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Kelley School of Business Indiana University Bloomington
Full-Time +Flex MBA Program

MBA student life: MBA clubs foster tight-knit community and memorable experiences for Kelley Full-Time +Flex MBA students

Posted on by Kelley School

By Anisha Agrawal, MBA’26

With more than 20 student-led MBA clubs that are affiliated with a variety of professional goals, interests, and life experiences, the Kelley Full-Time +Flex MBA offers you an opportunity to forge deep connections with your classmates and flex leadership skills. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a new interest or finding students who share a common experience, you’ll find an inclusive community of full-time MBA peers ready to champion your success.  

Kelley Full-Time +Flex MBA student Anisha Agrawal provides a glimpse of Kelley MBA student life by sharing how the newly formed Sprint Club is a source of enjoyment for her beyond the classroom, as a means of making friends, sharing healthy challenges, and experiencing the energetic IU campus: 

Sprint Club—my starting point for connection

“In August, I got a message from an MBA classmate, Billy, to our MBA class group chat inviting us to a sprint workout. His invitation came just two weeks after I arrived in the US for the first time. At that point, my top priorities were to explore the IU campus, make a few friends, and begin regular workouts. I also love running and wanted to get better at it. Joining Billy for the sprint session was the perfect opportunity for me to get started on my personal objectives. The first Sprint Club session I attended on the magnificent tracks at the Robert C. Haugh Complex—home of Indiana University Track & Field—was unforgettable. The sun was setting, and I was making new friends from different countries.” 

Discipline beyond the classroom yields satisfying rewards 

“Warm-ups begin with slow laps around the 400-meter track, plus squats, ‘donkey kicks’ (the most fun!), and the squat pose (the most relaxing). Sprinting follows—running at our best speed for a stretch of 150 meters five times—with a short break between each sprint. During one sprint session, I ran a one-mile race. I pushed myself to reach my maximum potential and it gave me a great sense of achievement. Finally, it’s time to cool down. Sprint Club members unwind and connect with each other before packing up. Walking barefoot on the grass, we take a moment to savor our accomplishments.” 

Support to reach your goals

“Three Kelley MBA students and amazing runners—Billy, Richard, and Sam—serve as our club’s leadership team. Their energy is unbeatable. All the members of the Sprint Club encourage each other to achieve their best—and we cheer for each other every step of the way.

No matter the weather, Sprint Club meets every week, moving indoors in the case of a rainy or wintry day. This consistency keeps our community close and our motivation high.”

Consider an MBA club to match your interests

“I highly encourage MBA students to consider joining an MBA club to find an active community, friendship, and fun. If you’re disciplined and have some running ability, join the Sprint Club! Any graduate student on the IU Bloomington campus can join our club. Reach out to us via WhatsApp to get information about upcoming meetings.

Interested in earning the Kelley Full-Time +Flex MBA? Connect with us to talk about the opportunities awaiting you in our top 20 program. 

Full-Time +Flex MBA: Online option backed by unsurpassed quality

Posted on by Kelley School

The best flex MBA programs shouldn’t skimp on quality. Only the top 20 Full-Time +Flex MBA from the Kelley School of Business offers such powerful choices: an immersive two-year residence and the flexibility to finish your second year online with classes from the #1 online MBA program in the country. 

The online option for the Full-Time +Flex MBA—available students’ second year—builds on the success of the Kelley Direct Online MBA, ranked the #1 online MBA in the US over and over again by U.S. News & World Report and other leading ranking organizations.  

“Full-Time +Flex is an ideal program for students who want the benefits of a top 20 full-time, in-residence MBA program, but who need flexibility due to geographic preferences for networking, for family obligations or to pursue employment opportunities during the second year,” says John Hill, faculty chair of the Full-Time +Flex MBA Program. “Student needs have evolved, and this is an opportunity to provide the experience they need with fewer compromises.” 

