Neil Dalal | Kellogg Year in Review

Academics

A deep dive into my coursework and frameworks learned.

Fall Quarter

Sept - Nov 2025

Financial Accounting (ACCT-430-0)

I learned how to decode, construct, and interpret complex financial reports. Understanding the story behind the numbers gives me the ability to evaluate corporate health and make data-driven, strategic investments in my future roles.

Business Analytics I (DECS-430-5)

I built a strong foundation in probability and statistics, focusing specifically on the pitfalls of reasoning with data. This gave me the analytical toolkit I need to connect raw data directly to high-level business decisions.

Business Analytics II (DECS-431-0)

I dove deeper into multivariate regression and hypothesis testing. I learned how to extract genuine signals from noise, enabling me to build predictive models and make confident inferences when launching products.

Marketing Management (MKTG-430-0)

I learned how to dissect consumer behavior and market environments to shape product, pricing, and communication strategies. This directly empowers me to craft go-to-market plans that resonate with real user needs.

Leadership in Organizations (MORS-430-0)

I explored the social science behind motivating human capital and navigating organizational dynamics. These frameworks will be absolutely crucial as I lead cross-functional engineering and business teams in the future.

Business Strategy (STRT-431-0)

I mastered conceptual frameworks for evaluating industry economics and competitive advantages. I learned how to define a firm's boundaries and position products to sustain long-term market dominance.

Winter Quarter

Jan - Mar 2026

Finance I (FINC-430-0)

I learned the core methodologies of discounted cash flows and multiples to accurately value assets and projects. This fundamentally shifted how I view capital allocation and enterprise-level corporate finance strategy.

Microeconomic Analysis (MECN-430-0)

I analyzed optimal consumer choice, market structures, and strategic pricing. Understanding these microeconomic levers helps me predict competitor behavior and optimize product demand.

The Business of Customer Loyalty (MKTG-948-0)

I explored how to build and scale genuine customer loyalty through personalization and CRM strategies. This taught me how to shift focus from mere acquisition to maximizing long-term user retention and LTV.

Spring Quarter

Apr - Jun 2026

Finance II (FINC-431-0)

Building on Finance I, I tackled advanced topics like capital structure and dividend policy. I learned how to evaluate and execute strategic financial decisions that drive firm-wide scaling and growth.

Analytical Consulting Lab (MECN-615-0)

Worked closely with a live corporate client - Perfect Games - to come up with an optimal pricing strategy for their products. This experiential project bridged the gap between theoretical data science and practical business consulting.

Advertising Strategy (MKTG-454-0)

I developed actionable insights to craft effective campaigns across digital and traditional channels. I learned how to seamlessly tie brand positioning to execution, a critical skill for any product launch.

Negotiations Fundamentals (MORS-472-5)

This was my absolute favorite course at Kellogg in year one! I mastered the strategies of negotiation, learning how to expand the pie, resolve disputes, and confidently claim value in any professional or personal setting.

Operations Management (OPNS-430-0)

I learned how to identify bottlenecks, map out logistics, and manage complex business processes. These lean operational principles will help me scale operations efficiently in the future.

Transcript Request

For colleagues, recruiters, and professional connections requiring detailed academic performance metrics, you can request a copy of my Kellogg transcript.

Timeline

A chronological look at the events, global travels, and memorable moments outside the classroom.

July 2025

Arrival

First time in the US. Checked off the Chicago tourist prerequisites (the Bean, the river), got acquainted with Evanston, and met my American Culture learning (ACE) pod before the actual work started.

Kellogg

The Chicago Bean

The Chicago River

My American Culture Learning Pod (ACE)

Evanston

View from Kellogg's Building

August 2025

Orientation & Escapes

Kellogg's "Culture is Made" (CIM) orientation, spent some time on boats, and temporarily escaped to Brazil with the "KWEST" crew before the syllabus dropped.

Chicago Skyline

High Impact Low Ego Culture

Highlanders - My Section

Class of 2027

MBA Yacht Networking Night

Welcome Dinner by Japan Club

Dinner @Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Soccer game in the iconic Maracana Stadium, Brazil

Christ the Redeemer

September 2025

Adjusting to the Rhythm

Q1 began. Settled into the daily classes at the Global Hub, watched some baseball, and had a Yacht day before the weather turned.

Chicago Cubs Game

The Global Hub - Kellog's Building, daily view on my way to school

Yacht ride with Brazil Kwest group

Oct - Nov 2025

Recruiting & Routine

Evanston briefly looked nice before the first snow arrived. Navigated the consulting recruiting grind, hosted Japan Club's Izakaya Night, and selectively attended a few mandatory parties.

Izakaya Night by Japan Club

Japan Club Members

First snow in Chicago

Diwali Celebrations

Just another party (Trolley Night)

Fall in Evanston

Just another party (Around the World)

December 2025

Winter Break

Q1 concluded. Promptly left the Midwest cold for Florida and New York City.

Brooklyn, New York

NYC Skyline from Staten Island Ferry

Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida

2026 New Year Celebration

Jan - Feb 2026

Deep Winter

Q2 required endurance. Organized Kellogg's Tech conference, hosted Matcha Night, drove to Indiana, and went snowboarding.

Organized Kellogg Technology Conference

Everything Matcha Night by Japan Club

Snowboarding

Just another party (Chicago Bar Crawl)

Indiana - First road trip in US

Run by the lake - Training for a Half Marathon

Just another party (Bowling with Asian Club)

Just another dinner with friends

March 2026

Spring & Patagonia

Watched them dye the river green for St. Patrick's Day, then went offline to backpack through Patagonia. Hiking Fitz Roy at sunrise was a highly effective way to disconnect from the MBA bubble.

Just another party (St. Patricks Day)

Chicago River (St. Patricks Day)

Patagonia - Fitz Roy Hike

Backpacking in Patagonia National Park

Patagonia National Park

Patagonia - Fitz Roy at Sunrise

Buenos Aires, Argentina

April 2026

Spring Momentum

Weather improved. Reunited with the ACE group, played some cricket, visited NYC again, and quietly crossed the 15km mark in my running training.

ACE Family

Running with friends

Just another party (2000s party)

1yr reunion of my ACE Pod

New York City from above, another visit to the Big Apple

Playing Cricket on the field

Running with friends, first time crossing 15km

May 2026

Peak Month

A dense month. Finished the Chicago Half Marathon, won the Kellogg Chess Club tournament, secured an internship, some more parties, and turned a year older with some good friends.