Meet The Indiana Kelley MBA Class of 2017

Drew Brown

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business

Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa

Undergraduate School and Major: Iowa State University, Aerospace Engineering

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Project Engineer at Compressor Controls Corporation

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? In life we only have limited time. Set a study schedule and stick to it. The more you skip study sessions, the easier it is to skip the next study session. Conversely, the closer you stick to your schedule, the easier it becomes. As you progress throughout your study sessions, constantly review your progress and adjust what you’re studying based on your results so you’re able to maximize your score in the amount of time you have to study.

Based on your own selection process, what advice do you have for applicants who are trying to draw up a list of target schools to which to apply? Rather than looking at schools first, look long term at industries and markets you’re interested in first. Once you’ve done that, look at who recruits at the different schools on your list. While you can certainly land a job with any company regardless if they recruit on campus, it’s much easier to connect with companies that do recruit directly on campus. After you’ve narrowed your list, visit those campuses. It’s much easier to get a true feel for a culture face-to-face than it is on a website.

What advice do you have for applicants in actually applying to a school, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf? Start the process early. You can narrow your target list year-round and begin collecting application materials very early. Most schools will release their essay questions well before any deadlines. The earlier you work on the application process, the easier the process will be. Your recommenders will appreciate the extra time and so will you when the deadlines approach!

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? When I stepped foot on campus at Indiana University, I felt right at home. It was clear that everything the marketing material said was authentic – the collaborative culture was immediately evident and consistent throughout faculty and students alike.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? I’m eager for a consulting trip in which I will be immersed in Ghanaian business over spring break this coming March. As I firmly believe Africa is the next frontier of business, this unique trip will be an once-in-a-lifetime chance to practice business in Africa before pioneering business opportunities there in the future.