Hello, Poets&Quants Readers! I am excited to share some of my experiences within the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and provide a little insight into my life as an undergraduate student at Kelley.
1) What is something you should know about me?
I am a people-oriented person. I believe prioritizing relationships and loving people well is one of the most important things you can do. People remember how you make them feel!
2) Why did you pick the Kelley School of Business?
In-State tuition is, of course, very appealing. However, the opportunities, prestige, and community of Kelley really made my decision easy.
3) How did you navigate picking your major/minor?
I do not have the greatest passion for numbers, but I enjoy being creative and approach business with a people-first perspective. As a result, marketing and international business just made sense!
4) What are you currently involved in?
I like to spread my involvement across campus. I won’t detail my full extracurricular roster, but most notably, I currently serve as Vice President of New Member Experience for my Social Sorority and First Year Engagement Lead for Kelley Student Government. I am also a member of the Culture Subcommittee for IU Dance Marathon’s Hospital Relations Committee.
5) What’s the biggest surprise you’ve had in regards to Kelley?
I was very surprised at how much older students are willing to network with and mentor younger students.
6) What is your biggest Kelley “Hot Take”?
This is controversial within Kelley, but I prefer Google Sheets over Excel.
7) What would you tell your former self at the beginning of your Kelley Career?
Get involved early – and your freshman year GPA matters!
8) Best piece of Kelley-related advice you’ve received?
Don’t underestimate the power of your network! A friend of a friend may have an internship with a company you’re interested in. Don’t be afraid to reach out!
9) Best piece of advice you could give?
Listen to the people who have “done it” before. Older students have more experience and possess a different perspective. Listen to what they have to say and use their advice in your own Kelley career!
10) What is your best interview tip you’ve learned throughout your time at Kelley?
Whether it is through an application or interview, you really stand out if you can authentically communicate your value and connect with others.
11) After you graduate, what would you like to be remembered for?
I would like to be remembered as someone who contributes to making people feel included and valued within the Kelley community.
12) What is your favorite class within Kelley and why?
It’s hard to choose, but one of my favorite classes was definitely my freshman year Business Presentations class, C104. The class is very collaborative and you work on group projects with real-world applications. This class definitely made me a more confident public speaker!
13) How would you describe your favorite Kelley professors?
My favorite professors – Dawn Wisher, Keith Dayton, and Kari Johnson – are dynamic professors and care about us both in and out of the classroom.
14) What are you most excited about at this time in your life?
Big picture, I am incredibly excited to go abroad during my second semester. On a day-to-day basis, my extracurricular activities keep me very engaged in the Kelley and IU communities, so I am always looking forward to something new!
15) Best ways to recharge/decompress?
Kelley really values self-care! Depending on my mood, I like to decompress in our Student Life Offices by spending time with my friends or by taking some alone time outside. IU’s campus is beautiful!
16) How would you describe the Kelley Community in 3 words?
Driven, Compassionate, Proactive.
17) What is something that currently inspires you?
I am currently inspired by the work I do with new members in Kelley Student Government and my sorority. Their enthusiasm and openness inspire me to cultivate growth and create engaging programming for them!
18) Favorite Kelley Student Organization and why?
I cannot speak highly enough about Kelley Student Government. The leadership, mentorship, and connections I have gained as both a member of the Executive Team and General Delegate have completely shaped my Kelley career!
19) Greatest life lesson you’ve learned within Kelley?
Relationships are not always based on proximity or shared background. People want to connect Be the person to reach out!
20) An affirmation to share for the day?
You are wholly capable of taking on anything the day brings!
Madeline Heath is a third-year at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business where she is majoring in Marketing and International Business and minoring in Studio Art. Maddie is passionate about the Kelley community and devotes much of her time to Kelley Student Government where she has served as Director of Student Life and currently serves as First Year Engagement Lead. A creative at heart, Maddie believes in the power of an imaginative approach and is excited to share favorite experiences and insights about Kelley with you!