Meet our Kelley Direct Ambassadors and find out what it’s like to be in an online MBA program that doesn’t feel like one

Why did you choose Kelley Direct for your online MBA?

I wanted a program that offered me the flexibility of getting my degree without putting my life on hold. With a demanding job, extracurricular activities, and family, I needed a program that could meet me where I was, and Kelley strives to meet the challenge. The blend of asynchronous coursework with interactive group projects, weekly live classes, and stimulating class discussions allows me to gain the rigor of an academic setting while fitting it all into my busy schedule.

As a hands-on learner, I wanted a program with live classes rather than self-paced, recorded videos. Kelley Direct is one of the few online programs that offers live, interactive classes, allowing me to build meaningful relationships with classmates and professors, engage more deeply with the material, and apply applications to real-world scenarios. I also wanted a program that was forward-thinking and committed to preparing its students for emerging technologies. Kelley consistently meets this challenge with offerings like the free GenAI certificate course, ensuring students are equipped to navigate new challenges in the business world.

Additionally, Kelley Direct offers valuable in-person opportunities, such as the required Kelley On Campus (held twice during the MBA) and global immersion programs. These experiences allow students to apply their learned materials in domestic and international organizations, capturing Kelley’s clear commitment to education and learning rather than simply obtaining your degree.

What advice do you have for someone considering an online MBA program? What should they look for?

1. Know your why: Online MBAs vary in their program offerings and it’s important to know what you are specifically looking for. Do you want an online MBA to advance in your current company? Do you want to launch your own business and need to build your business and entrepreneurial acumen? Do you want to refine your expertise in a specific concentration or specialty? Once you identify your why, you’ll be able to narrow down the best reason and fit for you. For me, I wanted an environment that bridged my analytical gaps, gifted me with the acumen to launch my own business, and surrounded me with equally ambitious doers.
2. Know the expectations of the program: Kelley Direct will require you to put in the work! It’s not about just attending class to check a box. Here, classes are interactive (where professors love to cold call and play devil’s advocate) and assignments involve immersive Harvard case studies, exposing you to real-world scenarios. Additionally, you will have deliverables outside of the classroom, such as discussion posts, group projects, and exams, all designed to challenge you to learn and produce the best version of yourself.
3. Other worthwhile considerations: I would recommend learning more about the networking and career services offered in programs and whether they align with your areas of interest. Additionally, I would identify the financial assistance options that you could benefit from.

How would you describe the Kelley Direct student community?

This is a community of ambitious, friendly, supportive, and inquisitive students keen to collaborate with each other and make lasting friendships. At Kelley Direct, students are excited to learn from the wealth of expertise available, reflected in engaging classroom discussions and traditions like the Kelley Clap, applauding at the conclusion of classes to celebrate the acquisition of new knowledge.

With its commitment to meaningful connections, friendships don’t end after class assignments conclude. For example, my first group assignment led to a lasting friendship where we coined ourselves ‘the original trio cohort’ and frequently share updates from snowstorms to exciting life milestones. This sense of camaraderie extends to the active WhatsApp groups, where students connect about classes, potential references, and weekend plans, as well as to the Kelley alumni portal, where students can connect with mentors, classmates, and alumni.

How do you balance going to school, and working full time, and anything else (parenting, hobbies, etc.)?

To quote the honorable Elle Woods, “What, like it’s hard?” Yes. Yes, it absolutely is, but with a bit of strategy, dedicated study time, sense of humor, and plenty of coffee, it’s highly achievable. Your professors understand that you’re juggling a lot outside of school and will strive to be as flexible and supportive as they can. I’ve seen them offer extensions, encourage students to eat dinners during class, celebrate guest appearances by furry friends and family members, and schedule one-on-ones to ensure students are fully supported.

Why did you choose Kelley Direct for your online MBA?

Admittedly, the consistent #1 rankings speak for themselves. Also, as a manager of software engineering, I was particularly attracted to the major in digital technology management. But I chose Kelley Direct specifically because it emphasizes that you are part of the Indiana University community, not an appendage to it. The in-residency requirements, which are a program highlight, clearly reflect this. Furthermore, the academic rigor, curriculum, and quality of the faculty (my finance professor was even an associate dean) are not only directly analogous to the full-time program, but also unequalled by any other online MBA program.

What advice do you have for someone considering an online MBA program? What should they look for?

I would ask primarily what you are hoping to achieve out of an online MBA. Are you looking to deepen your business knowledge? Advance in your career? Make a pivot? Once you answer that question, I recommend squaring the resources you need to achieve these goals with what particular programs offer. For example, I would examine the curriculum to see if it provides an adequate academic foundation for your long-term goals, as well as the quality of career support available. There are many online MBA programs out there that vary wildly in the quality of what they offer, so you need to apply a very critical lens to them before you make a decision.

How would you describe the Kelley Direct student community?

I am constantly humbled by how inclusive and supportive the Kelley Direct community is. Your peers genuinely want you to succeed and are eager to help you. Jumping on Zoom calls to bounce ideas off each other, validate understanding, or even just share our triumphs and struggles are the norm, not the exception, in Kelley Direct. In fact, I would argue that it is nearly impossible to navigate this program without making long-lasting friendships. As a real-world example, my son was born about six months into the program. After we returned from the hospital, a classmate sent a mammoth Costco haul to my front door—premade meals, fruits, vegetables, snacks, rotisserie chickens, you name it—to support us during the newborn phase. If that does not show the quality of the student community, I do not know what does.