Why +Flex offers a win-win experience 

Students choose the Kelley Full-Time MBA because of its national rankings, affordability, supportive community, career outcomes, and customization from choosing majors, minors, and a career-focused Academy.  

This is unchanged. Now students have the option to experience these benefits while also completing their second year online. The online option is backed by Kelley’s reputation and success as an innovator in the online MBA space. Students can expect unmatched quality because:  

  • The full-time and online MBA programs both attract talented, diverse, and motivated students who have worked professionally for an average of 6 years (10 years for Kelley Direct). 
  • Both MBA programs offer seven majors, and Kelley Direct offers more electives than any other top online program.  
  • Kelley Direct courses are designed and taught by Kelley faculty—no adjuncts—so +Flex MBA students learn from the same professors who teach on campus. 

Students’ needs evolve 

The Full-Time +Flex MBA provides more MBA options for working professionals like you. Explore the program. It’s uniquely positioned to provide the flexibility many students want with the uncommon quality of two nationally ranked MBA programs—and a 25-year legacy of online innovation. 

Discover the Full-Time +Flex MBA. 

Q&A: Can I change careers with Full-Time +Flex?

Posted on by Kelley School

 

By Gale Nichols | Executive Director of the Kelley MBA Program  

Are you ready for a new career? Do you need a new career but can’t decide where to start? A high-quality, full-time MBA program like ours is one of the quickest ways to prepare for new and better-paying opportunities in the business world—regardless of your current career.  

This Q&A covers concerns we hear from prospective students who wonder if they have what it takes to succeed in business—or in a top 20 MBA program like ours. It also discusses what +Flex could mean for you in our dynamic, reimagined Full-Time +Flex MBA Program. If you think we’re a good fit, consider applying or connecting with us to learn more.  

Is it really possible to start a new—and successful—career in business? Can you share some examples of students who made career pivots from nonbusiness backgrounds?   

Yes! We have had many students who entered the MBA program without having worked in business. Some of these students were teachers, musicians, and arts management professionals. Others worked in nonprofit fundraising, R&D, medical professions, engineering, and computer science. Students like these have sometimes pivoted into an industry related to their prior work—for instance, a physical therapist who moved into business development for a medical devices company. Others have transitioned into completely new areas, such as professional musicians who launched careers in investment banking or teachers who became consultants.  

Do students who have little or no business background get left behind in the program?  

The diversity of students’ backgrounds is a strength of the program because they bring such a wide range of skills and experiences and learn from each other. Students who don’t have prior business experience often bring other skills—project management, negotiation, relationship-building, teamwork, or research skills—that are very valuable. In the first semester of the program, students are assigned to a Core team that by design includes students with different backgrounds. This enables the team members to support each other and benefit from others’ knowledge.  

Will I receive the immersive experiences and academics I need to achieve my career goals with the new Full-Time +Flex format? 

Yes—you’ll still receive a traditional, full-time MBA experience. But we now offer the option of completing your second-year classes online with Kelley’s pioneering online MBA program. And regardless of your professional background, you’ll gain a deep understanding of your career choice when you participate in one of our first-year Career Foundation Academies, which focus on business operations, consulting, marketing, and finance. The Academies provide remarkable access to industry leaders, mentorship, personalized career coaching, skill building, and real-world experience, and they prepare you for your summer internship. If you opt to +Flex after your internship, you’ll take classes online with the same Kelley professors who teach in person, and you will experience Kelley’s advanced virtual classrooms. If you return to Bloomington for your second year you will participate in more experiential learning opportunities, optional Academies, and in-person coaching, recruiting, and networking with your peers. 

I have been working in business, but I’m ready for new challenges and more impact. How can the Full-Time +Flex MBA help me achieve this?   

