Aakriti Goyal

Kelley School of Business at Indiana University

“An empathetic and community-oriented leader dedicated to creating a positive impact while pursuing personal growth.”

Hometown: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Fun fact about yourself: I performed at an Indian classical music concert (Tansen Samaroh) that streamed on television during high school.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics – Bachelor of Commerce; Institute of Chartered Accountants of India – Chartered Accountancy; CFA Level II

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? KPMG India – Senior Associate, Transaction Services – Financial Due Diligence

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Ernst & Young, Chicago

Where will you be working after graduation? Senior Consultant in Finance Transformation at Ernst & Young in New York City

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: I have actively participated in various school, leadership, and community extracurricular activities while pursuing my MBA at Kelley. Highlights of my roles include:

• MBA Association Vice President of Corporate and Alumni Relations and student liaison for Graduate Career Services.
• Graduate Assistant for the MBA Consulting Academy, spending an average of twenty hours per week supporting the Academy Director.
• Selected as the project team manager for a consulting project for a company in Botswana. Collaborated with clients remotely for six weeks and then worked with them locally for two weeks during spring break.
• Chosen by faculty as team leader for a consulting project with a Fortune 50 consumer goods company.
• Hoosier Host, where I am a student ambassador for the Kelley MBA program peer coach for fifteen 1st year MBAs, helping them master case interviewing and prepare for consulting interviews.
• Team leader in the 2024 Gilead Pharma Case Competition, where we earned 3rd place out of 110 global teams.
• Forte Fellow with scholarship.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of my proudest achievements during business school was receiving the Kelley Coin for Leadership and Excellence — an honor given each semester to a select group of students who embody Kelley’s core values. What makes this recognition so meaningful to me is that it is awarded through faculty and peer nominations, making it a reflection of the impact I have had on my classmates and the Kelley community. Throughout my MBA journey, my involvement in Consulting Academy, MBAA corporate sponsorship initiatives, and organizing various events allowed me to foster meaningful connections within the community. My goal was always to create a supportive and enriching environment for my peers. Receiving this award reaffirmed my sense of belonging at Kelley – a community that has shaped my personal and professional growth. More than any single achievement, this represents the relationships I built, the trust I earned, and the shared experiences that made my MBA journey rewarding.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? The achievement I am most proud of isn’t a single milestone – I would call it the journey of breaking barriers and proving that where you come from does not define where you can go. Growing up in Gwalior, a small town in India with rooted patriarchal norms, I learned early on that being a girl with ambition meant facing resistance. But with unwavering support from my mother, I defied those expectations. I topped my high school, left home to pursue college in a big city, and became the first woman in my family to study outside our hometown. From there, I became a Chartered Accountant (CPA) and stepped into the corporate world.

While working before my MBA, I often encountered challenges in an environment where taking instructions from a female manager was uncommon. I had to earn respect by demonstrating my skills and competence. Earning my team’s respect was an uphill battle, but by focusing on results and collaboration, we not only delivered impact for our client but also won the Best Team Award. I was also recognized as KPMG’s Best Assistant Manager across the country, a moment that validated years of perseverance. For me, success is not just about individual achievements: it is also about paving the way for others. Whether mentoring young women, advocating for diversity, or helping create opportunities where they didn’t exist before, I take pride in making a difference. That, more than anything, is the achievement I hold closest to my heart.

Why did you choose this business school? I knew I wanted to pursue my MBA, but Kelley stood out to me for three compelling reasons. The first was “Me, Inc.”, a two-week orientation before the start of first-year classes where we reflect on what drives us and what our “dream” career looks like. I was also drawn to the first-year academies which provide us with hands-on industry experience to understand what types of careers and functions are available to us. Finally, while these programs strongly influenced my decision, the tight-knit, collaborative Kelley community is what really drew me to the program. When I was evaluating offers from other business schools, I prioritized culture fit, and Kelley felt different. Every student I spoke with was genuine, supportive, and eager to help, making it easy to envision myself as part of this environment. Beyond the culture, I knew Kelley had the right resources to support my career transition to consulting. And my experience here has only reaffirmed it.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? While I have loved learning from many incredible professors, Greg Fisher stands out as my favorite. He taught strategy during Core (our first integrated semester) and had a unique way of pushing us to think critically, challenge assumptions, and engage in meaningful debates. His direct, actionable feedback has shaped how I approach problem-solving throughout my MBA. What truly set his class apart was the opportunity to hear directly from the company executives and senior leaders after analyzing real business cases. That experience brought strategy to life, offering a holistic view that went beyond theory and into real-world impact.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course at Kelley was the Consulting Academy, and particularly the practicum portion, which was one of the most formative experiences of my MBA. The course was structured around a consulting project with P&G. It gave me and my team the opportunity to apply the tools and skills I had developed in my other coursework to a real-world business challenge.

