Ashley Johnson, Kelley MBA Class of 2021
Age: 34
Hometown: Martinez, California
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of South Carolina – Sports and Entertainment Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Marketing-Entertainment – nine years
Why business school? Why now?
During my undergrad studies, my primary focus was to break into the sports industry and I didn’t give myself the opportunity to explore other career paths. However, I am fortunate that my role as an event marketer provided me with the hands-on experience and insight into how to run a successful business unit.
As I progressed in my career, I learned that deepening my business acumen would better equip me to handle diverse business challenges facing organizations today. I realized that pursuing my MBA would be the next step in my career that would propel me to the next level. Based on my current years of work experience, I knew as time went on, I would need to decide between a traditional two-year MBA program or an executive MBA program.
My desire to fully immerse myself into the rigors of an academic program prompted me to take the leap sooner rather than later.
Why Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
For me, choosing a school was not only about the academics and reputation of the school, but about finding the right fit. Leaving the workforce for two years was a huge commitment and I needed a place where I could be myself and felt like I was part of a team. I also made sure that every school that I considered had a strong marketing program, an international project, and most importantly, a career development component. Kelley was that gem for me. Every interaction that I had with the students, faculty, and alumni was authentic and personable.
Everyone was beyond welcoming and thoroughly interested in getting to know me. The willingness of Kelley students to help in anyway regardless if you were committed to the school spoke volumes. They even assigned student mentors as a resource, while going through the application process. That spoke volumes to me about the type of culture that Kelley was not only cultivating but living.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I bring a variety of different working perspectives to my MBA class. I have over 15 years of work experience in retail sales and event management, and throughout my career, I’ve had to work and serve a variety of customers in different ways.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I want to run a half-marathon in every state by the time I am 40. I am currently at four states, so I have a few to go!
Post-MBA career interests?
Brand Management and General Management.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
— One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would recommend visiting the schools that you are interested in and sit in on a class. That enabled me to determine quickly if the teaching style and campus environment were a good fit for me.
—One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have gotten help with my GMAT prep a lot sooner than I did. I thought I could do the self-study pace on my own. After a year and a half of struggling, I finally decided to take a course.
It can be expensive, but there are programs out there that can meet your budget and help you achieve your target score. Shout out to Sherpa Prep in Washington, DC! They were instrumental in not only helping me get the scores I needed but were clutch when it came to helping me craft my essays.
—Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The emotional rollercoaster of wondering if you were “good enough” to get into your top school. Applying to business schools is not for the faint at heart and it can be a grueling process. For me, thankfully, I have some great friends and mentors who believed in me and who were always there to remind me why I was on this path.
What is your initial impression of Kelley’s students/culture/community? My initial impression of Kelley was welcoming and tight knit. Everyone wants to help each other succeed and is willing to coach one another. This has really helped to put me at ease as I get settled into this new role as an MBA student.
One thing you have learned about Kelley that has surprised you?
My classmates are badass. Everyone has such amazing backgrounds and experiences. The caliber of my classmates is stellar. All of my classmates have accomplished so much in their lives. It’s inspiring and I am excited to learn from them in the coming years.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about getting through the core at Kelley. It is 15 weeks of nine rigorous courses that are integrated, and all the materials/cases are built upon each other. You can see how each problem is affected and handled within each function/course. It is going to be a whirlwind and fast!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
At Kelley, a large component of the program is based on experiential learning. I cannot wait to participate in GLOBASE, a seven-week international consulting project, where we are tasked with providing solutions to problems that small business’ face in a global economy.
There are extensive one-on-one interactions with the company to address their needs and in-depth analysis of their current situation. Then, you will travel internationally where you will present your recommendations directly to the company. This is the ultimate experience to use what I have been learning and make a real impact immediately. I cannot wait!
