Paying it forward: Career advice from Kellogg grads
Whether you’re an MBA in the recruiting process or have already secured an internship, focusing on opportunities that align with your goals is a fundamental aspect of your professional growth. A Kellogg MBA not only opens doors to countless career options but also equips you with the tools and resources needed to navigate your journey.
Pam Walton ’12 MBA and Jen Beall Saxton ’10 MBA embody the school’s pay-it-forward spirit. Now that they’re on the “other side,” they share how Kellogg continues to support them while offering practical advice for internship recruiting and beyond.
Walton serves as the chief operating officer at Carallel, a healthcare tech startup providing personalized guidance and digital health tools to support and empower caregivers. At Carallel, Walton says, team members have the opportunity to work across various business functions, creating an enriching experience for interns. “We provide our interns with access to many levels of the business, making this an exciting opportunity to equip them with tools and experiences for their future roles,” Walton shares.
Saxton is the founder and CEO at Tot Squad, a parenting support and services company offering a variety of services, including car seat installation, sleep coaching, breastfeeding support and more. As the head of her company, cultivating a culture that fosters talent is an area she fully leans into with her team. “I really enjoyed working with my intern to refine the bullets on her resume,” she explains. “After she met with her Kellogg career counselor, we collaborated to craft a compelling spin on her experience for recruiting and networking.”
Leveraging their Kellogg MBA as a career booster
There are many benefits to getting an MBA. Expanding your network, refining leadership and management skills and sharpening communication are some of the reasons why business leaders seek to embark on the professional pursuit. For Walton and Saxton, their Kellogg MBA has been instrumental in advancing their careers, offering lifelong value through skill-building, networking and personal growth.
Saxton has leaned on the Kellogg network to fuel her entrepreneurial endeavor. “Kellogg has delivered for me over and over again. I have had fellow alums and staff invest in both of my companies and serve on my board,” says Saxton. During her day-to-day or when advising other entrepreneurs, she’ll regularly draw on frameworks she learned during her Two-Year MBA Program from her marketing, advertising and negotiations classes.
Walton also highlights the strength and reach of the alumni community. “The Kellogg network is expansive, and there when you need it,” she says. “I have always found anyone associated with Kellogg to be quick with an offer to jump on the phone or help make an introduction.”
Communicating effectively in the language of business goes beyond numbers and financial information. “My Kellogg MBA fast forwarded my fluency in business. There are certain fundamentals and ways to speak about business that carry through — no matter the stage in career, function or market sector,” says Walton. “A big shout out to the Kellogg healthcare team for being thought leaders and growing the program. I learned so much while at Kellogg and am so impressed with the opportunities that the program continues to provide from hearing from veteran executives and networking events to everyday resources.”
Career tips for MBA students and interns
Both alumnae offer actionable advice for current MBA students navigating internships and the job market. As a startup founder, Saxton is all too familiar with building teams and hiring the right talent. Proactiveness is a trait that’s top of mind for her and what she believes can help MBAs position themselves for a full-time position. “When you start your internship, make sure to overcommunicate effectively,” she says. “Post in public slack channels, and share weekly updates with your boss highlighting your accomplishments each week and priorities for the next week. Even if they don’t ask for this, doing it will show your ability to engage in strategic foresight.”
Walton encourages students to approach recruiting authentically. “It’s obvious when candidates are casting a wide net just to see what they get,” says Walton. Be genuine about your interests and who you are.
For those with an internship underway, she recommends focusing on establishing and strengthening your social capital throughout the organization. While she acknowledges that relationship building might require extra effort due to today’s prevalence of remote work, Walton encourages MBA students to play the long game. “Think about building your network and career beyond your immediate position doing so will set you up for long-term success,” she shares. “Be flexible and willing to jump in wherever you can. And of course, put your best foot forward with your work product.”