Katelyn Kirby, Indiana Kelley MBA Class of 2027
Age: 26
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of California, Davis – Majored in Genetics & Genomics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Production Manager, Biotechnology, Claret Bioscience, 3.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to attend business school to broaden my knowledge and have more opportunities for career advancement. At my previous employer, I earned opportunities to quickly advance to leadership roles, but I also learned that I capped my promotional potential. I was unable to continue moving up within a company without earning an advanced degree. I loved my previous role; however, I dreamt of becoming a top executive and essential member of a leadership team. To accomplish my hopes & dreams, I needed to attend business school.
Why did you choose Indiana Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Indiana University, Kelley School of Business for a wide array of reasons. Indiana has a strong academic program, and they also have elements to their MBA program that other schools do not offer. For example, Kelley has a month long Me, Inc program before classes start, which allows for development of professional and networking skills. In addition to strong academics and rankings, I felt a strong sense of community and belonging at Kelley. The faculty and students are very welcoming and emphasize collaboration over competition.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I think my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2027 is my STEM background and leadership experience. My STEM experience brings a unique contribution to conversations and groupwork, and my peers have been curious to learn more about my experience with genetics. Additionally, I have different leadership experience from management at my previous company to coaching high school sports. I understand the importance of teamwork, and I also understand how utilize team members’ strengths to achieve the best outcome.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am in 3 seconds of a National Geographic documentary on Disney+.
Post-MBA career interests:
Marketing, brand management, product management
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
If I was applying to business school again, I would visit any prospective schools I was interested in. I enjoyed visiting to see campus and meet current students, faculty, and admissions leaders. I could envision myself on campus attending classes and determine if a university was a good fit for me. Additionally, I had the opportunity to become a person rather than an electronic applicant.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would reach out to current students and learn more about the program from their perspective. I only spoke to current students when I visited a campus, and I did not realize I could reach out to current students for a brief networking call. I think it is important to not only learn about the program, but it is also important to engage with current students to discover the atmosphere and community feeling. Business school is not only about academics, but it is also about networking and collaboration. You want to feel like you belong at whichever school you attend, and current students are a great resource for determining this.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
During the application process, I wish I could have skipped the personal essay portion. I struggled with wanting to say the right thing and stand out amongst the crowd of applications. I overcame this challenge by talking with my colleagues and receiving feedback from family members. With their help, I realized what made me unique and why admissions would find my story interesting.
What is your initial impression of the Indiana Kelley students/culture/community?
My initial impression of Indiana University Kelley was amazement of how welcoming and helpful everyone is. Both faculty and current students were welcoming and genuinely interested in my career goals and aspirations. Without hesitation, faculty and students helped connect me with others who helped me answer specific and personal questions I had about Kelley. During my visit, I was surrounded by very bright and intelligent individuals without feeling an air of poshness or intimidation. I easily imagined myself as a Kelley MBA student sitting in the classrooms, collaborating on group projects, and networking with confidence.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I joined the Center for Brand Leadership due to my interest in marketing and brand management. I am hoping to also join the Kelley Women in Business because I love empowering women and encouraging women to take on leadership roles. Additionally, I am hoping to join Hoosier Hosts to pay it forward and be a resource for prospective students to meet with and encourage to attend Kelley.
What is one thing you have learned about Indiana Kelley that has surprised you?
I have been surprised by the alumni base and networking opportunities. Kelley has a >137,000 alumni base, and every alumnus I had the opportunity to meet with has been a wealth of information. I have really enjoyed networking with Kelley alums, and they have been very supportive and eager to help.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
For my first year, I am most excited for my academy and academy week. Kelley has a unique program integrated into the curriculum called “Academies.” Every student selects an academy they are interested in, which facilitates further career development. I selected the “Consumer Marketing Academy” due to my interest in marketing and brand management. For academy week, the academy members will visit various companies to hear from their employees. I am thrilled for the opportunity to meet with different businesses and professionals in the field and learn firsthand how topics in the classroom are applied in industry. My background is in biotechnology, so I have a limited view of how businesses operate. The best way to learn is to leave the classroom and experience the lessons firsthand.