Your MBA Academy and coursework will give you a chance to “skill up” and propel your business career forward, whether you stay in the same functional area that you were in pre-Kelley or move into a new one. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a new area—whether it’s consulting, finance, marketing, or operations—through your Academy, and your coursework will give you broader business skills. Experiences like GLOBASE will help you strengthen your understanding of global business. Participation in clubs and class projects will build your teamwork and leadership skills. You can participate in all of these transformative experiences during your first 10 months in Bloomington and continue with the in-person learning, networking, and professional development after your internship. If you choose to +Flex your second year with online classes, you can take advantage of a job offer, travel opportunities, or potential cost savings by returning to your family or living wherever you’d like to begin your new career.  

I’m interested in several different career paths and, to be honest, I haven’t yet decided which one to follow. Should I hold off on an MBA?  

An MBA program is a great way to explore different career paths, industries, and companies. During the Me, Inc. professional development program at Kelley, you’ll spend several weeks before classes begin reflecting on your skills, interests, goals, and values. You will learn about our different Career Foundation Academies and then choose one, where you’ll hear from alumni and other professionals in a variety of roles and companies. You’ll also have experiential learning opportunities through your Academy and summer internship that will prepare you well for your new career.   

Why should I consider Kelley with so many MBA options?   

We’re a top 20 program without the top-tier sticker price. We’re also the first and only traditional, full-time MBA program where you can complete your MBA second year online, with the #1 Kelley Direct Online MBA. Kelley offers superb professional development, academics, and career outcomes but is far more affordable than our peer schools because Indiana University is a public university, and our location has a lower cost of living. Thanks to the low cost, our generous merit-based scholarships (awarded to more than 90% of our students), and the great career outcomes achieved by our students, our ROI is among the best for top MBA programs.    

Ready to apply? Start the process now.  

 

Late-cycle MBA applicants find support, success in quick transition to Kelley Full-Time MBA Program

Posted on by Kelley School

By Jim Holmen | Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

By Gale Nichols | Executive Director of the Kelley Full-Time MBA

You may think applying for an MBA program requires a lengthy lead time, but for many people, that’s not the case. Because of our responsive and supportive culture in the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program, we see late-cycle applicants achieve great success.  

In fact, we’re still accepting applications and merit-based financial aid is still available (more than 90% of our students typically receive this). If you applied late in our cycle or thought it was too late to apply, continue reading to see how it’s possible to begin your MBA career path in August as a Kelley MBA. 

How often do students transition this quickly, applying in April or later and beginning your program in the fall? 

It’s not uncommon for students who apply late in our cycle to matriculate and thrive—even students leaving non-business careers. Alyssa Poticha, for instance, is graduating with her Kelley MBA in May and will join Deloitte in Denver as a consultant. She applied to our program late in the admission cycle and has been extremely successful academically as she pivots her career from teaching choir and show choir to middle and high school students (watch her video). Other later-in-cycle applicants have moved from careers in entertainment, data management and research, finance and accounting, arts management, and engineering into careers in brand management, consulting, financial planning and analysis, and more.

What enables them to transition quickly at Kelley? 

Because of our responsive and supportive culture, candidates can move from applying to onboarding as a student in a matter of a few weeks. If a candidate is considering applying this time of year, we respond quickly to answer questions and schedule time to talk if needed. We also can make admission decisions more rapidly because fewer applications are in the pipeline. Once admitted, these students hear from our faculty, current students, and alumni who share information about our Academies, MBA career paths, and the Kelley experience. Our student services and career services teams work throughout the summer and help students with everything from finding housing to updating resumes for networking sessions.   (more…)

Filed under: MBA

The military veteran experience at Kelley

Posted on by Kelley School

By Nick Hagen | MBA Candidate Class of 2025

I came to the Kelley full-time MBA program after serving for twelve years as a US Army Special Forces Officer. My professional journey up to that point was defined by discipline, expertise in my field, and teamwork. As I prepared for my military transition, I knew I needed an MBA program that was invested in my growth and development, exposing me to the relevant challenges facing business leaders today, in a collaborative and supportive team environment. Coming to Kelley, I found the perfect combination of all those things.

