Beth Lee, Kelley MBA Class of 2024
Age: 27
Hometown: San Diego, California
Undergraduate Institution and Major: UC Davis, Communication
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Five years as an elementary public school teacher, including a year abroad teaching in South Korea.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After five years in the classroom, I experienced my most joyful moments and my most heartbreaking moments. I encountered a lot of broken systems and honestly, it really frustrated me. However, those frustrations forced me to problem solve quickly and effectively, skills that I knew I wanted to utilize in my future career. I felt like I was at a standstill professionally and wanted to scale my impact in a completely different capacity. This led me to business school!
Why did you choose Indiana Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Yes, of course it was the reputation of Kelley, its experiential learning opportunities, classes, and co-curriculars. But there was something special about the community at Kelley. That’s what made it different for me. I strived for a program that would provide systems of support, connection, and mentorship. Since the beginning of this journey, I’ve received exactly that. Every professor, coach, alum, and classmate I’ve encountered has been thoughtful and more than willing to help. I also knew I wanted to attend a smaller program where I knew all my classmates and professors, and they all knew me. We’re officially going on week three of classes and I’m proud to say I know almost every person in my class AND one of my professors yelled, “Hey Beth!” yesterday morning in the hallway. You can’t get that anywhere else!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I truly have the coolest classmates whose backgrounds span across a multitude of industries. I’m impressed by their knowledge and the way they can eloquently present their thoughts during discussions. However, I know none of them can say they’ve spent 10 consecutive months, seven hours a day with 25 five-year olds who are all trying to conquer addition. I pride myself on that perspective.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
This is my go-to fun fact that about half my class already knows, but my parents named me after the song “Beth” by KISS!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m planning to pursue roles in management consulting with a focus in human capital and education.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I really trusted the process and timing of all of it. I initially applied to a few business schools in 2020, got waitlisted, then rejected by all of them. Weirdly, I wasn’t bitter about the results. It gave me a sense of calmness and some more time to reflect and reevaluate. Looking back, there are so many reasons why I needed this past year of teaching.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Don’t compare your application journey with anyone else’s. Trust your story, your skills, and your ability to get everything done by the deadline. 
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Studying for the GRE! The WORST! As a teacher, I despised administering standardized tests, so you can only imagine how I felt when I was the one who had to take it. However, constantly thinking about my end goal is what got me through. Having summer break to study for it was also bonus!
–What is your initial impression of the Indiana Kelley students/culture/community?
Genuine.
–What is one thing you have learned about Indiana Kelley that has surprised you?
The amount of light bulb moments that I’ve had in the last month because of my professors and classmates is pretty incredible. I didn’t expect it. I used to live for those moments as a teacher, but they’re way more fun as a student.
–What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
At this very moment, econ. Ha! But on a real note, it’s probably being able to effectively prioritize all the chaos. I want to take advantage of every opportunity, but also know that I don’t have enough hours in the day or the energy–so navigating that process makes me a little anxious!
–What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
ALL the Kelley activities, but I’m definitely looking forward to basketball season this year. Go Hoosiers!
