Roy Riezman, Kelley MSM Class of 2026
Age: 22
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio. Originally Israel
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Indiana University, Management and human organizations with an entrepreneurship minor
Pre-MSM Work Experience: International expansion consultant (2 yrs). Internships: Eurasian Capital: Private Equity Intern (1 yr), ThriveDX(now IronCircle): Revenue Operations and Marketing Intern (1 yr), Solutech.ai: Marketing and Sales operations specialist (1 yr)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
With aspiration to work in strategy consulting or venture capital, I wanted to have the best tools to help companies succeed. Having professors who come from my desired industries and share their insights is something I found very valuable. Through my internships and work experience, I’ve seen understood how competitive and fast-paced the business world can be, especially in industries like venture capital, consulting, and technology. I realized that to excel in these environments, I need to strengthen the skills that lead to better decision-making and real-world impact.
After learning more about the MSM program, it felt like the perfect combination of finance and entrepreneurship, two areas I’m passionate about. The program’s emphasis on real-world consulting experience stood out to me, as it offers the opportunity to learn by doing. This is also the right time for me because I’ve reached a point where I understand my strengths and recognize the areas I still need to develop. Pursuing a master’s in management allows me to combine theory with practice and refine the skills that will help me succeed in the industries I’m excited to enter.
Why did you choose Indiana Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Indiana Kelley after speaking with faculty and seeing how strong Kelley’s strategy and management departments are. All professors come with industry and research experience, which makes learning from them feel like a true privilege. Another reason I chose Kelley is its commitment to staying ahead through innovation. At Kelley, AI is a big part of the curriculum, which reflects how forward-thinking the program is, preparing us for the future of business. Lastly, the “learn by doing” approach resonated with me, and all in altogether it seemed like a great fit for me and my career future.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
I believe my most valuable contribution to the class is my global perspective and ability to connect ideas across cultures and industries. I was born in Israel and later moved to the United States, which allowed me to grow up in a multicultural environment. Over the years, I’ve built on that experience by interning at a private equity firm in New York, working at a cybersecurity company in Israel, and helping startups expand into the U.S. market. These experiences taught me how to think creatively, operate in global markets, and approach challenges from multiple angles.
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 love windsurfing before moving to the United States.
Post-MSM career interests:
After completing my MSM degree, I look forward to pursuing a career in strategy consulting or venture capital. Both paths align with my passion for helping companies grow. Strategy consulting excites me as it requires me to be an analytical problem solver, using creativity and collaboration. I love seeing tangible results, tackling hard business problems, and being able to be a part of developing strategies that drive growth is what excites me. Venture capital connects with my passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. Having worked with both investors and founders, I’ve seen the impact that strategic capital and mentorship have on a company’s success. Whether I start in consulting or venture capital, my goal is to build a career that challenges me to think critically, work across industries, and create meaningful value for organizations and people.
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 attend the events where you get the chance to meet faculty and current students. Those conversations gave me an understanding of the program’s culture, teaching style, and after speaking with faculty, you really get the chance to see why they believe this program could be a good fit for you.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I could change one thing about my application experience, it would be to start the application process earlier. I applied towards the end of the application; applying early and knowing this program is an option early on can be very helpful when weighing the options.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I don’t think I would skip anything. The adjustment to master’s-level classes was challenging, but it was necessary for my growth. Having days that were longer and busier than in undergrad has been great preparation for the professional world, and I’ve gained a lot from the experience both academically and personally. At the same time, it helped me build strong relationships with my cohort members. The challenges we faced were worth it for the learning and camaraderie that we got from it.
What is your initial impression of the Indiana Kelley students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Kelley community is that it’s very supportive, collaborative, and driven. The professors are deeply invested in helping students succeed, and the program fosters close relationships and really feels like a place where everyone wants to see each other win.
What is one thing you have learned about Indiana Kelley that has surprised you?
One thing I’ve learned about Kelley is how deeply invested the professors are in helping students succeed, no matter which path we choose to pursue. Being a masters student offers academic guidance but also create an environment that encourages meaningful relationships. Being in a program where I take the same classes with around 30 people every day has allowed me to form close friendships, making school much more enjoyable. The classroom atmosphere is collaborative and engaging, there’s a strong sense of community that is very helpful and makes the program very enjoyable.
