Dr. Karin O Connor

Assistant Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Karin O Connor. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Karin O'Connor has over 25 years of experience as an active investor in early-growth-stage companies. Currently a Clinical Associate Professor of Strategy at the Kellogg School of Management, she leads the school's growth-stage entrepreneurship initiative and teaches the Growth Strategy Practicum course. O'Connor developed and launched the experiential Strategy Management Practicum for the new Master's in Management program. Additionally, she is a Venture Partner at Serra Ventures, focused on early-stage venture capital in the Chicago market. O'Connor has invested in several notable firms and served as a managing director for Hyde Park Angels, where she played a vital role in investing in companies such as FeeFighters and Moxie Jean. She holds a BA in Finance from the University of Illinois, graduating magna cum laude and elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management where she was recognized as an F.C. Austin Scholar and elected to Beta Gamma Sigma. O'Connor also holds a CFA charter, earned in 2007.

Research Interests

Experience

Clinical Associate Professor

— Present

Kellogg School of Management • Evanston, IL

Teaching Growth Strategy Practicum and leading the growth-stage entrepreneurship initiative.

Venture Partner

— Present

Serra Ventures • Champaign, IL

Leading activities in the Chicago market, focusing on early-stage investments.

Managing Director

— Present

Hyde Park Angels • Chicago, IL

Oversaw investments in 15 companies and served on multiple boards.

Requirements for Northwestern University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
U.S. Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Standard PhD requirements for TGS departments including Chemistry, Physics, and Sociology.