Alexis Stanton, Haley Armstrong, Kelley MSM Class of 2026
Age: 22
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Indiana University Bloomington, Public Relations; Minor Psychology
Pre-MSM Work Experience: Brand Ambassador at Revolve, Marketing and Communications Intern at The Frick Collection (Summer 2024), Marketing Intern at K2 Medical Research (Summer 2023), Public Relations Director at Kappa Kappa Gamma (Dec 2022- Dec 2023) See resume for details
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I chose to attend business school because the deeper I got into marketing, the more I realized I needed a stronger business foundation to take it to the next level. I studied communications in undergrad and then had a dual marketing–communications internship at The Frick Collection, which totally shifted my career direction. I fell in love with marketing: the strategy, consumer psychology, and storytelling, but I also noticed the gaps in my business knowledge.
I didn’t just want to be creative; I wanted to understand the analytical and strategic decisions that actually move a business forward. That’s what led me to the MSM program. It was the perfect mix of what I was missing: analytical depth and leadership development all in one place.
Why now? Because this is exactly where my curiosity and long-term goals meet. I’m early in my career, motivated to grow and the MSM program gives me the perfect timeline and environment to become the most well-rounded, impactful version of myself.
Why did you choose Indiana Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Indiana Kelley because it’s a school I genuinely adore and trust. During undergrad, I saw firsthand how strong the Kelley culture is from my friends and how dedicated the faculty and staff are to student success. When I started considering business school, I knew I wanted a place where the resources, support and network were truly unmatched and Kelley is exactly that.
The factors that mattered most to me were the quality of the education, the strength of the career support, and the environment I’d be learning in. Kelley checked every box. I knew I’d get a top-tier, well-rounded business education, but also that I’d be surrounded by people who push you to grow.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
I think my most valuable contribution to the class is the blend of creativity that I bring into every team environment. Coming from a communications background, I’m always looking for the story or the creative angle that can elevate an idea.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I used to run an Instagram collage business in high school where I created custom aesthetic collages for clients. It started as a creative hobby and turned into a mini business!
Post-MSM career interests:
After completing the MSM, my goal is to pursue a role in the luxury beauty or fashion sector, specializing in 360 marketing. I’m especially interested in positions that allow me to integrate consumer insights, creative development, and cross-channel execution into cohesive brand experiences. I’m excited by the challenge of telling stories that feel both strategically grounded and emotionally compelling, and I’m hoping to build a career where I can contribute to brands that define culture and craftsmanship.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
—What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again is stay completely authentic throughout the entire application process. Being genuine in my essays and my interview made the experience not only more enjoyable, but also more reflective of who I am and what I value.
I also treated my interview like a conversation rather than a performance. The program invites you to interview because they already see potential in you, they just want to get to know you on a deeper level. Approaching it with that mindset really helped me relax and show my personality with my interviewer.
—What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would do differently is reach out to current students and alumni much earlier in the process. The conversations I eventually had were incredibly helpful, they gave me a clearer picture of the culture and the workload that came with being a graduate student compared to undergrad. Looking back, I wish I had tapped into that network sooner because those insights made me feel confident and excited about joining the program.
—What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could’ve skipped one part of the application process, it would definitely have been writing and rewriting my essays. I cared so much about getting my story right that I overthought every line and it quickly became the most time-consuming and mentally draining part of the process.
What helped me get through it was the support of my family, especially my brother and best friend. They stood by my side, read through every version, gave me feedback and encouraged me to just take a step back and breathe. Their motivation helped me push past the stress and turn my essays into something I was genuinely proud of and truly reflected me.
What is your initial impression of the Indiana Kelley students/culture/community?
My initial impression of Kelley students was that they’re insanely smart and driven, but in the best, most down-to-earth way. It’s like everyone shows up ready to work hard, support each other and somehow still manage to be tons of fun at 8 a.m. The culture feels ambitious without being intimidating and full of people who actually want to see each other succeed.
What is one thing you have learned about Indiana Kelley that has surprised you?
One thing that surprised me about Kelley is how genuinely supportive the professors are. I knew the academics would be strong, but I didn’t expect professors to personally go out of their way to help you with no questions asked. It’s clear they really care, and that’s something I didn’t realize would make such a big difference. They don’t just teach and disappear, they actually show up for you whether that’s in recruiting or just mentoring through life. And that level of support was way more than I imagined going into the program.
