Sam Yoder, Kelley MBA Class of 2022
Age: 25
Hometown: South Bend, Indiana
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Taylor University, Major: Spanish, Minor: Public Relations
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3 years, Technology
Why business school? Why now?
During my final year at my previous company, I was coaching roughly 15 managers a week – these were leaders in positions all across our clients’ companies – from the C-suite to the manufacturing floor. I was readily able to coach them on how to help their team, but their people challenges were often coupled with other systematic business challenges employee engagement solutions alone couldn’t solve. I decided to go to business school to gain more knowledge around all elements of business so I could help clients in a more holistic way.
Why Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I’ve spent my entire career in Indianapolis thus far, and when I dug into my network, many of the most prominent business leaders surrounding me had Kelley degrees. I visited and applied to five other schools, but Kelley stood out for a couple of reasons.
First, none of the students I interacted with were trying to sell me on the university. They were just happily explaining why Kelley had been the right choice for them and encouraging me to find the program that was the right fit for me. They were incredibly authentic and willing to listen to what I hoped to get out of my MBA experience. The students I met on campus connected me to other students who they thought could help inform my decision and every single person I reached out to quickly found a time to meet with me, listen, and offer their perspective on my decision.
Second, the alumni network. Kelley has one of the largest living alumni networks, and they are quite an engaged group. And no, they didn’t pay me to say that. Just like the students, anyone with a Kelley affiliation (undergrad or MBA) has been exceptionally responsive to any reach out, whether a cold Linkedin message or a warm intro via faculty. And again, they exhibit exactly what I wanted out of an alumni network: they share from their wealth of experience with no agenda but to help.
Lastly, academics and class offerings. Coming from a small liberal arts undergrad, I was nervous that IU would feel too big for me. However, Kelley has all the benefits of being affiliated with a large, public university, such as its incredible academic resources, while also maintaining the small program feel. I selected Kelley because I knew I would be able to get to know my classmates while also having access to a world-class education no matter where I ended up focusing.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I have spent my entire career at a start-up in a variety of roles, which required me to get great at figuring things out. My organization ran very lean, and we were constantly innovating, which meant we were constantly trying to find new and better ways to do things. Because of my background, I tend to have a non-traditional perspective and come at problems differently than my classmates. While they are teaching me the tried and true processes, I get to bring a fresh perspective that I learned from a fast-growing, young company.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
When I was first looking at undergraduate institutions, I briefly considered applying to IU’s Jacob’s School of Music to study opera.
Post-MBA career interests?
I hope to land in either a customer success or product marketing role in tech. I’m extremely passionate about solving attrition challenges and creating delightful customer experiences.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be specific in your essays on where you think you’re going, but don’t feel like you need to have it all figured out. MBA’s come from a variety of backgrounds, and admissions committees want to make sure you’re not coming to B-school on a whim. Figure out your story and why business school makes sense as the next step, but then hold onto it loosely once you get here.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Try to visit the schools you’re interested in on a non-prospective student weekend. When schools are trying to woo you, they are pulling out all the stops. You’re going to be at this school for two years, and most of those days won’t be filled with free food and compelling alumni stores. Get to know the universities and students on normal days to truly determine if it’s the place for you.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Studying for the GMAT is rough. I hadn’t looked at a triangle in YEARS. Take your time, if you can. Build on your knowledge a little bit every day, do the practice tests, use a timer to make sure you don’t take too long on each answer. I ended up spending an hour studying every morning before work and then purchasing the Economist’s GMAT prep course, which made my experience at least tolerable.
What is your initial impression of Kelley’s students/culture/community?
Our class comes from all across the globe, from many different cultures and career backgrounds. One of my favorite parts of my experience thus far has been seeing how those different perspectives coalesce in the classroom, bringing incredible richness to our discussions. Whether we’re talking about the growth of Tristan Walker’s organization Bevel here in the United States or about how systemic discrimination shows up in countries around the world, I so often feel honored that I get to learn from such smart people.
One thing you have learned about Kelley that has surprised you?
Maybe I should have expected this, but my classmates nerd out with me about business models, customer management, subscription services, tech giants, or what we think Blue Apron will do next in the meal preparation space.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I was honestly most nervous about getting to know a new group of people in the middle of a global pandemic. Those fears have lessened as time has gone on and we’ve found creative ways to spend time together, but it has required me to get out of my comfort zone and put myself out there more than I expected.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’ve done quite a bit of networking with alumni and other professionals in roles I’m interested in, and it’s been so fun. It can be tough to balance networking with school work with socializing, but hearing about all the possibilities available to me post-MBA and learning about potential employers has been very enjoyable.
