Building What’s Next: Four First-Year Journeys from the MBA Class of 2027

Meet Devon Halliday

For Devon Halliday, a first-year MBA student from Albany, New York, Notre Dame represented both a return to something familiar and the start of a new professional chapter. Years before applying, he visited campus and was struck by the pride and deep sense of community that define the University. When he decided to pursue his MBA with plans to launch a career in consulting, that early impression stayed with him. At Mendoza, Devon found a program that combined rigorous academics with intentional reflection. The small class size fostered close relationships, meaningful collaboration, and a support system that extended beyond the classroom. “When you step on campus, you can feel how special it is to people,” he shared, a feeling that has shaped his experience throughout his first year. 

That community played a central role during his internship search. Through the Consulting Club, guidance from second-year students and dedicated career coaching, Devon gained not only technical preparation for case interviews, but also a deeper understanding of how to network thoughtfully and navigate the recruiting process with resilience. After facing some early rejections, he remained persistent—ultimately earning an offer from Boston Consulting Group in the New York/New Jersey office. This summer, he will join BCG as a Summer Consultant, working directly on live client cases in an immersive, apprenticeship-style model. Reflecting on his journey, Devon believes Notre Dame has already helped him by pushing him to think intentionally about his strengths and long-term goals, giving him both the clarity and confidence to pursue his next chapter.

Meet Amara Madu

Alignment, not just advancement, defined Amara Madu’s decision to pursue her MBA at Notre Dame. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, she came to Mendoza determined to unite her faith, values, and professional ambitions at the intersection of business and healthcare. With the generous support of the Meyer Fellowship, she has been able to fully invest in her MBA journey — academically, professionally, and spiritually. As a Catholic, she felt deeply connected to the University’s mission of using business as a force for good. Even before enrolling, she experienced a network of alumni and students who were not only willing to help, but genuinely invested in her success. That early sense of belonging confirmed she was choosing more than a program, she was choosing a community. 

That community became especially meaningful during her internship search. Rather than casting a wide net, Amara was intentional: she applied to one company, confident it reflected her desire to bridge business and healthcare responsibly. Through conversations with several Notre Dame alumni at the firm, she received guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout the process. This summer, she will join Johnson & Johnson’s Commercial Leadership Development Program, bringing both her consulting background and her passion for ethical leadership to the role. When asked to describe her Notre Dame experience in one word, Amara doesn’t hesitate: “community”.  

Meet Kelly Niewolak

Kelly Niewolak didn’t just come to Notre Dame to earn an MBA, she came to reinvent her career. Originally from Hudson, Ohio, she arrived at Mendoza with a clear goal: pivot from the tech industry into healthcare and pharmaceutical marketing. What drew her to Notre Dame was its mission of “growing the good in business”, the balance of academic excellence and ethical leadership that resonated deeply with her. She was equally drawn to the small class size and collaborative culture. “It’s competitive, but not at the expense of your peers,” she explained. From day one, she found herself surrounded by classmates and second-year mentors who were eager to support one another’s success. 

That support proved instrumental during her internship search. Through guidance from her career advisor, the Executive-in-Residence program, second-year students and countless conversations with Notre Dame alumni, Kelly built meaningful connections at every company where she interviewed. This summer she will join AbbVie in the Commercial Leadership Program. There, she will focus on pharmaceutical marketing, contributing within one of AbbVie’s therapeutic areas, an experience that could open the door to future opportunities with the organization. Reflecting on her experience so far, Kelly describes Notre Dame as “transformative”—it’s been a place that has elevated her business acumen, opened doors through its alumni network and surrounded her with a community that genuinely wants to see her succeed.

Meet Zach Harber

Sometimes progress starts with the uncomfortable recognition that you’re ready for the next challenge. After six years in financial services in Washington, D.C., Zach Harber knew he was ready for more—more challenges, more ownership, and a clearer sense of direction. While preparing for business school, he moved home and launched his own equity research business focused on the technology and industrial sectors. What began as a hobby quickly became a serious venture, helping fund his MBA and sharpen his analytical instincts. Still, he knew he wanted to formally pivot into investment banking.   

Notre Dame represented both a lifelong dream and a strategic next step. Having grown up watching Rudy instead of Christmas movies, the University always held a special place in his family. But it was the strength of the alumni network and the tight-knit class culture that truly set it apart. Through the Finance and Investment Banking Club, career coaches, and alumni willing to advocate on his behalf, Zach found more than guidance, he found opportunity. That support helped him to land a summer associate role with Deloitte Corporate Finance in Charlotte, placing him close to home in the middle-market space he is passionate about serving. Reflecting on his experience so far, Zach describes Notre Dame in one word: “fulfilling.” It gave him the structure, credibility, and community to execute a competitive career pivot and the confidence that he belongs in the room.

About the author:

I’m Carmen Villaverde, a second-year MBA student at Notre Dame, and I’ve loved getting to know these incredible first-year classmates. I’m so proud of the hard work and dedication they’ve shown, and it’s been such a joy to mentor some of them during their first year. Sharing their stories feels like the perfect way to celebrate all they’ve accomplished and the bright futures ahead.