By Tosin Bowale, MBA’24
On May 15, 2023, a new chapter began in my life as I stepped into the role of a Product Marketing Manager (PMM) intern at Microsoft. This day was particularly significant, as it brought back vivid memories of my first visit to Microsoft’s Chicago office during the Business Marketing Academy (BMA) Week in October 2022. As I stood in front of the iconic Microsoft logo, I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to be a part of this remarkable company. And now, that dream has manifested into a reality, I decided to recreate my look from the visit to the Chicago office on my first day at work.
Here are experiences that transformed my dream into reality:
Unleashing My Potential with Me, Inc.: Kelley’s unique Me, Inc. program played a pivotal role in shaping my internship journey. It was like having a treasure map that guided me toward the companies that were a perfect match for my professional growth. It provided me with a deep understanding of my strengths, skills, and career aspirations, guiding me toward identifying roles that perfectly aligned with my passion and professional growth.
Mastering Mock Battles: With a dose of Me, Inc., I already knew that my journey would be filled with exceptional resources and unwavering support that would shape my destiny. Armed with determination and a dash of nervous excitement, I entered the realm of mock interviews. They were like battles against imaginary dragons, where Kelley’s Graduate Career Services armed me with the finest weapons of skills and confidence. I also got support from my fellow students. For instance, Cedric and Jennifer were always there to help me with mock interviews, and with each encounter, I grew stronger and more prepared to conquer any challenge that came my way.
Encounter with a Supercharged and Engaged Community: Juggling being an international student, a parent, and living in the USA posed its own challenges, especially when it came to finding affordable childcare. However, the Kelley African Business Club and the African Community (inclusive of my Nigerian friends) became unwavering sources of inspiration and succor throughout my MBA journey. This network gave me a strong sense of community, mentorship, and support. For example, when I faced an emergency childcare situation, Chuk’s wife graciously stepped in, allowing me to attend a BMA Academy Friday, where we had incredible guest speakers, including a Kelley Alum who works at Microsoft. During my final interview with Microsoft, Abdula’s wife cared for my children, ensuring I had a smooth and uninterrupted interview.
In this grand tale of my internship journey, my husband played a crucial role, providing the love, encouragement, and support that made all the difference. As I embark on this internship, I am filled with gratitude and excitement, ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.