Cristian Novoa 

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business

“Restless-brained CX Solution Engineer transforming needs into scalable solutions with relentless curiosity.”

Hometown: Viña del Mar, Chile

Fun Fact About Yourself: At 32, learning I had ADHD was like getting a backstage pass to my brain, where I learned that my hyperfocus and ability to juggle tasks at super speed weren’t just quirks, but superpowers.

Undergraduate School and Major: Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Business Administration

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: SAP, Customer Experience Senior Solution Engineer

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?
Diving into the Business Marketing Academy at Kelley is like hitting the career jackpot for me. It’s where my past work and my big career dreams come together. It offers an immersive environment where I can engage directly with industry leaders who have achieved success in roles I aspire to take on. The program’s emphasis on hands-on learning, including working with real clients and addressing contemporary marketing challenges, provides invaluable practical experience. The mentorship from executives with decades of experience is particularly valuable, offering insights that are both time-tested and forward-looking. This comprehensive preparation is designed to enhance my performance in internships and future positions, fostering both confidence and competence. The Academy isn’t just about networking; it’s about developing into a high-caliber business marketer that organizations actively seek. The skills and knowledge gained here are tailored to ensure I can make a significant impact in the marketplace, positioning me not just to participate in the industry, but to innovate and excel within it.

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? First, Kelley’s Graduate Career Services stand out for their exceptional training and comprehensive support, offering resources from career toolkits to personalized coaching. They excel in helping you deeply understand and articulate your unique story, and they think through every detail of the recruiting process. This thorough approach not only assists with resume-building, but also encourages you to explore roles that truly align with your aspirations and values. This focus on both introspection and practical application is what particularly excited me, as it ensures you’re well-prepared for meaningful career advancements. The program’s reputation for delivering strategic, actionable guidance was a decisive factor in my choice to pursue an MBA at Kelley.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Indiana Kelley? At Kelley, the academic and professional offerings are top-notch, providing a robust foundation for success. In addition to all that, I must confess that the Outdoor Club makes me super excited. To me, this club isn’t just an extracurricular activity; it’s a community where I can bond with fellow nature enthusiasts over mountain biking, hiking, and cozy bonfire gatherings. These activities are not only a blast, but also a way to maintain a healthy life balance and help harmonize my vibrant ADHD brain. Having explored the breathtaking landscapes of the Chilean Patagonia and other national parks back home, I’m eager to discover the natural wonders of the Midwest with peers who share my zest for adventure.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Indiana Kelley was the right program for you? Why? My journey to the MBA was longer than usual. I should have been part of the Class of 2025, but personal circumstances forced me to postpone my plans. Although I had successful applications at other North American programs, Kelley stood out in their response to my situation. From the director of admissions to the executive director, everyone at Kelley showed remarkable understanding. That’s when it really clicked for me: I chose Kelley School of Business because I was treated as a human being. This human-centered approach made me realize that Kelley was where I belonged. In a world of competitive business environments, Kelley reminded me that successful organizations are built on genuine human connections. This wasn’t just about choosing an MBA program; it was about finding a community that aligns with my values and vision for the future. I chose Kelley School of Business because it demonstrated the very principles I hope to embody as a business leader. Even though all companies operate in dynamic and competitive environments, at the end of the day, it’s about people connecting with other people. By choosing Kelley, I’m embracing an approach to business that values human connections as much as bottom lines.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest professional achievement has been establishing myself as a leader in the tech and customer experience industry, especially since I came from a different field and had no technical background.

In 2018, I joined the SAP Sales Academy after a rigorous selection process that involved hundreds of applicants. This prestigious program, held in the Bay Area in San Francisco, was mostly attended by people with tech experience. Despite my only previous experience being in life sciences, I not only got in but was also ranked among the top performers in the program and excelled in the final capstone evaluation globally in my business line. In short, after working in sales, I decided to become a Solution Engineer, where I discovered the world of customer experience from a tech perspective. I became a key figure in Latin America for SAP’s personalization and omnichannel marketing platforms, leading complex proposals from a functional and industry standpoint to deliver valuable solutions to clients. I also trained partners, peers, and clients.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why? My unique strength is my ability to offer fresh insights on complex problems, developed through my varied experiences in life sciences and technology. This diverse background helps me understand and connect technical and non-technical areas. I’m skilled at linking different industries, from retail to utilities, to create innovative and practical solutions. My work with customers across Latin America has given me a global perspective and an understanding of cultural differences. This combination of skills and experiences will help me contribute meaningfully to the Class of 2026 by promoting collaboration, leading cross-disciplinary projects, and bringing a valuable international point of view.

DON’T MISS: MEET INDIANA KELLEY’S MBA CLASS OF 2026