Chaon Gordon, IU Kelley MBA Class of 2026
Age: 28
Hometown: Battle Creek, MI
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Southern New Hampshire University, Bachelors in Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Human resources specialist, U.S. Army, 10 Years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I come from a big military family dating back to WWII, and every generation has served in the Army. Following family tradition, I enlisted after high school. I enjoyed the work I did while serving and felt proud to make a significant impact on a global scale. I found myself at a crossroads, being at the halfway mark in my military career and wanting to pivot and make a change. Earning an MBA would allow me to leverage the leadership skills I gained from the military and build on my business acumen to transition into the corporate world.
Why did you choose Indiana Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When I was applying to MBA programs, class size was a major factor for me. I wanted to get to know and learn from all my classmates and faculty. Upon being accepted into Kelley, I immediately felt the warmth and welcoming nature of the culture. The smaller class size was a perfect fit for me. Every interaction I had with alumni, current students, and staff was positive, and it became clear that they valued collaboration and relationships.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
My Army experience, particularly leadership and problem-solving, has been invaluable. Enlisting right after high school, I joined the Ranger Regiment, where I was exposed to some of the Army’s best leaders and problem solvers. I was placed in leadership positions at just 19 years old, and through this, I gained valuable experience that I am eager to share with my classmates. In special operations, we often worked in high-stakes and ambiguous environments, solving some of the toughest problems. The skills I developed through these experiences translate seamlessly into the business world.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have completed a Century ride, which is a 100-mile cycling event.
Post-MBA career interests:
Management or Strategy roles
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Networking with current students at the schools you’re interested in can be incredibly beneficial during the application process. The insights and guidance I received were invaluable, offering me a clearer perspective and helping me navigate the process with confidence.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would have done differently is taken full advantage of pre-MBA internships and workshops. With consulting recruitment beginning almost as soon as the MBA program starts, getting a head start can make a significant difference. These opportunities also provide valuable insights into various industries and roles you might pursue after earning your MBA.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped one part of the application process, it would have been the GRE. While I understand its importance, preparing for it was especially challenging. What helped me get through it was maintaining a structured study plan and reminding myself that it was just one component of the application. Staying focused on the bigger picture and keeping my end goals in mind kept me motivated through the preparation process.
What is your initial impression of the Indiana Kelley students/culture/community?
I really appreciate how collaborative and supportive the Kelley community is. Everyone here seems genuinely invested in helping each other grow and achieve their goals. There’s a strong sense of teamwork, where people are eager to share their knowledge and experiences. It’s a welcoming environment that encourages both personal and professional growth, and I’m excited to be part of it.
What is one thing you have learned about Indiana Kelley that has surprised you?
What surprised me most about Indiana Kelley is how tight-knit and supportive the community is, even beyond graduation. I knew it would be collaborative, but the level of alumni involvement and their genuine commitment to helping current students succeed has really stood out to me.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
What I’m most anxious about in my first year is balancing my time between academics, recruiting, and extracurricular activities.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m genuinely excited about the entire experience ahead, from the opportunity to learn and deepen my knowledge to networking with peers and professionals across various industries. I’m also looking forward to the recruiting process, where I can explore potential career paths and, most importantly, learn from my classmate’s diverse perspectives and insights. The combination of academic growth, professional development, and personal connections is what excites me the most.
