Kelsey Gray, Boston College Carroll MBA Class of 2027
Age: 32
Hometown: Norfolk, MA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), Class of 2015, Management Major
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Active-duty Coast Guard for the past 10 years. Roles include Executive Officer of USCGC KATHLEEN MOORE, Bravo Company Officer at USCGA, and most recently Commanding Officer of USCGC BERNARD WEBBER& USCGC Winslow Griesser
Why did you decide to attend business school? Why now?
I chose to pursue my MBA to advance within the Coast Guard. While I remain on active duty, my current full-time job is completing my MBA so I can use the degree to better serve and grow within the organization.
Why did you choose Boston College Carroll? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Boston College stood out because of its proximity to home, strong reputation, and tight-knit community. The school pride, small campus feel, and engaging faculty solidified my decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring a unique perspective on leadership and business through a government lens. Having served in multiple leadership roles in the Coast Guard over the past decade, I can share insights into leadership dynamics within a military organization—perspectives that differ from traditional corporate experiences.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’ve served as an assistant coach for both a high school swimming team and a softball team. Coaching is something I genuinely enjoy volunteering for in my free time. Giving back as a mentor—and being there to listen to kids who may need extra support—is something I find deeply meaningful.
Post-MBA Career Interests:
After my MBA, I will return to the Coast Guard. I am interested in future leadership roles, particularly in the Afloat Community.
Advice for Prospective Applicants:
Be yourself and let your personality shine through your application. Don’t be afraid to take risks—the answer is always no if you don’t ask. More specifically, say yes. Say yes to optional happy hours, networking events, and meet-and-greets. Connecting with people before orientation really helped ease my first-day nerves.
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would thoroughly prepare for my interview by having coworkers run through common questions with me. I’d also request the GRE/GMAT waiver again. Removing that stress allowed me to focus on my Coast Guard duties while still being able to pursue my academic aspirations.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Nothing. I believe everything happens for a reason, and the choices I made led me here. Boston College and my classmates have been incredible, reaffirming that I made the right decision.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The Summer Pre-Statistics course. Math has never been my strongest subject, and the course was intense. However, taking the necessary time to understand the material served as a nice transition back into an academic setting and provided me with useful skills we are using during our first semester. Breaking the course into milestones over the summer helped me manage the workload and not feel overwhelmed.
What is your initial impression of the Carroll students/culture/community?
I love it. Faculty and peers are always willing to help, and you truly feel that everyone wants you to succeed. The culture is welcoming, the campus is beautiful, and the location offers the best of both worlds: a close-knit community just outside of Boston, with big-city opportunities nearby.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve joined the Graduate Women in Business Club to connect with other driven women and expand my network. I’m also hoping to run for a role in the Graduate Management Association, particularly in event coordination, since I enjoy bringing people together.
What is one thing you have learned about Carroll that has surprised you?
The size of the class—just about 80 students total, with cohorts of around 40. The smaller class sizes allow for deeper relationships with both peers and professors, which was a very pleasant surprise.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to hear about the internships my classmates earn and to learn from their experiences in the workforce. I’m also looking forward to applying the skills I gain here to my work in the Coast Guard.