The Kelley MBA offered me a customized experience that aligned perfectly with my career goals. From day one, I felt supported by faculty, staff, and fellow students. Kelley’s focus on individual development allowed me to explore my career aspirations, merging my experience in leadership and military operations with my desire to have a purposeful impact in the world of business.

Critical to that transition was Me, Inc. This intensive development program before the start of class helped me understand my strengths, values, and aspirations. Through self-reflection and team-building activities, I gained clarity on my career direction, allowing me to reflect on my best self as I interviewed for summer internship opportunities. Because of this, I received my summer internship with Direct Supply as a Business Strategy Development Intern. I chose Direct Supply because of the work they do at the forefront of technology and senior care, and because the culture of their team is a continuation of the purpose, teamwork, and dedication to excellence I found in the military.

I have been able to put all that preparation into action as I work on my spring project with the Supply Chain and Digital Enterprise Academy. In cooperation with other schools & disciplines across IU, we’ve been working with food pantries across greater Indianapolis to help increase efficiency and effectiveness in distributing food to households in need. In this way, IU has helped me stay intimately close to my passion of serving others and prepare for my summer internship and career beyond my MBA studies.

All these experiences and dedicated efforts exist in an environment rich with personal and professional support from faculty, staff, and peers. The diverse backgrounds of those around me enriched my learning experience. Coming from the military, I initially felt like I could be an outsider. But almost immediately, my peers made me feel like a vital member of the team and I could see the value of my own experience in building towards success.

A Kelley MBA: A sound business decision for your career and future

Posted on by Kelley School

Mitch Horne, MBA’ 2025

By Mitch Horne, MBA’ 2025 | Merit Fellow

Before Kelley, I was an advertising professional servicing a Medicare client. I loved being a part of the brand story, but I wanted to write it, not have it dictated to me. I knew that the Kelley full-time MBA program would help develop me as a leader and enable me to reach my career goals. So, I moved my wife and two kids from Utah to Bloomington, and we’ve loved it.

As a Kelley MBA, I’m a member of various communities. To me, the one that has been the most impactful for my career is the Consumer Marketing Academy. The curriculum has been great in enabling me to gain hard skills, and the Academy has fittingly complemented those with a networking perspective. Both the industry and practical knowledge I’ve gained directly from Marketing professionals have been invaluable. “Academy Week,” a week spent on the road visiting reputable companies like P&G, Kellanova, Wendy’s, GE Appliances, and ConAgra Brands, was a big turning point in my career search because I was able to get my boots on the property of potential employees, experiencing firsthand and feeling out how I could potentially fit there. Kelley, in this way and many others, has helped me discover my talents and how they would fuse with my target career.

Nothing will open your mind like traveling and experiencing a foreign culture. GLOBASE is a special opportunity for Kelley MBA students to expand their perception as future business leaders. Visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina—my first time in South America—was a dream I didn’t know I had come true. Within my four-person team, professors and classmates joined forces to discover and meet the needs of a family business. Not only did I learn important skills and aspects of a winning business consultation, I fell in love with the people I vigorously worked with and served. Not to mention, experiencing the culture during available leisure time was unforgettable: meeting gauchos, trying the local cuisine, and absorbing history.

Choosing a full-time MBA program is a big decision. The Kelley MBA prepares you for a new business career like no one else can. Learn more about how Kelley’s proven return on investment will enable you to reach your career goals today. Visit Us

 

Fall in Love with Bloomington!

Posted on by Kelley School

By Rita Agyei, MBA’24

When I decided to pursue my MBA, I had no idea that the town of Bloomington would be a place I would come to love. Within the first weeks of my arrival in Bloomington, I wondered what to do, when I wasn’t in class, so I decided to take daily walks to get familiar with my surroundings, and oh what beauty! Green lawns, well-paved roads, general calmness and tranquility. I knew I would love it; it has proven to be so much more. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Bloomington.

