Meet The Indiana Kelley MBA Class of 2017

Paul Carlson

Paul J. Carlson 

Indiana University, The Kelley School of Business

Hometown: Boise, ID

Undergraduate School and Major: BS Electrical Engineering, University of Notre Dame

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:  US Navy, Civil Engineer Corps

Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division Director

Production Division Director

Resident Officer in Charge of Construction

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? 

  • Prepare by actually taking a formal class either online or in person.
  • Do not skip studying for the section(s) that you believe to be your strength(s).
  • Sign up for the GMAT to commit yourself to taking the GMAT.
  • Consider using your target school application timelines to determine best time to take the GMAT.
  • Construct and stick with a study schedule to ensure that you are prepared for GMAT.
  • Perform multiple practice exams using the limitations as you will encounter when taking GMAT.

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? 

  • Establish priorities for selection given your own personal situation.
  • Involve and request information trusted colleagues, friends, and family.
  • Learn about the companies that hire at the school to help with selection.
  • Take the time to visit the schools in person to help with selection.

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 early and keep yourself on schedule to meet appropriate deadlines.
  • Be genuine and sincere.
  • Understand why you are going back to school and why you want to attend that particular school.
  • Send handwritten “thank you” notes or small gifts to those who write letters of recommendation.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? 

  • I wanted the full-time experience and networking opportunity with peers, companies, alumni, staff, and faculty.
  • I preferred full immersion into the learning experience vice part-time MBA.
  • Veteran’s benefits are outstanding.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? 

  • I want to build the academic foundation for my future career.
  • I want to build lasting relationships with my peers, faculty, and staff to create a stronger personal and professional network.
  • Give back to the institution that has supported my MBA experience.
  • Earn a full-time job in a position and company that I believe will give me personal and professional satisfaction.