Meet the Indiana Kelley MBA Class of 2018

Jackie Doppen

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: I’m a problem solver who is constantly striving to grow and learn.

Hometown: Satellite Beach, FL

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a bit of an adventure-seeker. I’m an advanced certified scuba diver, I’ve ridden an ostrich, I’ve gone extreme caving, and I’ve flown in an aerobatic stunt plane.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Florida, Marketing and Psychology Dual Major

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Darden Restaurants – Marketing Analyst, Yard House

Darden Restaurants – Digital Marketing Analyst, Specialty Restaurant Group

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my career to date would be the successful redesign and launch of the Yard House and Bahama Breeze websites onto the Darden Digital Platform. The role as brand lead for these projects offered me a lot of cross-functional experience and the opportunity to have autonomy in work with major stakeholders in the company.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Look very carefully at who you want to be in 3 years and in 25 years. See where each school’s alumni are now and what their careers eventually become; that is a glimpse into your future if you attend that school. Knowing why that school is the right fit shows in your applications and works well for you in the short term and in the long term. Talk to recruiters and use your network if you need more guidance on school recruiting power.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? Kelley first attracted me because of its strong consumer marketing program and recruiting power with consumer packaged goods companies. The program develops impactful leaders who know how to run a business well, and is a top developer of brand managers. When I met the faculty, staff, and students here, I understood why Kelley has such a strong reputation, and knew that I wanted to be a part of that team.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? After Kelley, I want to work as an Associate Brand Manager for a leading consumer packaged goods company. Procter and Gamble is a great example of a company I would love to work for. The learning culture, paired with a strong emphasis on visionary leadership, is something that appeals strongly to me.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I would like for them to say that I am a leader who brings people up with me.