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.
One of the highlights of my Kelley MBA was the emphasis on effective communication. The communication classes helped refine my presentation and interpersonal skills, empowering me to articulate my ideas clearly and confidently. As a consultant, these skills have proven to be indispensable when engaging with clients and compellingly conveying complex analyses.
To add a competitive edge to my skill set, I opted for electives in business analytics. This decision paid off immensely during my internship as I could employ data-driven insights to make informed client recommendations. The application of business analytics tools empowered me to extract meaningful patterns from data, driving evidence-based decision-making for our projects.
Furthermore, being part of three case competitions was a defining aspect of my Kelley MBA experience. These competitions provided a platform to put my skills to the test and collaborate with exceptional teammates. Winning two of the competitions not only boosted my confidence but also validated the practical relevance of my business acumen.
In conclusion, my journey with Kelley’s MBA program has been transformative, significantly enhancing my capabilities as a consultant. The diverse learning opportunities, be it through academies, core teams, or communication classes, prepared me for my summer internship. The focus on business analytics further augmented my problem-solving prowess, while the case competitions allowed me to showcase my abilities in real-world scenarios. Thanks to Kelley, I was better equipped to navigate the complex challenges of the consulting industry and contribute to the firm over the summer.