In the days leading up to the IUPUI Top 100 Outstanding Students Recognition Dinner, we will be featuring the Kelley students who have been named among IUPUI’s Top 100 students in 2019.
What has been your favorite experience so far at Kelley?
Devi: Being a part of Kelley Honors, as it helped me establish a closer connection to the Kelley School of Business and contributed to my personal growth. Through this remarkable program, I gained a community and met some of my best friends in college.
What has been your favorite class and why?
Kelley offers multiple exceptional courses, but if I had to decide on one favorite, it would be BUS-Z404 (Effective Negotiations). The class left me with several key takeaways and skills that I know I will use in my post-grad life. I’d honestly recommend this class to every Kelley student! Negotiations aren’t restricted to the board room; you will find yourself needing to negotiate unexpected details in life.
If you had to pick one professor who has impacted you the most while at Kelley, who would it be?
I’ve had the privilege of having so many remarkable professors that have impacted my time at Kelley - Charlotte Westerhaus-Renfrow, Judith Wright, Emily Murphy, Elizabeth (Liz) Malatestinic and Christopher OLH Porter - are a few that stand out. At different points in my time with Kelley, different faculty and staff members have supported my development. Their feedback has helped me refine my skills as both a Kelley student and young professional. Their collective impact is what shaped me into who I am today.
Where do you see yourself after you graduate?
I see myself continuing to work while learning simultaneously. I’ve also realized just how important company culture is to me, and determining the direct line of work to dedicate my time. This is why I want to continue to be diligent, but also give myself grace as I try to find my ‘best-fit’ career path.
Through my undergraduate time, I’ve had the opportunity to experience lines of work, ranging from strategic planning endeavors to international economic development efforts. I’m honing my passions now, so, in a few years, I can further develop them in graduate school.
Favorite activity/extracurricular activity that you have been involved in while at Kelley?
I’ve been able to make the most of my undergraduate time by finding a balance. It’s difficult for me to categorize them all, but four favorites come to mind:
1) Being a third year Social Justice Scholar. This role has allowed me to develop my passions for both social and global issues, which has ultimately fueled my desire to pursue a career that aligns with diversity, equity and inclusion work.
2) Former President and current Student Advisor of the Filipino Student Association at IUPUI. This organization is a remarkable documentation of my leadership, growth and grit; which ultimately helped me emphasize the importance of cross-cultural understanding and diversity.
3) Economic Development Intern at the Indy Chamber of Commerce. All of my work connects to the central effort of driving economic growth to Central Indiana. The current President & CEO, Michael Huber, is also a Kelley MBA graduate, and a remarkable leader driving the Indianapolis region forward.
4) Lead Volunteer at Paws Pantry IUPUI. Food-immediacy is a microcosm of socio-economic privilege, which feeds into the larger pool of equity issues. Paws Pantry is one of IUPUI’s solutions to resolving this for our community here.
What is your advice to current Kelley students?
Get involved! It doesn’t matter if the experience is not an immediate or direct connection to your major. College provides multiple opportunities for you to better understand yourself and your passions. Getting involved will also broaden your network and teach you how to better serve your future self. You’d be surprised to find the intersections between your current interests and future career path. Gain student organization leadership experience, volunteer for a cause you believe in and intern – Downtown Indianapolis is your career playground!