Frosted Flakes, Fruit Loops, and Smart Start

MMMMM....Kellogg brand cereals! I can't wait to eat lots and lots of them. haha. Just kidding.

I visited Kellogg School of Management (at Northwestern University) on Friday. I had a fantastic time, and I completely see myself fitting in there. Now it's just a matter of convincing the admissions folks that I deserve to be there more than the other 3000 people applying for the class of 600. Time to crack down on those apps!

The one thing the trip definitely did was make me realize how very ready I am to take that step. I was afraid that I would feel too young or inexperienced, but I realize that I can draw a lot from those around me while there, and bring some youth to the table at the same time. I certainly didn't feel like I was the baby in the crowd, so that was good. To answer Tradespan's questions, somewhat, I love consulting. Some people probably think I'm crazy, and some are probably surprised to hear me say that, based on the complaints they hear from me regularly. But when it comes down to it, I look forward to the challenge of my next project. Sure, there are days that I wake up and REALLY don't want to go in, or times where I feel that I don't deserve to be there, or even times where I feel that I'm not cut out for the job emotionally...but when it comes down to it, I'm doing well, I like the lack of monotony, I love the travel, I love the chance to work with different people, I love helping people to have that light bulb Aha! moment ...basically, I can't think of a better job for me right here right now.

Ok, so now you're thinking...wait, if you feel that way, why go back to school. Well sit right back and let me tell you... Really, as much as I like all of those things, I still often feel completely underqualified and undereducated for the roles I am placed in. Part of doing really well and getting on good projects is that I've been placed in a position with responsibilities about 2 levels over mine...basically, I'm serving in the role of a person who already has an MBA. That's great and all that they trust me, but the learning curve can be quite frustrating. I spent probably the equivalent of 4 hours per week trying to figure things out that I would know had I already been through the process of getting an MBA. Not to mention, as I'm sitting across a table from presidents of companies, I know they already think of me as the blond young thing...it would really help to have that extra umph to my credibility. Regardless, I'll be expected to go get the MBA in the next 2-3 years, and at this point, with the fast track I seem to be on, I don't see any reason in putting it off. I plan to apply to our company's loan program, which basically means I would owe 2 years of work after receiving my MBA. The frustrating thing is that some people apply to this in hopes of getting an even better offer and not returning. I mean, I'm not gonna stand here and say that it wouldn't be awesome to have that happen, but I actually really like my company and really do plan to return. I'm not counting on something different at this point. And the loan program is competitive, so I've gotta find a way to convey that.

Ok, so I've been kinda rambling. Point is, I'm excited to go to B-school, and now I just need to figure out where else I will submit apps, do well on the GMAT (11 days and counting), and get accepted somewhere! On the list...London Business School, Harvard, Columbia, Duke, Virginia, Georgetown. Maybe some others...still doing the research. I'd really like to visit as many as possible before applying, just so that I know why it is I want to go there beyond reputation and location. And I'd like to weed it down to 4 schools b/c of app costs. We'll see. Stay tuned!