Meet Kreena Shah: Lawyer, Mentor, Blue Demon

What brought you to DePaul?

I got my bachelor’s degree in India and worked a lawyer for four years. I’ve always been curious about the tech side of law, and business analytics felt like the perfect fit. It bridges law, business, and technology. I was eager to make that shift and dive into the world of data.

What drew me to DePaul was its curriculum. Coming from a non-technical, legal background, I was looking for a program that started with the fundamentals, and DePaul offered exactly that.

Another factor was the chance to move to a new city. I’ve always liked colder climates, so Chicago’s long winters were an added bonus.

How do you connect with the DePaul community?

I am a peer mentor for the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. I mentor five to seven students from various programs. That has helped me meet people from diverse backgrounds and feel involved in something bigger than myself.

What is your favorite class you took at DePaul?

Database management systems, taught by Professor Khadija Ali Vakeel, was my favorite for sure. Coming from a law background, I was familiar with business analytics in theory, but I didn’t know how to use the tools. The class teaches you SQL from the ground up and it was very practical. It was so useful, almost every interviewer has asked me about it.

I’m still in touch with Professor Vakeel. Whenever I have any questions or doubts, she’s just an email away. She’s very supportive and encouraging, giving the guidance and motivation you need to move forward. I actually applied to my current internship because she posted about it on her LinkedIn.

What’s next for you post-graduation?

I recently completed a six-month internship at a company called Junk-on-Demand where I worked as a business and marketing analyst. I worked on increasing their online visibility and customer base. I got to explore areas I’ve never worked on before like SEO optimization. It sparked my curiosity, and I’ve started applying to roles that allow me to deepen these skills.

My ultimate career goal is to work on the more technical side of a law firm, combining my legal background with my new skill set in data and technology.

What advice would you give incoming DePaul students?

Don’t box yourself into what you think you’re supposed to do. Explore different electives, talk to your professors and connect with seniors. Attend random campus events. There are a lot of events happening every day and you never know which one will shape your experience or lead to different opportunities. Just be curious and stay open!

Another thing I always tell incoming students: If you’re looking for an internship or a part-time job or anything, start applying the day you get the admission letter. Don’t wait to get to campus. It’s a competitive process and it takes time. I was able to secure my on-campus job as an assistant in the College of Law immediately because I started applying early. Start applying as soon as possible and don’t get discouraged. Persistence really pays off!