Youssef Rahali, Kelley MBA Class of 2024
Age: 29
Hometown: Rabat, Morocco
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco. Major: Marketing Minor: Communication studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 8 years. Education entrepreneurship
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Going back to school was a crucial piece of my planned career pivot. I witnessed the power of inclusive learning firsthand and wanted to develop a tech solution to help scale up its impact. To do that, I needed to build on the skills I had already accumulated and cement them with the teachings from an MBA program as rigorous and innovative as Kelley’s.
Why did you choose Indiana Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Being part of a tightly knit program was vital in informing my decision. Kelley’s small cohort meant being able to make lasting personal and professional connections with my peers while enjoying an extensive and dependable alumni network. I wanted as well to be part of a larger innovative academic ecosystem. Indiana university boosts some of the nation’s best learning centers that are readily accessible through electives.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
We are one of the most diverse classes the MBA program had ever welcomed. This translates into richer and edifying conversations with people we might have never bumped shoulders with.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I collect coins for fun.
Post-MBA career interests:
Education technology
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reach out to current and former students. You will be amazed by the amount of support they are willing to extend your way.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Work with a tutor on my GRE prep
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Preparing for GRE on my own while working full time.
What is your initial impression of the Indiana Kelley students/culture/community?
The community mirrors the warmth I felt with everyone at Kelley.
What is one thing you have learned about Indiana Kelley that has surprised you?
Their 126,000 alumni network.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing networking and classes.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Academy Fridays
