For Me, Chicago GSB Was Always My First Choice

Ekaterina Herzig, admitted to Chicago GSB

by Will Toussaint

Even as an undergraduate, Ekaterina Herzig dreamed of returning to the classroom later on in life to learn more about business and subjects like finance and economics. But after graduating, a fast-track career at Watson AS’s Marionnaud perfumeries, lots of travel and building a family did not leave her much time to pursue that dream. Now, thanks to a little elbow grease, time management, and support from her family and employer, Ekaterina finally found a way back to the classroom – a very prestigious one, in fact – at Chicago GSB's Executive MBA Program. Ekaterina was accepted last February and recently began classes. Based in Switzerland, she took time out of a busy schedule to talk to MBA Center about her experience.


How did you feel when you discovered you were accepted to Chicago GSB?
I’ll remember that moment forever. Even though I had already applied to Chicago GSB and performed lots of research on the school, I arrived in London for a Chicago GSB EXperience Day this past February. Chicago GSB presents these days several times a year. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet current students, faculty, admissions officers and get more of the whole atmosphere that is uniquely Chicago GSB. When I arrived, Elisa Nieto (Chicago GSB Assistant Director of Marketing & Recruitment) met me with a smile at the door. She said “Congratulations!!!” Less than 24 hours before, I had received an acceptance email. But, because I was traveling, I did not have access to my email account. I was completely surprised.
That moment, I can’t describe in words how happy I felt. That moment was like a culmination of all the hard work I had put into my dreams and into my future. It was like a window to a new era opening right in front of you. It was a very emotional moment.

When was it that you first began thinking about getting an MBA?
I started thinking about it very early, right after my first year as a student at my university. I was fascinated by subjects such as Microeconomics, Marketing, and Financial Analysis. I knew I wanted to learn more at some point. I also come from Russia, a country that has changed drastically in recent times. It’s where a planned economy ruled for 75 years and then all of a sudden it was thrown into this world of an open economy and financial markets. As Eastern Europe has changed, these subjects have became more important for me to learn more about.
I had visited American and European Universities after I graduated and I was looking around for what kind of program would suit me best. But, life interceded. I got married. I had a daughter. I was being promoted every 3 years, and all the time I was facing new challenges.
This fast pace continued until I finally decided it was now or never. I had to slow it down and dedicate myself to pursuing an MBA. So, at that point, I began looking for an executive program. When I discovered that Chicago had established European and Asian campuses combined with top-notch education, it was an easy decision.

So Chicago was your first choice, why?
Yes. For me, Chicago GSB was always my first choice. There is a long, long list of reasons why. But, primarily I can say it has a long and prestigious history and yet continues to be a leader heading towards the future.
Obviously, I attended an information session. I did a lot of research. I met alumni and admissions officers, who helped me gain a deeper understanding. Chicago GSB also has the best program for business fundamentals. I think the motto that stuck with me was “Get a case study right and you master the details, understand the principals and you master a world.” I also wanted to be part of a community that strives to facilitate teamwork among its members and has a tremendous alumni support throughout the world.

What are some words you would use to describe Chicago GSB’s Executive Education program?
Integrity. Curiosity. Flexibility. Innovation. Diversity. These are qualities I believe Chicago GSB wants to foster in its program.

What part of the application process did you find most challenging?
No doubt about it – the obligatory interview for Chicago GSB was the most challenging. It’s the final step in the application process, so it’s easy to feel a little pressure at that point. I met with the Director of Corporate Relations and Recruitment – Arnold Longboy – and the Managing Director for Europe – Glenn Sykes. They are sharp people and, of course, I wanted to be prepared to clearly answer any question they put forth. I knew it was a valuable opportunity, and I wanted to make sure I could communicate my ideas, my history, and my thoughts directly and precisely.

You have a young daughter and a full-time job – how do you find the time to study?
It is tough. Chicago GSB is a challenging place, and there’s a lot to read. But you find ways to adapt and do it. Support from my family and my work has been integral to my success. There are also 16 weeks out of 22 weeks total that you have to spend on-campus. Time management is crucial, and you have to be dedicated. I try to spend at least an hour or two a day studying, and obviously it’s more sometimes. So, I’m always looking for an opportunity. On a plane or at an airport. Waiting for a train. On a long drive. You name it, and you’ll find me buried in a book or case study. I also have to give credit to my husband who has been supportive and helpful – he loves economics and is now interested in getting his PhD in Economics at Chicago. I guess you could say my whole family has become Chicago devotees. At night, I’ll even read my daughter a book before she goes to bed, and then I’ll go up and read Competitive Strategy Cases and spend time analyzing them.

Ever tried to combine the two? Perhaps you could read a case study to your daughter?
I do find the case studies fascinating. But, my daughter is 8-years-old. Right now, she is a bit more interested in what Naruto [a popular cartoon character] is doing.

Are there professors or courses you are looking forward to taking?
That’s hard for me to answer because there are so many gifted professors at Chicago. There’s Macroeconomics Professor John Huizinga, a very prominent and brilliant professor who is an agent to NBA star Yao Ming. There’s Bates Medal winner Kevin Murphy and Nobel Prize winner Gary Becker. I can tell you I have already had a chance to take five courses, and everyone has surpassed my already high expectations. For example, in my Competitive Strategy my professor Luis Garicano explained game theory and Nash Equilibrium in the most unique way – he had us play games in the classroom.

What advice can you give applicants who are interested in applying to Chicago GSB?
Start preparing now. Allow yourself the time to write quality essays; I wrote three of them. Know what you have to say for the interview and questions you might be asked. They also ask for three recommendation letters. There are great places to get prepared and learn more about the university, such as Chicago GSB information sessions. Check the website www.chicagogsb.edu/execmba and visit an EXperience Day. This will give you an excellent perspective because you will get to know current student and faculty. Also, in almost every major city there is a GSB Chicago alumni club you can contact. You can meet current students and alumni there.