Casey Bufford, Kelley MBA Class of 2020
Age: 30
Hometown: Chicago Heights, IL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Michigan; Sport Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Higher Education/Intercollegiate Athletics for 7.5 years
Why business school? Why now?
I reached a place in my career where my long-term goal was no longer a goal of mine. I didn’t know what was next and felt I needed new skills, a broader network and new ways of thinking to define my next chapter. In particular, I wanted to work on my analytical skill sets. I knew that an MBA would provide with all of those things and would set me up for success in the long run, regardless of industry.
Why Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
As a mom and a wife, my selection process was probably unique to most prospective MBA students. I knew that I wanted to be close to family so that I could take full advantage of the MBA experience. I wanted a school where I could be myself. And I wanted a school that, 10 years down the line, would still hold relevance in the job market.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
Well, there aren’t any moms in the program, so my perspective on life is vastly different than most of my peers. I’m getting an MBA today so that I can pave a new path for my daughter when she’s older. In addition to that, my work experience is longer than most and so I’m able to share a plethora of real-life examples with my classmates.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’m an All-American track and field athlete in the triple jump.
Post-MBA career interests?
I am interested in making sure people feel represented in the brands they use and included in the places they work.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
— One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I talked to a lot of students, which helped me identify my target schools.
— One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have begun the MBA process sooner. There was only seven months between when I decided to go to school and when I dropped my first application. In hindsight, I would have given myself at least a year.
— Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
There was nothing I would have skipped. I took a local GMAT class where I lived at the time (Washington, D.C.) and talked to lots of students. What helped me the most was being organized, obsessively focused, and my husband’s support. I was managing work, studying for the GMAT, writing essays, and caring for my then 8-month old full-time. I could not have gotten to Kelley without his support.
What is your initial impression of Kelley’s students/culture/community?
The students are amazing! We all have very unique backgrounds and it has been great to learn from each other. I’ve also been a recipient of the amazing support provided to Consortium Fellows, from the level preparation for The Orientation program to support from second-year and alumni Consortium students.
One thing you have learned about Kelley that has surprised you?
You hear schools talk about collaboration but to actually experience it daily has been refreshing.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Getting through the Core.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting through the Core.
