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.