Navigating a top MBA Program through the lens of a first-gen professional
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 Yaritza Vallejo ’25, a first-generation student and brand marketing supervisor at McDonald’s. Here, she shares her personal journey to Kellogg and how the part-time MBA format is helping her achieve her career goals in marketing.
The realities of being first-generation
None of us get to choose the circumstances we’re born into, but all of us must learn to navigate them. As the eldest child of Mexican immigrants in a small Chicago suburb, rapid maturity was not an option but a necessity.
By age six, I was responsible for translating for my parents in any and all complex situations. In parallel, our family was forced to make a sudden move to a small town in Jalisco, Mexico. My responsibilities expanded from being the family translator to assisting with household operations all while adapting to a vastly different culture.
Over the years, my family frequently moved back and forth between the United States and Mexico. Caught in the middle, I never had the opportunity to establish my roots, and as I grew up, I struggled to identify with either culture. Craving stability, I recognized early on that education could be the catalyst to change the trajectory of my life and open doors for future generations.
My parents took a hands-off approach with my education, and my school counselor had doubts that I was “suitable” for a four-year institution. That meant there was neither pressure nor encouragement to pursue a college education. However, throughout my childhood, I’d been forced to develop the ability to adapt in unstable environments, which bred uncanny self-determination and set the course for my future, and ultimately set the trajectory of my life.
Defying all expectations, I enrolled in a four-year university.
From status quo to passion
During college, I followed what I believed to be the status quo: securing top internships, participating in school organizations, and ultimately landing multiple full time offers, including one from a Big Four accounting firm. Yet, as I transitioned into my full-time role I had an epiphany: I was navigating my career path without passion or purpose.
Having passion or purpose in work is a constant challenge for many first-generation students and professionals. I’ve seen time and time again, immigrant parents steering their children to pursue careers perceived to be the highest-paying, risk-averse for the sake of stability. However, my self-determination continued in full force, and I began exploring careers that uniquely aligned with my passions and purpose. I found the world of brand marketing, and knew I had to make a change. Pivoting was not easy, particularly not in a traditionally gatekept field. Despite this, within three months I was able to transition into a coveted role in U.S. marketing at McDonald's.
Kellogg: A platform for growth
As I reflected on my career and personal growth, my aspirations became clear: I wanted to pursue an MBA and advance my career in marketing. I sought a top part-time MBA program in Chicago that would allow me to grow in my new role.
The significance of where you earn your MBA is a frequent topic of discussion. For me, wrestling with the importance of attending a top school was a challenging reality, especially when committing a substantial investment without certainty about the future. Naturally, the allure of Kellogg was undeniable. Renowned for nurturing forward-thinking, socially conscious trailblazers, its esteemed global reputation spoke volumes. Yet, my attraction to Kellogg extended far beyond its prestige. As a first-generation professional, I understood the pivotal role institutions like Kellogg play in widening access to opportunities otherwise out of reach. Choosing Kellogg required courage — it meant stepping into the unknown, but it also meant becoming a visible example for future first-generation students and women of color, demonstrating that opportunities are attainable, regardless of background.
My Kellogg experience thus far
My time at Kellogg has been nothing short of transformative. Through the program, I’ve continually encountered fresh perspectives that challenge my existing beliefs, whether it’s through the frameworks taught in class or conversations with classmates during various gatherings. These encounters have not only expanded my thinking but also deepened my understanding of my own aspirations. Furthermore, Kellogg has been instrumental in uncovering new pathways. Here are three key examples:
Gaining global perspective: Prior to Kellogg, international experience wasn’t on my radar. However, when I came across a study abroad program in France, focused on luxury brand management, I was instantly captivated. It offered a singular opportunity to immerse myself in the epicenter of the industry's birthplace, providing unparalleled insight into its inner workings and the ability to grasp the subtle intricacies of the European market.
Exploring entrepreneurship: From avidly watching “Shark Tank” to founding college organizations, embracing new ventures has long sparked my curiosity. At Kellogg, my interest in entrepreneurship has flourished in an environment that not only educates but also fosters the pursuit of ideas. Surrounded by a supportive community, the once-intimidating aura surrounding entrepreneurship has significantly diminished. This has allowed me to delve deeper into the field and learn from peers who have successfully launched their own ventures.
Embracing community: Unlike the post-college divergence where friends scatter, I have formed some of my closest friendships as Kellogg gathers a unique assembly of minds united by shared pursuits. Before Kellogg, I often questioned if my ambitions were too lofty, feeling as though I was constantly “doing too much” or pursuing goals out of sync with others’ timelines. Yet, at Kellogg, while our individual fields may vary, we share a dedication to making a tangible impact.
From balancing two worlds as a child of immigrants to flourishing as a young professional, my journey has been a dynamic evolution. Each challenge has spurred new opportunities and insights, propelling me forward. My experience at Kellogg goes beyond personal achievement; it’s about proving that with resilience and determination, no dream is too ambitious, and no goal unattainable. I can't help but wonder what unexpected twists and turns lie ahead, but I am eager to embrace the unknown with the same tenacity that has brought me this far.
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