Mutual growth: The dynamic power of mentorship

Sometimes people are hesitant to pursue what they want the most, often because it’s difficult or because they’re afraid of failure. While this is a common human experience, Vanessa Gailius ’25 Two-Year MBA Program defies the norm, boldly confronting challenges.

She started her career in education, working as a third-grade dual language teacher, and later transitioned into HR roles at Bain & Company and Bain Capital. It was at this moment that Gailius realized she had reached a pivotal point in her career: it was “now or never” to take the leap and pursue an MBA. Kellogg had always been on her shortlist of programs because she had such positive experiences with supportive coworkers who were Kellogg alumni.

Despite not being a typical MBA student — including enrolling at a later age than most classmates— Gailius embraced her unconventional professional background and joined the Two-Year MBA Program, fully immersing herself into the experience. As a first-year student, she participated in the school’s popular pre-orientation tradition known as The Kellogg Worldwide Exploration Student Trips (KWEST), traveling to Prague and Colombia. Gailius currently serves as the co-president of the Kellogg Consulting Club and is the vice president of the Catholics at Kellogg club.

The power of a click

One day, in between classes and studying, an e-mail caught Gailius’ eye. It was an invitation to participate in the Kellogg Alumni Mentoring Program (KAMP), and build an impactful, meaningful connection in a one-on-one setting with an alum. Gailius completed the quick and easy sign up and was paired with Evanston-based Dominique Harris ’14 MBA, a partner in Kearney’s strategy, growth, organization, and transformation practice — and an alumna who had also once pursued a career in education.  

The pair had previously crossed paths at on-campus recruiting events, and Gailius was excited to have deeper conversations in a more intentional setting.  

“I'm grateful that everything worked out so well, and that Dominique, despite her busy schedule as a partner, volunteered her time to be part of this mentorship program,” said Gailius. “This mentorship platform was a great opportunity to connect with someone who understood Kellogg but was also outside the Kellogg bubble — someone who could offer advice based on their own experiences.” 

Cultivating growth through shared wisdom

While it’s been 11 years since Harris was in Gailius’ shoes, she recently attended her 10-year reunion which brought back a flood of memories from her time as an MBA student. She remembers how Day at Kellogg helped seal the deal when it came to deciding where she would attend business school. That day, she experienced a community that could not only help her grow, but also thrive, as a professional.  

“I’m very thankful for my Kellogg experience and the informal mentorships I’ve received; especially as an analyst entering an industry I hadn’t previously trained for,” said Harris. “Paying it forward has always been a central theme in my life, and being a mentor is one way to do that. Mentoring has also helped me stay connected with the community at Kellogg — especially as the years since graduation pass.” 

Harris believes that mentorship, whether formal or informal, is critical for professional growth. “You often don't realize what you don't know, and you can't always learn everything just by doing your job. Having someone to guide you, coach you and share their experiences can help you learn in new, different ways,” she explained. “Some mentors also represent you when you’re not in the room, advocating for you in important situations, so building these relationships is incredibly important.” 

Mentorship is a two-way street

When stepping into a mentor role, Harris doesn’t take the responsibility lightly. Despite not knowing exactly what her mentee might need or want, she always hopes to meet their expectations. An approach that has helped her over the years has been creating space and being a mentor who asks questions and listens. Another key mentoring element is vulnerability — sharing her own insecurities, whether from when she was in their shoes or those she still faces. 

For Gailius, Harris’ level of vulnerability helped humanize her beyond just a title. “Talking to someone who's a partner at a great consulting firm can be intimidating,” she shared. “Joining this field in my thirties has brought its own challenges, but being able to discuss these real experiences with Dominique was far more valuable than just focusing on best practices. It's hard to see this when you’re in the process of trying to get a job, but this authentic connection made a significant difference.” 

Harris’ guidance and shared experiences helped Gailius navigate the complexities of her career decisions, reminding her to stay well-rounded and take advantage of all Kellogg has to offer.  

“I often felt overwhelmed throughout the recruiting process, and I remember how the conversations with Dominique would help center me,” Gailius explained. “Our conversations evolved beyond professional topics to include how personal and professional lives fit together.” 

Connecting beyond work topics became one of the best aspects of the mentorship for them both. 

 “The best mentor relationships aren’t about the mentor and mentee titles but about two people sharing experiences and learnings. We talked about being the best version of yourself in all aspects of life,” said Harris. “I enjoyed our conversations and always walked away feeling refreshed and with new insights.”  

This dynamic enriched the mentorship experience for Harris, as she aimed to support Gailius’ growth as a whole person, not just a job seeker, so that she could be successful in her own right. 

Building a lasting legacy of support

For Gailius, having participated in a mentorship program will pay dividends long after she steps back into the business world as a senior consultant at Deloitte after graduation this June.  

“As someone who will eventually lead teams and have mentees, I've realized how powerful vulnerability can be in building relationships,” she said. “We often hear that vulnerability invites respect and openness, but it really does take a lot of confidence to be that vulnerable. It's something I'll keep in mind as I grow into a leadership role.” 

As for Harris, she’s grateful for the experience. She encourages her fellow alumni to give back through initiatives such as KAMP.  

“To be honest, it’s minimal time commitment and more about being willing to build a new relationship,” she explained.  “It’s great when both parties can learn from each other, and I felt that this experience truly mirrored the positive aspects of some of my best moments at Kellogg as an MBA candidate.” 

Join the alumni mentoring program 

Kellogg has a thriving community where meaningful relationships and professional growth flourish. Whether you’re an alumni looking to stay connected with the Kellogg community or a current student who is looking for support, The Kellogg Alumni Mentoring Program can help you create lifelong connections, share experiences and grow together.