1. Go for a Walk!
Apart from my 10,000-step goal in line with the World Health Organization’s recommendation, the outdoors and landscape of Bloomington is my greatest motivation. Whether it is a walk on the B-line trail, a walk from my apartment to Aldi, or just checking out the stadiums and facilities at Indiana University, I am bound to have an encounter with nature (the squirrels and flowers are the real bonus)!

2. Learn a new sport at the IU Recreation Center
On my personal to-do list is to pick up a new sport. While my friends convinced me to learn pickleball, I was drawn to badminton. I will describe myself as a mid-rate tennis player so, badminton proved to be an equally competitive sport which came with relative ease. I also found a great badminton community that made it easier to find time to play despite my busy schedule.

3. Go for a hike.
If you love to hike, there are many trails in Bloomington. The Kelley Outdoors Club is a resource that helped me discover more hiking trails. My personal tip is that hiking trips are best done with friends (morning hikes are also a personal favorite).

4. Explore the Wine Scene!
If you are a wine lover, then Oliver Winery is only a few minutes from town. I am in love with their Cherry Moscato, which is literally to die for. If you are not a cherry Moscato fan, there is a great range of wines for you to choose from. You can schedule a wine tasting and learn more about the wine-making process and added benefits. It has the scenery for a perfect picnic with Instagram-worthy photos!

Bloomington has so much to offer… from musicals to opera shows, from candle making to pottery lessons—no matter what diverse cuisine—you can find it all here within the greater IU community.

The best way to fall in love with Bloomington is to roll up your sleeves and dive right in!

 

A Journey of Growth and Inspiration

Posted on by Kelley School

By Karan Sharma, MBA’24

As a first-generation graduate student, my transition from nine years in engineering to the dynamic world of business school in the Kelley full-time MBA program was a deeply emotional and personal journey.

I’ll be sharing my 3 takeaways, from embracing diversity to evolving into a dedicated servant-leader and discovering the immense impact of giving back. These experiences and insights have the potential to inspire and empower anyone on their unique path of growth and transformation.

Takeaway #1: Make mistakes fast and foster diversity.

After nine years as an engineer, I embarked on a new adventure in business school. The goal: pitch a business idea to a MAANG company with a diverse global team: Vy from Vietnam, Doyin from Nigeria, and Graham and Sam from the United States. Our initial case competition attempt was a reality check, we received average feedback despite our confidence.

Rather than be discouraged, we used the setback to learn and grow, guided by principles we learned from Kelley’s Me, Inc. program. We nurtured an inclusive environment where every voice mattered, strengthening our bonds and teamwork. Considered underdogs in the MBA capstone case competition, we emerged as winners by believing in each other, demonstrating the power of learning, and embracing diversity.

I’m grateful to my teammates for their unwavering support and teaching me the significance of teamwork and diversity.

Takeaway #2: From Self-Doubt to Servant Leader!

As a first-generation graduate student, America felt overwhelming, and imposter syndrome crept in. Doubts about leaving my job for an MBA haunted me initially. However, I sought support from my parents, talked to Kelley alumni and seniors, and reflected honestly.

I reminded myself that my main competition was myself and focused on personal growth.

My MBA purpose is to be a voice for the voiceless, not just a manager. This led to me becoming President of the Kelley Tech Club with support from my team (Rod, Dammy, Deepti, Pawan, and Priya).

Together, we organized events and supported our peers. I learned to believe in myself, embrace my strengths, and serve others.

Takeaway #3: Embrace the legacy of giving back.

Kelley MBA’s motto, “Go from moment to momentum,” deeply resonates with me. It’s an ongoing journey of growth and contribution.

Kelley’s alumni embody this mantra. Despite busy lives, Kelleys continue to support and guide current students, regardless of their industry—Amazon, Microsoft, Lilly, Tesla, Uber, etc. They’re always ready to share insights and expertise.

