Benjamin Collinger, IU Kelley School of Business MBA Class of 2025
Benjamin Collinger, IU Kelley School of Business MBA Class of 2025Age: 27
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Trinity University, International Affairs and History
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Greater Cleveland Partnership (Program Manager, 2019-2021), ThirdSpace Action Lab (2021-2023)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I am attending business school to develop my leadership skills, build general management expertise, and explore the intersection between strong financial and social returns. I hope to leverage my diverse experiences in economic development and consulting to solve cross-team challenges.
Why did you choose Kelley School of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Kelley has a refreshingly practical approach to business education. I have found the faculty’s passion for teaching, deep ties to industry, and unique academy structure to be a strong match for my goals. Our class also has many international students who bring fascinating perspectives, and in many cases, are willing to practice Spanish with me. In addition, Bloomington is located at a midpoint between my loved ones in the Midwest. Finally, Kelley offered me a generous scholarship which I was honored to receive.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
My classmates are extraordinarily talented. I feel grateful to be part of this journey with them. My contributions will come from being an entrepreneurial thinker who cares about creating inclusive financial growth and impactful teams. As an example of those qualities in action during the early stages of the pandemic, I managed a partnership of economic development organizations in Cleveland and translated focus group ideas into launching a new app for small business owners to access capital and advice. The app connected resources from 50 regional partners in one place and led to 1,500 companies finding the support they needed.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Connecting with nature has always been an important part of my life. As a teenager, I completed a 21-day wilderness canoeing trip in Canada through class 4 rapids and close encounters with wildlife. I have also hiked in Patagonia and the Canadian Rockies. Each week, I try to find a new place to ride my bike in Bloomington.
Post-MBA career interests:
At Kelley, I plan to major in finance and corporate innovation. I am curious about corporate venture capital, strategy, and general management. Industries that require firms to navigate dynamic public policy pressures and consumer preferences are especially interesting to me (e.g., in healthcare, financial services, etc.). At the same time, I am excited by the paths that learning and networking at Kelley could inspire.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Relax. Your best results will come when you allow yourself to prepare rigorously and then let go.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have spent more time speaking with current students and alumni.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Each part of the process is important. There are none I would have skipped. Even the hardest aspects—e.g., writing the essays—help clarify one’s thinking and lead to the best result for you.
What is your initial impression of the Kelley students/culture/community?
Kelley is an open, collaborative, and truly caring culture which I am thankful to be part of.
What is one thing you have learned about Kelley that has surprised you?
I was surprised by the range of industries that interest me. The complexity and excitement of industries that may initially seem mundane has been a wonderful lesson.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing my personal life priorities with studies and networking may be challenging. However, I am excited to meet the challenge and hone my ability to manage the time well.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited to dedicate myself to the day-to-day learning and improvement process. That process, with the guidance of my peers and mentors, will help me make the most of this year.
