Meet the Indiana Kelley MBA Class of 2018

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Adriane (AJ) Coldman

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: An ambitious adventurer, who approaches life with conviction and a smile.

Hometown: Houston, TX

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love teaching ESL and earned a TEFL certification to teach abroad.

Undergraduate School and Major: The Ohio State University, BSBA in Marketing and Logistics

 

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc

  • Vehicle Distribution Administrator (2013-2016)
  • Sales, Marketing, and Service Management Trainee (2012)

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: During my time at Toyota, my biggest accomplishment was successfully managing dealer vehicle allocations for 14 U.S. regions and Toyota Mexico and launching over nine vehicle allocation systems that streamlined operations efficiencies and directly impacted dealer profitability. This experience equipped me with the ability to quickly analyze problems, provide accurate solutions, and develop trusting relationships with internal customers.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? I would advise future applicants to start preparing for the process at least a year before applying, perhaps even longer. Do not underestimate how much time it takes to build a solid application. Give yourself enough time before admissions deadlines so that if you run into complications, like needing to gather more recommendations or retaking either the GMAT or GRE, you can do so comfortably. In addition, start researching and visiting schools early. I attended many events like MBA Tour, Forte Forum, and school preview days that allowed me not only to get familiar with different programs, but to establish multiple connections with admissions officers, current students, and alumni. Also, if possible start saving money as soon as there is an inkling that you may want to apply. This helps to manage the costs of applying, visiting schools, moving to school, and covering living expense while in school. Lastly, donā€™t forget to breathe. Applying to business school is a grueling process, but you will make it to the other side if you breathe and embrace the process.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I chose The Kelley School of Business for the consumer marketing program and its strong recruiting ties to the consumer packaged goods industry. I ultimately want to transition my career into brand management and was thrilled that the Consumer Marketing Academy would allow me the opportunity to work with reputable companies to solve current consumer issues and gain practical insight into the decisions brand managers make on a daily basis. I knew that Kelley would not only provide me with necessary business fundamentals, but also with the competitive edge that comes from participating in one of their tailored academies.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? My dream job at this point is to become an Associate Brand Manager at a reputable company in the consumer packaged goods industry. I want to create lasting emotional connections between products and consumers and build brands that truly improve the lives and well-being of consumers. As a Kelley student I value healthy competition, collaboration and integrity. After graduating, I want to work for a company that shares similar values, sells products I believe in, and that can ultimately support my growth and development in a challenging and rewarding environment.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? After graduating, I want my peers to say that I made a genuine impact on their lives personally and professionally. I want to be known as a well-rounded leader and colleague who was not afraid to grow, take on uncharted challenges, and humble myself to learn from others. I also want to be known as a mentor and a person that continually gives back and invests in others.

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