Meet the Indiana Kelley MBA Class of 2018

Justin Keating

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: I am a creative, strategic problem solver who is passionate about using data in unexpected ways.

Hometown: Bernardsville, NJ

Fun Fact About Yourself: I brew my own craft beer with my best friend from high school.

Undergraduate School and Major: Boston College, Finance

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Target, Merchandise Planning Business Analyst; Bed Bath & Beyond, Financial Analyst; Wyndham Worldwide, Real Estate Financial Analyst.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: It was being selected by my director at Bed Bath & Beyond to lead the valuation process for offering free shipping online as the company reacted to competition in the marketplace. It was rewarding to influence strategic decision-making at the highest levels of an organization, and putting together my model was a fantastic learning experience that allowed me to collaborate with partners across the company.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? First, know that everything takes longer than you think it will. Start early. On the GMAT, take time to think about what works for you. I found using a tutor to be a better use of funds than taking a structured class. Additionally, the MBA application process is much closer to professional recruiting than the undergraduate application process. Knowing your story, knowing your brand, and networking will get you far.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? Kelley’s focus on personal discovery during the Me, Inc. orientation program was a huge point of differentiation for me. Every other school focused solely on how they help students reach the post-MBA role they desire. This is obviously important, but Kelley was the only school that took the additional step of asking why?

Additionally, every student, faculty member, and even Dean Kesner made me immediately feel comfortable as soon as I stepped onto campus. Kelley and Bloomington already feels like home. 

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? I want to work in a role where I can combine my quantitative and interpersonal skills to make or influence strategic decisions. I want to bring data to processes where it may not already exist. Finance at Amazon seems like a perfect fit.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program?  That I helped them grow in any small way. That I challenged their preconceived notions. That I went out of my way to drive them home in the wee hours, after a long night of group work. That they wouldn’t mind being stuck at an airport bar with me.