Part-Time MBA Student Profile Joanne Meulendyke
Second Vice President and Relationship Manager, Northern Trust
City of Residence: Chicago, IL
Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bachelor’s in Business Administration
Joanne Meulendyke: 00:00
Growing up running I think has also instilled a lot of discipline in my life. As part of Booth Running Group, I’m not just a member, I am a co-chair. It’s been a great experience to meld my passion for running and Booth together. Leadership at Booth is a key component of maximizing your time here. And something that I took advantage of is the mentor-coordinator role as part of LAUNCH. LAUNCH is a three-day orientation for part-time students. You get to meet alumni, you get to meet a lot of current students, and it’s really three days that immerses you into Booth.
Joanne Meulendyke: 00:34
One of the great things about working and going to school at the same time is that what you’re learning in the classroom you can directly apply to work. Just the skills—whether they’re soft skills or ideas around how to formulate your plan—have been so useful for me. Since I started, I have been promoted twice. I was surprised immediately by how welcoming the students were. My favorite things about Booth are my classmates, and I think all the opportunities to get involved, even outside the classroom. It really is so collaborative, and you are part of a family here.
What Surprised You About Booth?
Booth has a stronger community than I could have ever imagined. I never thought that I would meet such an amazing group of friends and colleagues who would challenge me, support me, and help me grow.
Advice to Anyone Considering Business School
Business school was so much more than I expected. It took me a few years before I felt I was ready to go back. Be open to change—it isn’t just about career change. Booth has changed how I think, changed me as a leader, and has brought out skills I didn’t know I had.
Favorite Professor
Craig Wortmann, clinical professor of entrepreneurship
Student Groups
Student Advisory Council, Running Club, Graduate Women in Business (GWB), LAUNCH Mentor