Jake Frego 

Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business

“I am a man of faith committed to serving God and my community through business.”

Hometown: Hudson, Ohio

Fun Fact About Yourself: I enjoy working on my family’s farm in southwest Michigan. The farm is comprised of vineyards, apple orchards, and asparagus fields.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Notre Dame; Finance

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Eli Lilly and Company; Senior Financial Analyst

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: This past spring, I led the Strategic Plan process at Lilly, which yielded internal financial projections through the year 2030. The work of my team guided leadership decisions regarding company strategic focus, preparation for industry change, and investment allocation.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Welcoming. When I visited Bloomington for the ‘Kelley Experience’ weekend, I was struck by the way in which the second-year students genuinely wanted to help me. As I searched for housing, multiple students opened their homes to me on short notice and connected me with their friends.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? I was impressed by the ‘personal touch’ exhibited by Kelley throughout the admissions process. Following the interview day, I received handwritten letters from the Kelley MBAs who had hosted me and the other prospective students. In addition, I found Dean Kesner and her leadership team to be very accessible and generous with their time. These ‘personal touches’ are important because they indicate that Kelley is a place that values each individual and seeks to invest fully in him or her. I am confident that I have found an MBA program that not only is characterized by strong academics and reputation, but that also fosters lasting relationships.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I am particularly looking forward to the Global Business and Social Enterprise (GLOBASE) program at Kelley, through which I will complete a social impact consulting project with my peers. My team will provide a ‘pillar of the community’ business or nonprofit organization in Latin America, Africa or Asia with the tools to tackle its unique challenges. Through my team’s support, the organization will clear barriers to growth, identify opportunities for expansion and best prepare for the future.

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process? “What is your biggest regret in life, so far?” This is a question that requires introspection and vulnerability.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? Now that I have five years of work experience, I am prepared to drive a deeper impact and to assume increasing levels of responsibility. It is also a great time to return to the classroom to learn from the experiences of my peers. An MBA will polish my skills and provide training for effective leadership.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Duke Fuqua, Dartmouth Tuck, Michigan Ross, Northwestern Kellogg

How did you determine your fit at various schools? I largely assessed this via my interactions with current students, particularly in person during campus visits. I asked myself several questions: “Are the representatives of this school humble and do their goals and priorities seem to mesh with my own? How do the students interact…is there evidence of a ‘family’ atmosphere, or is the climate more business-like? And, what does the classroom experience look like? Are students engaged and able to challenge one another in a respectful manner?”  I desired a school with a tight-knit community, so the way in which students treated one another was very important to me. I understood that I would be most supported and challenged in an environment in which my peers know me well and are familiar with my strengths and weaknesses.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? My receipt of the Sacrament of Confirmation in high school. Through this sacrament, one is strengthened by the Holy Spirit to live a Christian life and to use his or her talents for the good of others. The purpose of my work is to serve the Lord by leading and serving others.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? I could see myself in a leadership role at Eli Lilly, as I find much value in the company’s mission; Lilly’s medicines help patients and their families to live healthier and more active lives. Alternatively, I also could see myself in an entrepreneurial role or managing a small business.