One student’s path to a master’s in finance and a business career
Not every journey to a Kelley School of Business degree looks the same. For Aidan Cunningham, who will graduate with an MS in Finance from Kelley in May 2025, his experience serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to achieve your goals. Beginning his IU education in 2019, Aidan aspired to earn a degree that would lead to a secure job in Indianapolis after graduation. But like many college students, his educational journey had twists and turns he didn’t expect.
Detoured but determined
Beginning as a mathematics student at IU Indianapolis, Aidan said it felt like he was going in the wrong direction, so he dropped out to enroll in a flight program through Vincennes University. He was inspired by his dad, who works for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to become an air traffic controller and dreamed of soaring to the top. However, after a less-than-ideal experience in the flight program, he decided to reposition himself for success. Though he loved aviation, it no longer aligned with his professional aspirations. Since he already had educational experience at IU, he began exploring the opportunities at the Kelley School of Business in Bloomington. He completed Kelley courses, including I-Core prerequisites, so he could apply for standard admission. But another setback occurred—he didn’t get in.
It was definitely a letdown,” said Aidan. “Not getting in added to the ongoing challenges I had already experienced during undergrad. But I’ve learned that the important thing to do is to not get tunnel vision and to enter through the door that’s available to you in the moment.”
Despite this disappointment, Aidan didn’t waver. He enrolled in IU’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and began studying public finance. While it wasn’t the door he had intended to enter, he recognized the opportunity it provided when he started looking at graduate programs and MS in Finance eligibility. As the only student in Kelley’s MS in Finance program with a background in public finance, Aidan found that his education at O’Neill equipped him with a unique perspective on financial management in government and nonprofit ideologies—areas not typically emphasized in the MSF curriculum. This foundation gave him the tools to approach his MSF experience in a distinct way, enabling him to draw on his diverse education to tackle challenges and opportunities in whatever career path he pursues.
The MSF program appeared to me as the most direct way to get the education I needed,” said Aidan. “I knew that I was going to be challenged but would inevitably come out more knowledgeable and capable to do the work I wanted to do.”
Can you get into finance without a degree in business?
Yes. As Aidan has experienced through the master’s in finance program, Kelley values the resilience and determination of students who’ve forged their own path. Whether your bachelor’s degree is in the arts, sciences, engineering, or—like Aidan—you took a different route during your undergraduate years, Kelley graduate programs welcome the unique perspectives and experiences you bring to the table. Not only does this enhance your experience as a Kelley student, it helps you stand out to future employers.
Having gone through academic hardship, I’ve realized that those challenges can make you more resilient,” said Aidan. “While my journey was difficult—dropping out of two schools and being denied admission to what I thought was next on my plate—I’ve realized that no matter the detour, you’ll end up exactly where you need to be.”
Discover how Kelley’s graduate programs equip you with the tools to succeed, no matter where your journey begins.
Building a strong pathway for career success in business
At Kelley, success isn’t confined to a single route. As Aidan navigated setbacks during his undergraduate years, finding and getting accepted into the MSF program illuminated a pathway uniquely suited to his goals. His journey shows that even when one door closes, another can open to unexpected opportunities.
Since starting his MSF program in the summer of 2024, Aidan has embraced Kelley’s supportive environment, which is designed to help students thrive no matter where they begin. With personalized coursework tailored to his career aspirations and resources like mentorship programs and career services, Aidan has built a pathway that aligns with his vision for the future. One of the pivotal moments in his graduate journey was deciding to run for president of the Graduate Finance Association. After connecting with classmates and understanding their perspectives, Aidan was elected to the position, allowing him to further develop his leadership style and confidence. These experiences have helped him see the possibilities ahead, encouraging him to envision himself reaching the top of his field.
Kelley has shown me that every setback is just a step on the pathway to success,” said Aidan. “With the right support and mindset, I’ve realized that even detours can lead to extraordinary opportunities.”
Learn how to apply to the MSF program.
The Kelley School in Bloomington offers residential, full-time master’s degrees in finance, accounting, information systems, management, and healthcare management. They’re open to all undergraduate majors and most can be completed in as little as one year.
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