By Surabhi Mitra, MBA2025
Early in my MBA journey, I made the strategic decision to spend a semester at the Kellogg School of Management. My background in healthcare entrepreneurship and women’s health naturally drew me to Kellogg’s esteemed Healthcare at Kellogg (HCAK) track. The end of the first year brought a mix of excitement and nervousness—while I looked forward to experiencing a new country and the famous Chicago Deep Dish, the thought of leaving my friends behind in London seemed daunting.
Upon arriving in Chicago, the transition from summer to autumn was starting to feel immediately apparent. Evanston, situated on Lake Michigan, with its quaint charm, autumnal utopia and trees adorned in golds, reds, and oranges, offered a refreshing contrast to the urban intensity of Central London. The warmth and friendliness of the Kellogg community helped dissolve any initial fears and seamlessly integrated me into their fold. My study group at Kellogg was incredibly diverse, enriching the experience further, especially when I discovered one of the members had previously worked with my LBS study group mate—a truly small world!
At Kellogg, I decided to be fully experimental with my academic choices. It is safe to say that the course “Selling Yourself and Your Ideas,” led by Professors Craig Wortmann and Tiana S. Clarke, has been the most powerful and profound of my MBA academics. This wasn’t just an educational journey; I mastered the art of personal branding through storytelling, a personal revelation that boosted my self-confidence and transformed me into a proficient storyteller.
The “Strategy Beyond Markets” course opened new vistas for me, offering fresh frameworks to view and shape competitive business environments ethically—learnings I will take to my fertility clinic business in India, where the healthcare market is rapidly evolving. Meanwhile, challenging myself further, I enrolled in “Financial Planning for Mergers & Acquisitions.” As someone who wasn’t naturally inclined toward finance, this felt akin to undertaking a marathon, albeit with some practical skills.
Community life at Kellogg was vibrant, marked by enduring traditions like the Special K—a 46-year-old, student-run musical that showcased the theatrical talents of Kellogg students, rivalling even Broadway productions. Every year, Kellogg students write, direct, and perform the show—from designing the show logo to setting up stage lighting, to managing a budget and organizing a 60+ person team. The weekly TG (Thank God It’s Friday) gatherings by Lake Michigan became a cherished ritual, akin to the Sundowners at LBS and a great way to connect with the community.
My cultural immersion in the U.S. was rich with firsts, featuring a heartwarming American Thanksgiving celebrated with family in Washington DC. This festive gathering was a delightful fusion of culinary delights and familial warmth. The magic of my first snowfall in Chicago was surreal, transforming the familiar landscape into a dazzling winter wonderland. Halloween in Miami revealed another facet of American culture, where the meticulous attention to costume detail mirrored the strategic precision often seen in their business practices!
Reflecting on my exchange semester, I am profoundly grateful for the expansive knowledge, varied perspectives, and considerable personal growth I gained. This journey at Kellogg was more than just an academic endeavour—it was a transformative experience that deepened both my professional insights and personal understanding.
For those contemplating an exchange at Kellogg, be prepared for an experience that extends beyond rigorous academics. It’s a place where you can deeply connect, evolve personally and professionally, and enjoy ample fun. You’ll weave unique experiences into your broader educational and professional journey, and likely return with more than just a few good jokes.