Civic Scholars Student Profile Naureen Kheraj

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

I never thought an MBA was for me, but after years working at education nonprofits, I saw a need for leaders who possessed leadership, financial, and operational skills. Booth's strengths in each of those areas, combined with its investments in social impact leadership, made it the perfect place for me to pursue my MBA.

What skills are you looking to develop at Booth and implement into your social impact work?

While my experiences in policy, education, and equity have all taught me a great deal, I am not as familiar with the logistics of running an organization. I am especially looking forward to building my leadership competency by improving my understanding of key operations like accounting and finance.

What are your career aspirations?

I believe that nonprofits can lead other sectors in the shift towards more equitable work cultures. I hope to one day manage my own organization that simultaneously delivers impact for its stakeholders while also cultivating an inclusive environment for its employees. After my MBA, I'm excited to pursue opportunities that expose me to diverse work cultures and environments.