Civic Scholars Student Profile Keerthana Hogirala

Why did you choose to pursue your MBA at Chicago Booth?

Coming from a public sector role with a life sciences degree, I wanted a program that both provided a comprehensive foundation in business fundamentals, and allowed students unfettered flexibility to shape their own MBA journeys. Booth offers that unique balance of structure and freedom. Additionally, it has a dual degree program with the Harris School of Public Policy and prioritizes interdisciplinary resources. The investment and effort poured into forming the Civic Scholars Program and the Rustandy Center shows how much Booth values social impact and cross-sector leadership.

What are your career aspirations?

I’m interested in how we can leverage technology and cross-sector collaboration to build robust and resilient social infrastructure that allows people, particularly from marginalized communities, to take informed agency over their futures – to access the essential services they have a right to and need to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Which MBA program (Full-Time, Evening or Weekend MBA) are you pursuing and why?

I’m a dual degree student pivoting industries, so I chose the Full-Time MBA Program to completely immerse myself in grad school and solely focus on building new relationships and gaining different personal and professional experiences. Also, as a full-time student, Booth's academic flexibility lets me meaningfully explore more career interests through in-term work opportunities on top of summer internships.