounts of coffee, and most importantly, the unwavering support of my family, friends, mentors, and the Yale community. I am especially grateful to Joel Salazar, a tremendous mentor who has helped me reach my potential, and Adrian Francisco Gonzalez Gutierrez, an excellent manager who always supported my growth. There are so many others not mentioned here – not because they aren't special, but simply because I would run out of space. To all, please know that your influence and encouragement have been immeasurable. Looking back, the learnings from this program have not only shaped my professional aspirations but also deepened my understanding of modern management dynamics in today's ever-changing global landscape. My time at Yale has been transformational, to say the least, and I’m eager to put these insights into action. But here's the thing - journeys like these are best when shared. So if anyone out there is considering or aiming for the MAM at Yale, or just curious about the experience, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm more than happy to share insights, tips, or just chat about life at SOM! Remember, sometimes the only thing standing between you and your dream program is the right conversation. To new beginnings and lifelong learning! 🚀 #YaleSOM #Graduation #ManagementEducation #NewBeginnings

🎓 Excited to share a significant milestone: I've officially started my MBA journey at UCLA Anderson! 📘🌟 Grateful for the support that got me here and eager to embrace this opportunity for growth and learning. Looking forward to expanding my horizons, connecting with my amazing peers, and gaining valuable insights from this enriching experience. Here’s to the next chapter of growth and learning! 🚀#MBAJourney #UCLAAndersonMBA

I’m a student again, and it has been liberating. It's taken me a while to update on my life at the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA Program - but what a summer it has been! I’ve walked the hallowed hallways of the Infinite Corridor, stared up at the words of wisdom carved into the MIT Dome, and sat in a classroom where the collective work experience of its participants span thousands of years. It has only been a month or so at the MIT Sloan School of Management, but I have learnt so much. Here are some things from my experience so far that have stuck: - That principled leadership matters more than mere achievement; - That the best of innovations can sometimes have their advantage eroded by a lack of control over strategic resources or failure to sustain differentiation; - That the Banana Lounge has continued to feed many a potassium-starved student for years before and years to come (and is a pretty good study spot); - That it takes a Beautiful Mind to fully grasp all the intricacies of Nash’s equilibrium - until you see it in action in a game; - That you can, theoretically, use ice cream sales to predict shark attacks, but that practically, you shouldn’t; - That linear optimization can provide a satisfying solution to Kidney Exchange problems and yarn production; - That behind all of our successes are the stories of our failures - and yet the strongest of us continue to press on, despite what life rains on us. And that most importantly of all, the journey is made enjoyable by the company you keep. It has been an honour for me to embark on my year of self-discovery alongside a great bunch of fellow Sloanies. Here’s to an amazing second half of summer, and a great year ahead! Onward SFMBA 2024! P.S. Boston’s weather is finally cheering up :)

After attending the spring Darden Alumni Board meeting in Arlington last week, I used the 4-hour drive back to Raleigh to reflect on how the Darden experience impacted me and my career. My first observation is that Darden’s benefits are realized cumulatively. As my odometer turned over and my career advanced, I realized a shift in my problem-solving skills from work experience to wisdom. The ability to view issues holistically, for example, is now a natural starting point for me, and a differentiator versus many peers. I owe all that to Darden. Second, the Alumni network is now more powerful than ever, in part because of sheer scale. In 1978, we had only a couple thousand graduates, but now number 19,000! While managing business development for a strategic marketing firm, I often tapped the Alumni database for warm introductions to prospective firm’s CMO or CEO. During all 15 years in this role, not once was I turned down for an intro, no matter the function or responsibilities of the Darden connection. For me, this experience clearly reflects the enduring value of the Darden brand. Finally, in a world of constant, accelerating change, Darden has remained true to its mission: “The Darden School improves the world by inspiring responsible leaders through unparalleled transformational learning experiences.” While many B-schools offer up noble mission statements, Darden delivers across the enterprise. Top students and faculty; global study opportunities; a transformative classroom experience. All the pieces work in harmony, to the benefit of all students. My message to prospective students is simple: Darden will change you for the better, in ways you never expected. Be ready for surprising A-Ha moments of insight tied directly back to your Darden experience. I am forever grateful for the Darden people - for what I learned, who I met, and how they helped me grow.

I'm excited to share that I've started my MBA journey at Indiana University - Kelley School of Business. I'm looking forward to deepening my skillset in business and exploring new horizons. Stepping into the world of business education. #leadershipdevelopment #mbajourney #KelleyMBA