William (Will) Kelly, Notre Dame Mendoza MBA Class of 2027
Age: 32
Hometown: Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Undergraduate Institution and Major: United States Naval Academy, Political Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 6 Years: Aviation Supply Officer, United States Marine Corps and 3 Years: Executive Search Associate at Spencer Stuart in the Technology & Digital Officer Practice
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I initially looked at business schools before leaving the Marine Corps but wanted to gain some civilian experience first. That path led me to Spencer Stuart, where I spent my days evaluating senior executives. The more I analyzed their careers, the more I realized I didn’t just want to assess them, I wanted to walk in their shoes. I saw the specific mix of grit and strategy that defined the leaders I admired, and I decided it was “now or never” to bet on myself and make the pivot.
Why did you choose Notre Dame Mendoza? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Mendoza for its unique balance of intimacy and power. I wanted a smaller cohort where the program invests in us as people, a place students genuinely love to be and that is backed by a brand with global reach. Notre Dame Mendoza’s mission to ‘Grow the Good in Business’ aligns perfectly with the kind of leader I aspire to become, and I wanted to be part of an institution that truly embodies those values
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I’ve always been the person called when there is no playbook. My career has been defined by the phrase, ‘We’ve never done this before, give it to Will, he’ll figure it out.’ I bring a perspective shaped by two distinct worlds: leading Marines in operational execution and evaluating Fortune 500 executives on boardroom strategy.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Before school started, I took a solo trip across Africa and Europe to reset. I went Great White cage diving in South Africa, did a safari in Kenya, and saw the Pyramids. After touring Greece and Italy, I finished the trip in France visiting Versailles and the Normandy D-Day beaches.
Post-MBA career interests:
Operations/General Management in the Tech Sector or a Tech forward company.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely start with the ‘why’ again. I spent time upfront mapping out exactly what I wanted out of a program: the specific skills, the type of community, and the network I needed to build. Because I did that heavy lifting early, the rest of the process felt natural.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have silenced the imposter syndrome earlier. I delayed my application because I questioned whether I had the credibility to compete at this level. I spent too much time wondering if I was good enough, rather than recognizing that my background was an asset. If I could go back, I would tell myself that I belonged in the room much sooner.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The waiting game. There were plenty of anxious calls to friends asking, ‘Okay, but what if I don’t get into the schools I want?’ My support system was crucial in those moments. They reminded me to trust the work I’d put in and that if I’d been my authentic self that was enough. Plus, once you hit submit, it’s out of your hands so you might as well find peace in the process.
What is your initial impression of the Notre Dame Mendoza students/culture/community?
I get it now. I understand why everyone who goes to Notre Dame loves it so much. I admit I was skeptical before arriving but consider the Kool-Aid drunk. It’s a special environment: my classmates are just great people first and foremost, the professors are genuinely invested in you as a person, and the alumni are passionate about the schools and your success.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
Sports Business Club, Technology Club, MBA Veterans Club, and Black Graduates in Management
What is one thing you have learned about Notre Dame Mendoza that has surprised you?
How deep the Notre Dame network goes. You might expect a smaller school to have a limited reach, but the reality is the opposite. The alumni base is incredibly strong, with a global support system that feels much larger.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Our spring ‘Grow Irish’ consulting trip. We’re headed to Galway, Ireland, which is a huge highlight for me. I’ve never been there, so I’m looking forward to combining the consulting work with the chance to cross another country off my travel list!
