Jim Maley, ASU Carey MBA Class of 2025
Age: 31
Hometown: Rosalia, WA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Washington State University/Psychology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Naval Officer, United States Navy, Nine years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After serving nine years in the Navy, I was at a very difficult crossroads in my life. I had accomplished everything I set out to achieve while serving and was ready for a new adventure. I set my sights on entering the business world. Although I knew I had developed a lot of skills as a leader, having led hundreds of Sailors throughout my nine-year career, I felt I was lacking in professional business knowledge. I decided going to business school would be the perfect way to bridge the gap between my military experience and this new adventure I have begun.
Why did you choose the ASU Carey School of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
W.P. Carey was at the top of my list! The Program Operations and Recruitment Team set the tone of how family-oriented the W. P. Carey community was. Coming from the military with very little knowledge of anything business school-related, the W. P. Carey Team helped me every step of the way to make the application process seem effortless. I always felt like a priority. Not to mention the ASU Campus is beautiful!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I feel like my most valuable contribution to the class of 2025 is my ability to effectively work with a team in high-stress and constantly changing environments.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I received a call from a producer to be on an upcoming reality dating show on Netflix. I turned it down.
Post-MBA career interests:
With my military background, combined with my interest in finance, I am extremely interested in corporate finance within the defense contracting industry.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely do the W. P. Carey Countdown Event again! It was a great way to get a real feel for the W. P. Carey community. It was also a great opportunity to meet future classmates, current students, and faculty who went out of their way to make you feel welcomed.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
The Program Operations and Recruitment Team made everything so effortless that there is nothing I would change.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I felt every part of the application and onboarding process was helpful. I would not have skipped any of it!
What is your initial impression of the ASU Carey students/culture/community?
As a new student, I feel the ASU Carey students, culture, and community are all very invested in me as a student and my success. I could not have asked for a more welcoming family!
What is one thing you have learned about ASU Carey that has surprised you?
I am very surprised with all of the resources available to students for both personal and professional development outside of the classroom!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Having completed my Undergraduate Degree almost ten years ago, I am most anxious about getting back into the academic mindset and learning a brand new curriculum.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about being in an unfamiliar and challenging environment that will help me evolve personally and professionally!
