Real Humans of Indiana Kelley MBA Class of 2028

Megan Collins, Indiana Kelley MBA Class of 2028

Age: 27
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Butler University. Critical Communications and Media Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Marketing Operations Manager at a Non profit called Overdose Lifeline for 4 years. Licensed Realtor with FC Tucker Company 2 years 

Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided I wanted to make a career shift and dive deeper into the real estate industry. Since I don’t come from the traditional finance background that is often expected in commercial real estate, I saw going back to school as an opportunity to build those skills and strengthen my overall business knowledge. At the same time, I had reached a crossroads in my career where I felt ready for a new challenge. Pursuing an MBA felt like the natural next step to help me make that transition and prepare for a long-term career in commercial real estate.

Why did you choose Indiana Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Kelley because staying close to my family in Indianapolis was really important to me. My boyfriend is also in the law program at IU, so Kelley gave us the opportunity to be in Bloomington together while still being close to our families. The quality of the education compared to the cost was also a major factor in my decision. Kelley offered the combination I was looking for: a highly respected MBA program, an affordable investment, and the ability to stay close to the people who are important to me. Overall, it felt like the right fit both personally and professionally.

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
There are very few people in my program who are interested in real estate, and I’m currently the only woman pursuing that path. It has been really rewarding to be surrounded by a small group of motivated, highly accomplished women who are also preparing to enter traditionally male-dominated industries. There’s a strong sense of support and shared ambition, and it makes you feel proud to be in that room and to be part of a group of women who are pushing into spaces where we’ve historically been underrepresented.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application: 
I play the cello 

Post-MBA career interests:
Commercial Real Estate Developement 

Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I think that being your authentic self is the best thing that you can do. If you don’t hit it off with the people in your interviews then the program probably isn’t for you, and that’s okay! Enjoying the people and meshing with the community is just as important as the education. You have to spend two years in that setting so be yourself in the interview and the application process and the rest will come. If you have a gut feeling about a specific program, listen to it, you’re probably right. 

–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have stressed a lot less about being perfect in my admissions interview. I spent quite a bit of time trying to teach myself interview strategies and the right questions to ask. At the end of the day, those are the things that they teach you in the MBA so they know you aren’t going to be perfect and they don’t expect that either. 

–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could pick and choose, I probably would skip my quant class. I don’t enjoy the subject so I find it a little difficult. I found it really helpful to find the people in my class who really enjoyed the subject and asked them to help me study and run practice problems. Working with someone who enjoys the subject you’re struggling in can make it a lot more fun.

What is your initial impression of the Indiana Kelley students/culture/community?
Right off the bat I felt very welcomed into the community. Our cohort ended up being smaller than past years so we have had the opportunity to get to know everyone. It really feels like everyone is genuinely excited to be here and grow with and support one another. 

What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I plan on joining the Real Estate Club to engage with people who are also in that industry and lean into the opportunities and connections that it might bring. 

What is one thing you have learned about Indiana Kelley that has surprised you?
How willing our professors are to support us, not only in the classroom, but professionally and personally as well. Some who have shared interests come to the club meetings or are quick to connect you with a business contact they have. The professors are very hands-on in the program outside of the classroom and I think it just adds to what makes the Kelley community so welcoming and special. 

What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am really excited to connect with my classmates and take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. Part of why you go back to school is to explore your personal interests but also the interests of those around you. I want to branch out of my comfort zone and join a new club or learn a new skill that I might not have had the opportunity to do elsewhere.