Kellogg unveils the Advanced Private Equity Experience (APEX)

A unique program for select One-Year and Two-Year MBA students, APEX enhances the MBA experience with cutting edge curriculum, programming and access to industry alumni. We welcome Erik Brown ’06 MBA as senior director of private equity.
Written by:
Kellogg
3 minute read

Topics:

A Kellogg student and a business executive sit together engaging in a lively conversation.
APEX offers students 1:1 industry mentorship and a tailored, accelerated curriculum in private equity, among other benefits.

The demand for skilled private equity professionals is higher than ever. Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management is proud to offer the Advanced Private Equity Experience (APEX), a groundbreaking, global advanced academic program for full-time One- and Two-Year MBA students. 

APEX addresses this growing demand head-on by offering a unique, interdisciplinary approach that combines rigorous academic coursework with practical industry mentorship, programming and negotiating skills. The experience provides students with the knowledge and networks essential for growth in this highly competitive field.

“By bridging the gap between theory and practice, we are empowering the next generation of leaders to shape the private equity space.”
Francesca Cornelli
Dean

Kellogg has long offered extensive opportunities for students interested in private equity through its Private Equity pathway. Additionally, students gain hands-on experience through our Private Equity Lab, engage with peers in the Private Equity student clubs, and participate in the annual student-led PE/VC conference.  

 “Hands-on experiences are important in any field — especially private equity,” said Dean Francesca Cornelli, an esteemed leader in the private equity industry who previously directed and advanced the highly regarded Private Equity Institute of London Business School. “By bridging the gap between theory and practice, we are empowering the next generation of leaders to shape the private equity space.” 

A select number of students are invited to participate in APEX based on their relevant prior experience and proven interest in and commitment to the industry post-graduation. Key components of the APEX program include: 

  • 1:1 industry mentorship from senior private equity alumni 
  • A tailored, accelerated private equity curriculum including an advanced deep dive course 
  • Academic mentorship from Kellogg faculty 
  • Diverse cohort of exceptional and supportive peers in the same field 

The program enables advanced students to learn from the best in the industry with an emphasis on coursework designed to set them up for long-term success. 

Kellogg is also excited to welcome Erik Brown ’06 MBA as the new senior director of private equity. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the investment field, Brown brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to the program.  

“In this role, I look forward to collaborating with Kellogg's brilliant students, distinguished faculty and staff and dynamic PE/VC community,” says Brown. “I'm also honored to work alongside the Kellogg Private Equity Advisory Council, a group of seasoned industry alumni dedicated to enhancing Kellogg’s strategic vision and nurturing the next generation of PE leaders through initiatives like APEX.” 

APEX exemplifies Kellogg’s commitment to providing cutting-edge education that responds to the demands of an ever-changing business world. By integrating academic excellence with practical industry experience, Kellogg continues to uphold its tradition of shaping impactful leaders who can make a difference on the global stage. 

For more information about the APEX program and private equity at Kellogg, please visit our website. 

Read next: My passion, my path: Building the skillset of a private equity partner