How do you balance going to school, and working full time, and anything else (parenting, hobbies, etc.)?

I cannot deny that balancing everything demands a high amount of effort and planning. But if you stay current with your classwork, as well as set expectations of the demands on your time with friends, family, and coworkers, it is certainly doable. I have three children under the age of five, but the program has not prevented me from spending quality time with them and tucking them into bed every night. I find it particularly helpful to remember that I want to be in this program, and therefore it is not something that is imposed on me, but something I willingly choose because it satisfies my intellectual curiosity and provides a foundation for career growth. Furthermore, the program had a natural tendency to force me out of time-wasting habits, which opened more capacity for my coursework and personal life. That said, it is still important to take care of yourself. I recommend you intentionally carve out time to do something you love every week; you’ll never appreciate that thing more.

Why did you choose Kelley Direct for your online MBA?

I wanted an MBA program that gave the in-person experience in a format that fit my schedule. Having completed my bachelor's online, I knew I wanted a more interactive setting for my MBA. Kelley provided that and more. Being part of a program with such an expansive alumni network also meant gaining access to a community of experienced professionals across industries who are willing to share insights, mentor, and support one another. That sense of connection, combined with Kelley’s reputation for strong academics and collaborative learning, made it clear that Kelley Direct was the right place for me to continue developing both personally and professionally.

What advice do you have for someone considering an online MBA program? What should they look for?

First, make sure the program offers specializations or electives that align with your career goals. An MBA is a big investment of time and money, so it’s important that the coursework helps you build the specific skills you want to develop. Second, understand the workload and time commitment. Even in an online format, MBA programs can be demanding, so you want to be realistic about how it will fit into your professional and personal life. Finally, pay attention to the overall feel of the program. Get a feel for how collaborative it is, how engaged the students and faculty are, and whether the culture matches how you like to learn. The community and interaction can make a huge difference in your overall experience.

How would you describe the Kelley Direct student community?

I’ve felt extremely supported within my cohort from the very beginning. Even though the program is online, there’s a strong sense of collaboration where we regularly lean on each other to work through assignments, share ideas, and help each other succeed. That level of support really creates a tight-knit environment. Over time, those interactions go beyond just coursework. It genuinely feels like I’ve made lifelong friends through the program.

How do you balance going to school, and working full time, and anything else (parenting, hobbies, etc.)?

Balancing school, work, and everything else definitely takes intentional planning. I try to stay disciplined with my schedule and block out time during the week that’s dedicated specifically to coursework. At the same time, I’ve learned to be flexible and give myself some grace when things get busy. The support from my cohort also helps a lot as we’re all juggling similar responsibilities, so we lean on each other to stay motivated and get through the tougher weeks. It’s not always easy but having a clear goal for why I’m pursuing the MBA makes it worth the effort.

Why did you choose Kelley Direct for your online MBA?

Kelley’s reputation and ranking were definitely the initial allure for me to the program. Beyond that, what stood out in comparison to the competition was flexibility in live/offline content and elective coursework. These attributes are really unique and allow for you to truly “choose your own (MBA) adventure” above and beyond other programs. Additionally, the in-person opportunities to connect with students and professors throughout the experience were a game changer and really distinctive from other programs. Finally, the faculty resources are unparalleled. I have regular meetings with my academic advising team to review my courses, field questions on maximizing my MBA, and get objective feedback on managing workplace scenarios as I look to grow in my current role.

What advice do you have for someone considering an online MBA program? What should they look for?

Definitely go into the process knowing why you want an MBA now and what you hope to achieve as an outcome of this commitment. It helps to not only assist you in discussions during the application process, but also helps to garner support from your family and co-workers as they seek to understand for themselves. To this end, having some personal “cheerleaders” among your family, friends, and/or co-workers who you can depend on as outlets for sharing stories and takeaways during your MBA journey boosts mental health and confidence.

How would you describe the Kelley Direct student community?

Following my Kelley On Campus experience (which was an outstanding kickoff to my MBA journey), I have been really fortunate to have multiple “study buddy” group texts and Zoom session partners to keep engaged, motivated, and excited about progress we are making during our time at Kelley. I have tremendous respect for my classmates, and we really lift each other up each week to stay on top of our coursework together. Beyond the classroom, the affiliate groups such as KD Pride have also been an awesome resource for building camaraderie and growing my professional network during my time at Kelley. There really are infinite outlets to learn from your classmates, and I will gladly call many of them my friends during and well after this experience.

How do you balance going to school, and working full time, and anything else (parenting, hobbies, etc.)?

First, trust the process. Your Kelley professors have been through this before and are always looking out for you. They want you to be successful in their course and the program at large. The curriculum between courses is balanced so that you can toggle between major deliverables for courses without getting overwhelmed, if you follow the advice of your professors. Personally, I set up a white board in my home office to outline what I want and need to achieve on a daily basis every week to help keep me organized and on task. Finally, I will say again how critical it is that you communicate clearly and consistently with your spouse, family, and/or friends what you need to be successful in terms of personal time to manage your MBA deliverables. If you are open and honest about what you need to get done so others can manage their expectations and help take care of your kids, pets, etc. while you need to study, that helps tremendously as you transition to being a student once again.