Where would you like to see your career go long-term?

The Kellogg MBA program interviewers are interested in getting to know the candidates they interview. Asking questions like these helps them learn more about you, your ambitions, and how you plan to use your education to benefit you in the future. If spots are limited, this question helps them identify candidates who are likely to make the most of the opportunity to join the next Kellogg MBA class at Northwestern.

I use questions like these in an interview to test a candidate's ability to answer authentically. Interviewees tend to respond the way they think I want them to answer rather than staying true to themselves. While that isn't a dealbreaker, it will cause me to ask additional questions aimed at their ability to answer questions authentically under pressure.

That said, answer this question truthfully and with confidence. If you expect to make it to CTO, let your interviewer know that is your end game. If you plan to start your own business, mention that. If you aren't sure, discuss a few options you are interested in. The goal is to build rapport with your interviewer by providing a believable response that lets them know you plan to put what you learn at Kellogg to good use.