Meet the Indiana Kelley MBA Class of 2018

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William “Pat” Corbett

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: A man of conviction, not convenience.

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Fun Fact About Yourself:  I study college mascots, and am particularly interested in mascots that do not end in “s” – (Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Harvard Crimson, Syracuse Orange) – trust me I could go on for a while.

Undergraduate School and Major: Indiana University, Secondary Education

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: US Army, Infantry and Military Intelligence Officer

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:  I spent the first four years of my military career working towards being a Special Forces Operator. During the assessment process, I injured my left leg, and it required multiple surgeries. This ended my career as an operator, and forced me to transition to a less physically demanding branch of the Army. Once I transitioned from the infantry to military Intelligence, I restructured my goals to be an Intelligence Officer for a Special Forces organization. Following multiple interviews and recruiting, my final 18 months in the military was spent within a Special Forces battalion supporting the finest soldiers our nation has to offer.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Looking back at my experience, I would say begin preparing a year before you think that you need to. This will allow for greater flexibility in the GMAT, school visits, and the rest of the intricacies that are inherent to the application process.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA?  As a Soldier, I have traveled the world and the United States. I was ready to come home, and luckily, there was a great business school located near both my wife and my parents’ homes. Furthermore, I love Indiana, both the state and university, and want to be a valuable member to greater Indiana community for years to come.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? Following my MBA and success within the business world, I would like to return to Indiana University and become its Athletic Director. This is a very long-term, aspirational goal, but I have always valued the impact sports can have on an individual and a culture as a whole. Being a leader within this culture would be the most rewarding adventure possible.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program?  He was helpful in all things, and a much more accomplished now than when we began.

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