Aziz Adib, Kelley MBA Class of 2022
Age: 25
Hometown: Roslyn, New York
Undergraduate Institution and Major: NYU, Journalism, Urban Design & Architecture Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3 Years at a Government Technology Startup
Why business school? Why now?
After spending a few years at a startup working primarily on internal-facing projects, I found myself more and more curious about the customer-facing side of business, particularly with the changing landscape of digital marketing. I was spending a lot of my free time reading about this, especially in the realm of radio/podcast advertising, and felt like I had identified an area of interest for myself that I wanted to hone in on. I had been looking for a career North Star, and it felt like I had found it, and the natural next step (to me) was to move towards that goal by building my knowledge base.
Why Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
After spending my whole life in New York, I was definitely excited and looking to do my MBA in a different place and test my comfort zone a bit. Beyond that, however, Kelley stood out to me because of its very strong marketing program and the resources that come with it.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I approach teamwork with a ‘no-ego’ mentality, and I feel just as comfortable taking a back-seat when others have the hot hand, or taking the lead when necessary. It’s really important for me to make sure that I am approachable and that teammates are comfortable interacting with me.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I changed my undergraduate major five different times. I still don’t think my parents have gotten over it.
Post-MBA career interests?
I’d love to work in digital media, focused on product marketing management!
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reach out to MBA alumni, both at schools you are interested in, and those who are in roles that you would like to see yourself in one day! In my experience, alums are very gracious with their time and advice, and it will give you some great context heading into B-School.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Make a game plan, and stick to it! It’s easy to make one, but it’s much harder to stick to it. Build benchmarks for each step of the way, and keep track of application deadlines. It makes the process a lot more palatable when you have a big picture idea of what needs to get done, and by when.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Getting myself back into the habit of studying for entrance exams was really difficult. It had been a few years since I sat down in a library to do math and reading problems. What I found really helpful was parsing out time on my calendar ahead of time and always rewarding myself with Dunkin Donuts after a good study session.
What is your initial impression of Kelley’s students/culture/community?
Coming from a really large undergraduate program, one thing that I’ve loved is the collaborative culture here at Kelley. My classmates are just as eager to help as they are to learn, and combined with the CORE team structure, I get to learn so much from the people around me.
One thing you have learned about Kelley that has surprised you?
The interactivity that the CORE coursework has. As the semester progresses, all the skills, ideas, and knowledge continue to build and it might be funny to say, but those moments where you are connecting a marketing principle back to something from an economics lecture from a month and a half ago— it’s pretty exciting.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Adjusting to a completely new environment and feeling up to snuff with my classmates.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m really excited about my spring coursework in digital marketing and strategy, continuing to get to know my peers, and the new Dunkin Donuts that’s opening in town.
