My MBA journey: Combining career, climate, and community impact
There are as many paths to Kellogg as there are students in our classrooms. In this new series, we’re introducing you to the talented and ambitious class who make up the Evening & Weekend MBA Program, a part-time degree designed for working professionals. These high-achieving students bring a wide variety of academic backgrounds and career ambitions to our community.
Meet Reuben Aniekwu ’25, a consultant with global firm ICF and the lead climate services specialist for the U.S. Global Change Research Program, which coordinates this important work across various federal government agencies. Aniekwu, who grew up in Nigeria, also brings to Kellogg his passion for business development in Africa. Read on to learn how a classmate’s suggestion led him to an important experience that helped him refine his career ambitions, and how he’s sharing his interests and background through student clubs and events.
What has your MBA experience been like so far? Why did you choose Kellogg?
The Evening & Weekend MBA at Kellogg is an all-encompassing experience! Learning opportunities beyond the classroom abound. The series of learning activities that constitute the Kellogg Leadership Journey (KLJ) helps students self-reflect and prepare to lead. Then, there are clubs and committees that provide students with opportunities to have an impact on the Kellogg community and beyond.
I recently assumed leadership responsibilities within the African Business Club, the Kellogg Honor Code Committee, and the Kellogg Climate Conference team. From increasing awareness of African themes, to improving student interest in sustainability and climate issues, these commitments afford me the opportunity to make a significant difference within the university community as a student.
After my degree program, I plan to leverage my Kellogg network and academic training to facilitate investments in climate-related capital projects globally. This is a multifaceted, long-term career interest that touches on finance, development economics, politics (even geopolitics), risk management (of all sorts), entrepreneurship, and environmental remediation. It was for this reason that I started my degree program at Kellogg!
What support networks or resources within Kellogg have been particularly helpful to you?
Among the many resources at Kellogg, two stand out: the friendships forged with fellow students and the expert guidance provided by career coaches. These connections have played pivotal roles in shaping my journey. For instance, a friend’s recommendation led me to participate in a crucial case competition, an experience that not only refined my career trajectory but also influenced my decision to major in finance.
Additionally, Kellogg's dedicated career coaches have been instrumental in offering insightful advice on post-MBA opportunities whenever I needed it. For a period, I was overwhelmed by the range of courses, majors and pathways that Kellogg offered: How could I explore the entrepreneurship, social impact and asset management pathways and other experiential learning opportunities at Kellogg in a meaningful way? My conversations with Jeanne Husain and Jill Clouse quelled my anxiety by helping me recall my long-term career goals and nudging me to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to my elective course selections.
Despite the challenges of balancing studies with a full-time job, the vibrant atmosphere of Chicago, coupled with the support of close-knit friendships, mentorship from career coaches and active engagement in the student community, has made my Kellogg experience immensely fulfilling.
How have you been able to bring your background and personal experiences into your life as a Kellogg student?
I am a Nigerian American, with family roots in Enugu and Anambra states, both of which are in Nigeria. I spent my formative years in the city of Benin before relocating permanently to the U.S. in 2015. As someone who is interested in economic development in Africa, becoming an active member of the Kellogg African Business Club was a no-brainer. Participating in African Business Club activities has helped me forge close friendships with students who share similar interests. Recent club activities included an African fashion show and an African-themed movie night, both of which served to expose the Kellogg student community to the vibrant culture of African countries.
What’s next for you? How will your Kellogg MBA experience help you to achieve your career goals?
I have worked in the climate and sustainability industry throughout my career. Though I am employed by ICF, a global consulting firm, I work primarily at the U.S. Global Change Research Program, a program within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy tasked with coordinating climate research and services activities across federal agencies. I currently lead climate services coordination at the USGCRP National Coordination Office, working with some of the best climate scientists and managers to improve public access to decision-relevant federal climate information.
For a long time, I have been interested in the deployment of mitigation and adaptation solutions to the global climate crisis. I would like to leverage my experience and Kellogg MBA to inform investments that make use of climate information, particularly in areas where scientific, social, and economic gaps are widest. There are several paths that I could take to explore this career interest, and I am fortunate to have such opportunities within my current organization.
Curious about the Kellogg Evening & Weekend MBA Program? Read more stories about our current students and alumni or check out an overview of the program and admissions information.
Read next: From leadership lessons to career promotions: Follow one MBA student’s Kellogg journey