Meet the MBA Class of 2023: Marisa Moran, Indiana University (Kelley)

Marisa Moran

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business

From selling burgers to dinosaurs, I am a marketing pro. But the volleyball court is my home.”

Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Fun Fact About Yourself:  I have taken cooking classes in four different countries. My favorite was making tamales in Mexico City.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Colorado, Boulder, Leeds School of Business, emphasis in Marketing and Human Resource Management

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:  Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, Illinois, Marketing Manager.

In the second half of the year, you will be completing an Academy devoted to areas like Marketing, Finance, Operations, Digital Enterprises and more. Which Academy interests you the most and why? The academy that most interests me is the Consumer Marketing Academy because I want to continue to pursue my passion in promoting memorable brands. The Consumer Marketing Academy at Kelley has great opportunities to connect with marketing professionals in the CPG industry and learn more about marketing with tangible experiences.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Indiana Kelley’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The marketing expertise of Kelley drew me to the program. I wanted to be involved in a school that has rich industry relationships that could help me define my career path. I also was drawn to Kelley because of the amount of attention that the faculty and career services provide to students. The personal connection you have with your professors, alumni and support staff was unparalleled during recruiting and onboarding. I really felt it was a two-way investment in my future from the onset.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Indiana Kelley (and why)?  I am most excited for Global Business and Social Enterprise (GLOBASE). In my career at the Field Museum, I worked on promoting the brand through a lens of supporting science and education while driving revenue. Approaching brands from a triple-bottom line is important for brands that have been shifting importance and spending to support these initiatives over the last few years. I have appreciated seeing this change in messaging and the impact it can have on the larger culture. Being able to apply this mindset to a global business offers an exciting opportunity to learn global values and provide a long-term impact.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:  My biggest career accomplishment is launching the advertising campaign for “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall” exhibition at the Field Museum while we were reopening from our 2021 COVID closure. I worked the previous 18 months to re-define and re-scope our marketing plan, so seeing a campaign go to market was emotional. Having to close our business during the pandemic meant losing teammates to layoffs and slashing our budgets. We maintained our marketing relationships to hold market share, but it was an uphill battle. The perseverance of our team to keep up with the changes and finally have a moment where we could celebrate welcoming guests into the museum was important. I was able to drive ticket sales from early advertising and increase media exposure by working across departments to support the promotion of this show. At the museum, ticket sales mean more than job security, it means sharing science and a love for the natural world with every guest that walks through the door.

How did COVID-19 change your perspective on your career and your life in general?  COVID-19 was mentally challenging while handling family health concerns while working remotely. It changed my working relationships to be much more vulnerable about my needs and the competing demands in my life. Being honest about what our needs are to support our families and mental health is a big shift in working relationships. I had always separated my personal and professional life before. By being able to share my fears and goals with my team, I was able to receive so much support. I hope to see this respect for workplace flexibility and concern for the individual to continue in the future of conducting business.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? I loved working for brands with big personalities. While working for Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, I was able to shape a brand personality that was brash and aggressive. Working with the Field Museum, I was able to articulate an intellectual passionate brand. I love being immersed in these personalities and see them come to life in the market. It is electric. I want to continue to build my marketing career to make a bigger impact and help shape brands that are operating on a global scale. Kelley is a great fit to build my marketing expertise and get exposure to companies that are leaders in consumer marketing.

What other MBA programs did you apply to?  UNC Kenan Flagler, UT McCombs, Michigan Ross

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Indiana Kelley’s MBA program?  My advice for potential applications is to attend virtual conferences and network with the staff and students. They are very responsive and have a genuine interest in seeing you join the program. I sent a thank you email to the Executive Director, Gale, after the Forté Forum and I was so surprised that she not only checked in with me during the application process, but also helped me connect with other students. I was able to visit campus and meet with Gale when I visited Bloomington and it really sealed my impression that the administration wants you to succeed and be a part of the Kelley family. The Forté Foundation is also a great way for women pursuing their MBA to feel supported and create a plan for your application process.

DON’T MISS: MEET INDIANA KELLEY’S MBA CLASS OF 2023