When Sophia Jackson was in her third year studying psychology at Indiana University, she began to question her original career plan. Her advisor recommended she consider the Kelley MS in Management (MSM) degree to develop a business foundation that would complement her expertise in human behavior. Now excited to pursue a career in human resources, Sophia joins the inaugural Kelley MSM class in July.
Like Sophia, students with an undergraduate major in the arts, sciences, or engineering can earn a specialized master’s degree at Kelley in as few as 18 months. Students from a nonbusiness background can apply as early as their junior year to the +Kelley program, an accelerated pathway to full-time Master of Science degrees in accounting, finance, information systems, management, or healthcare management. This summer, Sophia is enrolled in Jumpstart, a boot camp preparing her for academic success in a rigorous graduate business program, and she’s sharing the path that led her to Kelley:
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree at Kelley?
“I took an undergraduate course in the psychology of the workplace and realized there are connections to the business side of human resources. I felt that with a background in human behavior and emotional intelligence, I could add business skills and become a leader in human resources for the healthcare industry. My dad always said to me, ‘Education is your access to open doors,’ and we agreed that the Kelley name carried weight to boost my career farther and faster. I spoke with Gabe Sheir of the +Kelley program, and he told me about the supportive Kelley alumni network. That conversation sealed the deal.”
What are you hoping to gain from the Kelley MSM?
“I’m excited to take the Management Foundation course and business core courses, like Business of Technology and Spreadsheet Modeling, to diversify my hard skills. Next fall, I’m enrolled in a course to develop my soft skills in leadership, persuasion, influence, and negotiation. I’m looking forward to making in-person connections with Kelley faculty and hope to build authentic relationships with Kelley alumni working at the company where I want to be. My dream role is to be the director of human resources for a medical company or a hospital.”
What excites you about Kelley Graduate Career Services?
“This summer, even before starting the program, I’ve met Kelley career coaches. They’re working with MSM students on topics like behavioral interviewing and how to appropriately reach out to alumni and recruiters. They’re knowledgeable about the whole hiring process, from interviewing to negotiating to accepting a job.”
Is there anything that surprised you about the admissions process?
“The whole process was smooth and seamless, and I heard back very quickly.”
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