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Choosing Classes at Kellogg and Northwestern Law School

Since the first day we stepped foot in Chicago, we all realized that we had a more limited schedule with classes that were curved, some that were required, and others where we could only be at Kellogg or the law school. Well this year things are changing just a bit. Not only do we get to pick every one of our elective classes but we also get to split our time between Kellogg and the law school. But despite being happy to finally have choices, for some, this is proving to be a daunting task given all the moving parts in the process.

With our final year in the JD-MBA program on the horizon, it’s finally time to bid for classes. We just started getting emails from Kellogg and from the law school over the past week or two. And as of now, we don’t have much time left before we have to start making some decision! Bids for Kellogg are due next Wednesday, just a few days from now. And law school bids are due in about two weeks. As such, a number  of JD-MBAs are spending a few hours thinking about classes this weekend.  Deciding which classes we want, planning our classes to align the schedules of both schools, and thinking about what classes they want to take before we are done with the program.

One class I’m considering is Entrepreneurial Law. On one hand, it’s one of the more popular and interesting classes at the law school.  On the other, it will probably cost me a fair amount of points. I also plan to take Negotiations and at some point this year Executive Compensation law, given my background on the topic and expertise of my law firm, Vedder Price.

Another class I’m considering is entirely new to Kellogg called Social Dynamics and Networks.  Just last year, the class was introduced by my MORS Professor (Uzzi) and it looks like it’s shaping up to be really interesting. And who could think of going through Kellogg without at least considering the class Managerial Leadership, by Harry Kraemer, executive partner at Madison Dearborn and former CEO of Baxter.

In general, most students hope to get a good academic experience but also want to have a bit more fun this year. After two grueling years of curved classes, struggling to learn new concepts, and tirelessly searching for summer jobs, some Js really want to focus on taking courses they want. Not just those that put them in the right place professionally.

Sounds exciting, right? Well, not too fast. Like most things, there are also some challenges.  The process of picking classes where the time works at both schools, where you have enough bid points, and where you end up content, not only with the class material but also the workload and professors is not always easy.  Similarly, some of might also have to think about recruiting now, which happens at both schools in August and September.

But either way, it’s a fun time to be in the program. And it will be interesting to see how things play out for us over time. So stay tuned to hear what happens! And best of luck to everyone that has to choose classes.

2 Comments to Choosing Classes at Kellogg and Northwestern Law School

Venita Brown
July 16, 2011

Good Luck making all the working pieces come together. Enjoy your last year and have an ounce of fun. You deserve it, you have really worked hard these last couple of years.

Jeremy C Wilson
July 17, 2011

@Venita Brown Thanks!

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