At various points in my career, I have always asked myself the question “What next?” . This question was something I kept asking myself even after I graduated from business school. It helped me to shape my MBA in a sandbox way that
My journey to MBA began in 2017 when I took GMAT.
However, I submitted my applications in 2019. The fundamental question before that was: What next? Should I stay in my current job and build my career, or change jobs to get a better salary and invest in myself? I have never been one to be confined to a comfortable zone.
I took the chance to let go of my successful career and start over to reimagine myself and my career.
It was not without its challenges.
First, it was my first time back to school in 8 years. I was also not used to being in a classroom. The second was COVID. This was especially true for international students, as we weren’t sure if we could start our full time MBA program click to read more .
The time difference between the US and India, as well as the difficulties it presented in working with core team members, was third. The US Embassy in India decided to issue student visas when we set up our Me, Inc.
from home and made the most of our altered reality
though reluctantly. In the next three weeks, I had to obtain a visa, move my family to two cities, take a crazy road trip, fly to the US and appear for an exam and quiz. This, combined with an intense Core semester, caused me to panic and wonder what I had signed up for. check it out
One year later, I am very happy to have survived the program. In many ways, it was a success. Two scholarships were awarded to me at the end of my first year. They reduced my second-year loan by 25%. I also received a Kelley coin that allowed me to make
community.
I was always asking myself “What next?” Kelley provided me with the best support system: The Hoosiers, my classmates who have all been so successful in their areas, were always willing to lend a hand and had a very approachable program office that helped me succeed on numerous occasions.
Do I still wonder, “What next?
” I’m currently working as an Admission Counselor, 1Kelley student lead, and as the VP in the MBA association. I also want to find a job that will allow me to push my boundaries again. Is it scary? However,
I’m excited to see the results of my quest for the primordial question and know that I will always be supported by the lifelong connections made at Kelley.
“What was your most meaningful decision?”
I would answer, regardless of how many years pass, that my decision to pursue an MBA at 25 was one of my most important life-changing ones.
My MBA journey
started in 2018 when I created my first plan to prepare for higher education. My decision was shared with my family and friends, prompting many questions. I began to wonder if this is the right choice. Fear of making mistakes can cloud our minds and prevent us from moving beyond our comfort zones.
Fear of making a wrong decision could lead to us being relegated from our careers and peer pressure makes it difficult for us to make the right choice.
It was a time when I had self-doubt and kept asking myself questions such as “Would this be the right time for my career, given the financial investment that I have to make at 25?”, or “What if it didn’t work out?”
My career as a supply chain specialist taught me one thing: “Put it on paper first.”
It was clearer than I thought when I began to write down my thoughts. I was able to see that, despite all the pros and cons, my gut always knew what I should do. It had been there since the beginning. It doesn’t matter what, I will do it.
I’m proud to say that I made the right decision when I looked back on my year ago. I have grown and learned so much, both professionally and personally. I was able to take a big leap in my network skills and accept multiple roles to improve my leadership.
My MBA journey has been filled with many valuable gifts, but friendship was the best. I was fortunate to have met many kinds and bright fellows over the past year. you are more than just my classmates.
All other also include the 2nd year and alumni who truly embrace Kelley’s community.
ourself were my core group of friends and offered to help me when I was too busy networking or recruiting. They are my 2nd year, who volunteered to do mock interviews for us despite their busy schedules.
We were also alumni who actively supported me in my recruitment journey and willingly did mock interviews after a long day at work. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today, getting ready for my summer internship at my favourite consultancy firm.
Kelley may not be the only MBA program you have the option of, but I think the Kelley community is irreplaceable.
Future Kelleys
I look forward to seeing you on campus. Did I mention that IU is one of the most beautiful colleges in America? This is your journey, so take it! Your social life is just as important as your recruiting.
Spend some time with your classmates, and visit B-town. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Never be afraid to ask! Without the help and guidance of this community, I wouldn’t be able to make it.
Looking back a year ago, I feel proud of my decision. I have grown and learned so much both professionally and personally. I was able to take a big leap in my network skills and accept multiple roles to improve my leadership.
My MBA journey has been filled with many valuable gifts, but friendship was the best. In the past year, I have had the opportunity to meet many bright-minded and caring classmates. I am more than just my classmates.
They also include the 2nd year and alumni who truly embrace Kelley’s community. today were my core group of friends and offered to help me when I was too busy networking or recruiting.
you are my 2nd year, who volunteered to do mock interviews for us despite their busy schedules. We were also alumni who actively supported me in my recruitment journey and willingly did mock interviews after a long day at work
. Without them,
I wouldn’t be here today, getting ready for my summer internship at my favourite consultancy firm. Kelley may not be the only MBA program you have the option of, but I think the Kelley community is irreplaceable.
It is one of life’s most important decisions. It is even more difficult to do so during a global pandemic. Prospective students often evaluate programs while also considering career outcomes, rankings, and reputation.
These are all valuable metrics to evaluate. In these uncertain times, I found that community was the deciding factor in my decision to choose Kelley. It’s something every prospective student should consider.
What does it mean to be a part of a community? It includes the people you make, your friends and colleagues as part of the program, and the faculty and staff who make Kelley a top-class school for pursuing a graduate business education.