For this reason, I became a Hoosier Host, sharing my journey and offering guidance to prospective students, from sharing my Kelley experience to mock interviews.

I draw my inspiration from the selfless alumni who played a pivotal role in enriching my MBA journey. It’s a reminder that each of us holds the power to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Even the tiniest acts of kindness can ripple into significant change.

So, let’s nurture the spirit of giving back and encourage one another to transition from “moment to momentum” in our unique journeys!

My First-Year MBA Journey: Bridging Classroom Knowledge with Real-World Experience

Posted on by Kelley School

By Victor Calderon, MBA’24

My decision to pursue an MBA at Kelley was driven by the school’s outstanding reputation for fostering business leaders and its robust marketing curriculum. From day one, I was immersed in a vibrant and collaborative learning environment where diverse perspectives and innovative thinking were celebrated. The insightful discussions in classes, engaging projects, and guidance from renowned professors have not only expanded my knowledge but also honed my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

As I reflect upon my journey as a first-year MBA student at the Kelley School of Business, specializing in marketing, I am thrilled to recount the invaluable experiences and growth that have defined this chapter of my academic and professional life. From delving into intricate courses like Business Marketing Strategy, Digital Marketing, and Market-Based Analysis to applying my newfound knowledge as a global marketer during my summer internship at ECOLAB, my time at Kelley has been nothing short of exhilarating and enlightening.

The foundation of my journey was laid in the classrooms of Kelley, where I encountered an engaging blend of theoretical insights and practical applications. However, the true essence of my MBA journey blossomed during my summer internship at ECOLAB, where I assumed the role of a global marketer. As I transitioned from lecture halls to corporate corridors, the nexus between classroom theory and real-world application became strikingly evident. Armed with the insights from Kelley’s courses, I embarked on devising global marketing initiatives that transcended borders and resonated with diverse audiences. The relationship between my academic learnings and the practical challenges I encountered during my internship was truly enlightening.

My internship illuminated the importance of collaboration and effective communication. The interpersonal skills cultivated at Kelley proved to be instrumental in collaborating with cross-functional teams, seamlessly bridging gaps, and ensuring that our marketing endeavors aligned with broader company objectives. As I navigated the global landscape of ECOLAB, I realized that the ethos of Kelley’s collaborative learning environment was echoing in the corporate world, further reaffirming the relevance of my MBA education.

As I step into my second year at Kelley, I carry with me a sense of gratitude for the experiences that have molded me into a more confident and knowledgeable professional. The lessons learned, friendships forged, and networks established will undoubtedly impact my future endeavors in the business world.

Equally, I am enthusiastic about paying it forward. The guidance and support I received as an incoming student were instrumental in shaping my positive experience at Kelley. I am committed to assisting incoming students in their transition, ensuring they feel welcomed and empowered from day one.

How My First Year At The Kelley MBA Enhanced My Summer Internship Experience

Posted on by Kelley School

By Nupur Sampat, MBA’24

As I embarked on my summer internship at a prominent consulting firm, I knew the value of an MBA from the Kelley School of Business would be the guiding light in my professional journey. The unique opportunities offered by Kelley’s academies, core teams, and communications classes have significantly contributed to my growth as a consultant.

At Kelley, the academies fostered a collaborative and innovative environment, honing my problem-solving abilities and providing real-world experiences. Working alongside like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds in cross-functional core teams was an invaluable experience that emulated the dynamics of the consulting industry. These academies enabled me to master the art of tackling complex challenges with a strategic mindset, paving the way for my success in the consulting realm.

The core teams at Kelley further enriched my internship journey. By leveraging the knowledge gained from core classes, I was equipped with a solid foundation in areas such as finance, marketing, and operations. This comprehensive understanding allowed me to approach client projects from a holistic perspective, delivering solutions that were not only effective but also well-rounded. (more…)

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