Inside the Internship: Combining finance and social good

An MBA is just as much about gaining knowledge and skills as it is about self-discovery. At Kellogg, we understand that each student’s career aspirations are as unique as their individual journeys.

Our newest series, “Inside the Internship,” brings you a closer look into how students are securing employment opportunities that will help them strategically navigate their career growth. From the school’s Career Management Center (CMC) to the powerful alumni network, we’ll explore how students are putting their classroom experience into practice and how they are leveraging career resources.

In this installment, meet Nicole Rogers ’25 Two-Year MBA who interned at impact-focused investment company REDF through their Farber Fellowship, a social impact summer program for second-year MBA students. The fellowship has welcomed 200 MBA students from the country’s top business schools. Rogers explains how the CMC opened the door to this transformative opportunity, which not only advanced her career goals but also deepened her expertise in the social impact sector. 

Can you tell us about your summer internship? What company did you intern with, and what was your role?

This summer, I interned with REDF, a California-based nonprofit dedicated to funding and supporting employment social enterprises (ESEs). REDF invests in businesses that help individuals overcome barriers to employment.

I participated in their Farber Fellowship with other fellows from different business schools from across the country. My role involved consulting for an ESE in REDF’s portfolio that was based in Connecticut, where I led a project to create a financial pricing tool for the organization. 

What initially drew you to this specific internship opportunity, and how has your time at Kellogg influenced this decision?

My path to REDF was shaped by my background in corporate social responsibility and my aspiration to deepen my expertise in the social impact sector. The school’s comprehensive curriculum and strong connections within the social impact industry played a crucial role in my decision.

The opportunity to engage with REDF through an on-site information session hosted by the Career Management Center (CMC) cemented my interest in the organization, which led to my decision to apply. 

How did the school's Career Management Center (CMC) and other resources help you during the recruiting process? 

The CMC was instrumental in my journey to getting this internship. As I previously mentioned, they hosted an information session with REDF at the Global Hub, which introduced me to the organization. From there, a CMC coach provided me with valuable insights into the school’s relationship with REDF and assisted with my interview preparation. The internship opportunity was also listed on the CMC portal, where I applied directly. 

How did the skills and knowledge you gained from your coursework apply to your internship?

During my internship, I found a direct connection between my Kellogg coursework and the tasks I was assigned to do. For example, the financial principles I learned in Finance 1 were essential for creating a financial pricing tool. Additionally, my courses in Sustainability & Social Impact improved my understanding of social enterprises, nonprofit organizations and the broader social impact ecosystem and how all the players in this space interact with each other to tackle these large societal challenges. 

How do you envision integrating this internship experience into your career growth? 

This summer has been an incredible and critical asset to my career growth. I gained tangible and practical skills assessing the organization’s financials while developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the social impact sector.  

I also had the chance to intern with 15 other MBA students across the country — three of us from Kellogg! — who are passionate about social impact. Building these lasting relationships with my fellow Farber interns also broadened my perspective and will contribute to my long-term professional development. I am eager to see how REDF, my ESE client and fellow Farber interns will continue to change the world! 

What advice would you give to prospective students who are considering Kellogg and are curious about how it can impact their career trajectory? 

Kellogg has an incredible number of resources within their walls and a large global reach. My advice to prospective students is to leverage the school’s extensive resources, including the CMC, student clubs, professors, the robust curriculum and fellow students. These resources will significantly enhance your student experience as well as your understanding and success in your desired industry. 

My summer internship with REDF advanced my career goals and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the real-world work of an employment social enterprise. My experience underscores the value of the resources and network at Kellogg in shaping a successful career path. 

 

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