Meet the Indiana Kelley MBA Class of 2018

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Shayna Kuper

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Ambitious, energetic, marketing professional with a passion for integration and a drive for excellence.

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

Fun Fact About Yourself: I grew up idolizing Diana Taurasi and now our dogs are friends.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Arizona, Major: Marketing

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Campaign Marketing Consultant (Microsoft/SMB), Insight Global

Client Services Manager (Action Sports & Olympians), Wasserman Media Group

Sr. Marketing Manager, WNBA Phoenix Mercury / NBA Phoenix Suns

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The most rewarding accomplishment in my career thus far was in the summer of 2014 when I was the senior marketing manager for the Phoenix Mercury. I was a core contributor on a small team that planned and executed the 2014 WNBA All-Star game from start to finish. I oversaw the strategy behind our marketing plan, ticket sales tactics, community outreach, season ticket holder inclusion, in-arena giveaways, downtown signage, promotions and more.

The rush of excitement I felt each time one of our ideas came to fruition was indescribable: a 72 foot banner draped over the side of a downtown building; the mayor declaring 1st street All-Star Way; the online hub that generated tens of thousands of views; and, of course, setting the league record for tickets sold. But the most gratifying feeling of all was watching the sense of ownership I helped instill within my fellow employees develop into a deep passion for the Mercury team and fan base.

After the All-Star Game ended and the sold-out crowd cleared out of the arena, all I could do was smile. Over the years Iā€™ve had a lot of great memories on the Mercury court, but in that moment I had never felt more accomplished or eager for my next challenge.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? The GMAT can be very intimidating. Depending on your background, you might come across a topic that you havenā€™t seen or used in over a decade. The trick is to break each question down to the fundamentals. There are only a handful of different types of problems covered on the test. If you can begin to notice the patterns that emerge in each category, you will be one step closer to determining the correct answer. Another piece of advice is to go into the test knowing that the GMAT is a mind game. Sometimes knowing the material is only half the battle. You have to use your mental strength to keep yourself off tilt, focus only on the problem in front of you and learn how to manage your clock efficiently. To help train your brain for test day, I suggest simulating a real test environment multiple times at home. It is tedious but it will pay off.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? The Kelley School of Business is highly accredited for its academic excellence, world-class faculty, career placement statistics and outstanding relationship with hiring companies. But what ultimately led me to choose this program for my MBA was the people. Even before I stepped foot on campus for my admissions interview, I had current and recent alumni reaching out and lending their support. I could feel the tradition of excellence behind the Kelley brand immediately and knew I had found my home. Most top programs claim to have a ā€œcollaborative cultureā€ but at Kelley, it is more than just the culture, you are truly part of a family.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? I can describe the key elements that exist at my dream job. However, the logo of said company is currently out of focus. I do know that I want to manage a brand that I am passionate about, work alongside intelligent people that inspire me, and be challenged to excel beyond the status quo. My dream company is committed to equality, provides its employees with the opportunity to make a true impact, and has an innovative spirit. Kelley prides itself on having each student write their own definition of success, and I know with the help of my classmates, faculty and staff that I will uncover the blurred logo in my head and discover the path to my dream job.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? Fun-loving, passionate, life-long friend.

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