Read on as Enrique shares valuable insights on what the Chicago Business Fellows Program has to offer and more.
- By
- March 12, 2024
- Chicago Business Fellows
Get to Know Enrique Palomo, Chicago Business Fellow and Evening MBA Student
Our Chicago Business Fellows Program is specifically designed to enhance the MBA experience of students with three years or less of full-time work experience. Read on as Chicago Business Fellow (CBF), Enrique Palomo, shines light on his path to Chicago Booth as an early career professional.
About Enrique Palomo:
Born and raised in the South Side suburbs of Chicago, Enrique is a relative native to the city. He went to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for undergrad where he got his bachelor and master degrees in accounting. Enrique started his career at KPMG in the Deal Advisory practice as he focused on Accounting Advisory Services. Eventually, he rotated in the KPMG Strategy practice early on and knew strategy consulting was something he wanted to do in the near future. Enrique believed getting his MBA would be the best way to pivot from technical accounting consulting to strategy consulting, so he buckled down and prepared himself to apply to Chicago Booth. When he received the call that he was admitted to our Evening MBA Program, he was excited for the next chapter in his professional journey. Enrique is finishing up his first year in the program and looks forward to what’s to come.
What attracted you to the Chicago Business Fellows Program?
I actually considered applying to the Full-Time MBA Program after a few more years of work experience, but I had a conversation with one of my friends in the Evening MBA Program, and she told me about the Part-Time MBA Program, specifically Chicago Business Fellows. I jumped in headfirst getting to know more about the part-time students, attending the virtual and in-person events, and even attending a class after which I had my first experience in the Midway Club.
Practically speaking, I thought being able to go to class and apply the learnings in real time to my job was a great opportunity. But I ultimately chose the program because of the community. From professors to recently admitted students, everyone I have met has had a drive that I really resonated with: a drive to learn more, do more, and understand more about others. The community at Booth has been a great mix of broadening my understanding of the outside world, while also giving me a better understanding of myself. I knew that attending Booth at this point of my career would provide me with a great deal of perspective and opportunity to reach my long-term goals. Since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to be a CFO at a Fortune 500 company. I want to achieve that goal even more so now with how the CFO role has been evolving to introduce more technological and strategic perspectives to companies.
What was the application process like, and what advice do you have for those considering the Chicago Business Fellows Program?
There was a lot of reflection about why I wanted to get my MBA, especially at this point in my career. The best advice I continue to give to people looking to apply is: understand precisely why you want to get an MBA now and fully reveal that answer in your application. Being true to yourself and your values, especially when it comes to the application and interviews, makes the process a lot easier. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t want to work or go to school somewhere where the people didn’t like and appreciate the true me, so I treated the application process with that in mind. It helps keep a peace of mind regardless of the outcome.
How have you benefited from the CBF specialized professional development opportunities and social programming?
The Chicago Business Fellows Program has assisted in my development by providing a community of professionals with a similar background in experience who also afforded the support I needed when starting the program. After enrolling, I felt a lot of imposter syndrome, and being able to hangout and talk with other people in the CBF program has helped me find my voice in the MBA program. The etiquette dinner was my favorite event so far, and I continue to look forward to seeing everyone in CBF after class or at the other social events.
What are your career aspirations and how will an MBA from Booth help you achieve them?
Chicago Booth provides me with the finance and strategy foundations needed to pivot out of technical accounting to a more strategy consulting focused role. The program has also helped me build upon my professional network with which I can stay connected long after graduation. Career Services and the plethora of other resources provided to us Boothies, have been immensely helpful as well. I’m really grateful for all the support we are given whether it’s for career progressions or transitions.
How has Booth helped you develop as a leader? What aspects have you found especially useful in being an effective leader in the world today?
Booth has provided me with the confidence to say that I belong as a business leader. From class discussions to networking events and student club involvement, the exposure to leadership opportunities is plentiful. I have learned so much about professionals in the business world and where I fit in. Even though I still have one year left in the program and a whole lot to still learn, I feel confident in saying that I am much closer to my goals than before starting the program.
In what ways are you involved at Chicago Booth and how has it contributed to the connections you’ve made throughout your MBA journey thus far?
I actually was recently notified that I’ll be one of the Booth Consulting Club co-chairs for 2024 – 2025, which I am incredibly grateful, proud, and excited about. I am also involved with the Coalition of Minorities in Business and a Member of the 2024 Admissions Committee.
My involvement has really shaped my experience in the program in a very positive way. I have been able to meet so many bright and motivated students at events, and it really has motivated me to give back even more to Booth and the broader community.
Fun Facts About Enrique:
- Enrique loves going to different breweries and restaurants around the city. He did a foodie newsletter at work for Black History Month to support local black-owned businesses in Chicago, and one of the spots he recommends most is Batter & Berries. Enrique thinks their French Toast Flight is to die for!
- Whether it’s lifting weights, playing sports, or walking around the city to grab coffee, Enrique enjoys staying active.
- Enrique’s favorite summer activity consists of going to Chicago beaches and rooftops.
- Enrique traveled to Portugal for the first time over winter break, and is excited to travel to more countries in Europe such as Spain and England.