What made this experience truly impactful was the balance of autonomy and support. The guidance of Professor Scott Laughner, a second-year mentor, and industry professionals gave me a solid foundation heading into my summer internship at EY. It was the perfect bridge between classroom learning and real consulting work, making it one of the most valuable parts of my MBA journey. This year, coming full circle as a second-year mentor for the Consulting Academy, I am leading teams of First-Year MBAs, guiding them through the same challenges I faced last year. This has made the course even more meaningful, reinforcing how the Academy continues to shape future Kelleys, just as it did for me.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? One of my favorite MBA events at Kelley was the Alumni Tailgate, an event that I helped launch this year in my capacity as vice president of corporate and alumni relations at the MBAA – and I hope this tradition continues going forward. This inaugural tailgate united over 200 Hoosiers, including more than 100 alumni from over 10 graduating classes. With grilling, games, music, and a full game-day setup, the event wasn’t just about football – it was about building connections, strengthening our community, and celebrating the Kelley spirit. This tailgate was a reminder of what makes Kelley unique: its people. The support, camaraderie, and energy were unmatched, and I am proud to have helped kickstart a tradition that will continue for years to come.

What is the biggest myth about your school? The biggest myth I think about Kelley is that it is just a marketing school with job placements limited to the Midwest. While Kelley has a strong marketing program (I myself am pursuing a marketing minor), the reality is that Kelleys succeed across industries and across the country. In my opinion, Kelley’s consulting program – including the Consulting Academy and hands-on engagements like GLOBASE and One Kelley – equip students with the skills to thrive in consulting. Our external case competition teams also make a mark, securing recognitions and accolades. I have observed my classmates land their dream jobs, whether in consulting, investment banking, or marketing, and across cities from New York to Los Angeles. Kelleys may move to Bloomington for two years, but we don’t stay here – we make an impact everywhere.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I love most about Bloomington is its charm, especially in the fall. The vibrant red and orange leaves against the limestone buildings make every walk through the campus feel special. The town strikes the perfect balance – it’s lively yet peaceful, with a strong sense of community. Whether it’s the beautiful nature trails or the local food and bar scene, Bloomington has felt like home.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? Suits – While it’s a legal drama, it reflects the realities of business by emphasizing about leadership, mentorship, and the importance of relationships in a high-stakes environment. Harvey Specter’s confidence and strategic thinking are impressive, but the show also emphasizes that true leadership comes from loyalty, teamwork, and lifting others up.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? Kelley has actively integrated AI across various aspects of the MBA experience. Professors incorporate AI-driven tools and case studies in class to ensure we stay ahead in an evolving business landscape. The Graduate Career Services (GCS) team is exploring AI-powered tools to enhance resume reviews and job search strategies. Also, intensive courses like AI in Business offer deep dives into its practical applications. Engaging with AI in these ways has reinforced its growing impact on decision-making, efficiency, and strategic thinking across industries.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I am lucky to be alongside all such accomplished peers, but if I had to choose one classmate I admire most, it would be Emily Meyer. As co-president of Kelley Women in Business Club, she goes above and beyond expectations to make our MBA experience engaging by organizing faculty charity auctions, mentorship events, and a galantine’s dinner. Beyond her leadership, Emily strikes the perfect balance between strategic and creative thinking. She has been a constant source of encouragement, challenging me to grow while always having my back in the program. Sharp, kind, and effortlessly witty, she leads with both intellect and heart, and I am grateful to call her a life-long friend.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

* The top two items on my professional bucket list are, first, to become a partner at a consulting firm. Women are underrepresented in top leadership positions at most firms.

* Second, I want to be a part of or start a social impact venture addressing financial independence for women and/or start-ups. When I graduated from undergrad, I couldn’t have imagined achieving what I have thus far in my career, let alone earning a master’s degree! Life is full of surprises, and I can’t wait for what is next.

What made Aakriti Goyal such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“I have had the privilege of teaching, coaching, and mentoring Aakriti for nearly two years. Simply put, she is the most dedicated student I have worked with during my six years at the helm of our Consulting Academy.

What makes Aakriti such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025 is her unwavering passion to make things better.  She is “all-in” on everything, which has amplified her impact on the Kelley MBA program. Here are a few examples of her “above and beyond” contribution:

* Aakriti utilizes her strong networking skills to connect her classmates with industry leaders, alumni, and potential employers. She attends conferences and represents Kelley at national case competitions, which provide valuable contacts and insights for herself and her classmates. Her willingness to engage in these activities enhances opportunities for the entire class and helps her peers gain a competitive advantage in a challenging consulting job market.

* Aakriti’s passion for learning and personal development inspires her to actively seek opportunities to learn and share ideas with others. Even without being asked by faculty, she organizes workshops, guest lectures, and supplemental lectures for her class. Her enthusiasm for growth encourages other students to pursue their own learning and cultivates a culture of continuous improvement within the class.

* Aakriti routinely prioritizes collaboration over competition to create a more cohesive learning environment. This is evidenced by her actively listening to different perspectives, facilitating study groups, and organizing peer learning sessions.  Her collaborative approach encourages knowledge sharing and ensures that all students feel supported in their journey.”

J. Scott Laughner
Professor and Faculty Director of the MBA Consulting Academy

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