Haley Armstrong, Kelley MSM Class of 2025
Age: 23
Hometown: Milton, Ontario, Canada
Undergraduate Institution: Indiana University at Bloomington
Major: Business Management
Pre-MSM Work Experience: Student-Athlete at IU and the IU Women’s Volleyball Team, 1 year of work experience at Mizuno Canada as Team Sports Field Specialist
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
The decision to go back to school was largely the result of the incredibly impactful undergrad experience I had at IU. My professors and peers from the past really helped shape my perspective, and that experience made me want to keep learning. I also knew that grad school was full of students who were in the same position as me and would do everything in their power to make their experience educative and worthwhile. Knowing that I would be surrounded by these talented and engaged people would push me to grow even more and create new connections along the way. Now, that I’m almost halfway done, I’m super excited to use my degree for the next chapter but I’m also asking myself where the time went. It’s been incredibly fun being in grad school, where the environment is not only challenging but also incredibly enriching and meaningful. I’m super grateful for the people around me as we continue to develop our business skills and grow as individuals.
Why did you choose Indiana Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Kelley not only because of its outstanding reputation and academic excellence, but also for the unwavering amount of support for student success and dedication to the people and culture. I’ve built relationships with people who value authenticity and nurture an environment where new ideas are always welcomed. While Kelley is renowned for its prestige and rigorous academics, it’s also equally filled with community and care, two important aspects that weighed in my decisions to return. For me, achievements are only one aspect of success in comparison to prioritizing meaningful relationships, something Kelley balances perfectly. Returning to the business school felt like a natural choice, and I’m happy to share that I’m having an even better experience this year with all of the master’s students and staff, continuing to grow with exceptional peers who uplift one another.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
I think I bring two valuable and differentiating contributions to our cohort. Firstly, my experience as a student-athlete at IU had helped me develop effective teamwork and time management skills, two things that have proven exceptionally important in some of the group work we’ve had this semester. Additionally, I’ve been able to take on more leadership roles for team projects and our practicum, fostering genuine connections with my teammates to enhance our team cooperation and final deliverables. Secondly, my experience working full-time for a year has enabled me to actively contribute in class discussions and offer insight into what everyone could potentially expect when they step into their first roles. I’ve been able to share the importance of effective communication, particularly between superiors and peer, which has helped tremulously in my role as the MSM grad assistant. Balancing this act has been tricky, but with the incredible support of my peers and staff, we’ve cultivated a compassionate and collaborative environment.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Growing up, I was incredibly fortunate to represent Canada on the Youth and Junior National Volleyball teams! During this time, along with my experiences playing at IU, I’ve been able to compete internationally in more than six different countries, allowing me to connect with athletes from all around the world and immerse myself in incredible new cultures. These opportunities enabled me to explore diverse backgrounds, playing a crucial role in my desire to better understand others and the power of human connection. A goal of mine is to lead with empathy in my personal life and translate it into the business world. I truly believe the opportunity to represent Canada and travel the world at a young age enabled me to foster a greater appreciation for unique and individual differences, using it to promote perspective-taking and innovating thinking into my academic and professional experience.
Post-MSM career interests:
After the program, I aspire to pursue a career in career development, corporate relations, or HR. I am passionate about finding roles that align with creating shared value by fostering genuine connections and empowering others. Additionally, with a deep love for athletics and school, I’m particularly open to opportunities in the sports industry or higher education. These sectors share incredible commonalities in leadership, teamwork and human connection, and the thought of contributing to a place that celebrates and nurtures these values is super exciting!
What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I thrive in environments where I can connect with others and fully express myself. If I could do one thing again as part of my application process, it would be to do the interview process with the recruiting faculty, engaging in meaningful conversations, showcasing my personality, and leaving a lasting impression that positively impacts everyone. I know the term “interview” can sound scary, but I see it as a valuable opportunity to build more connections, learn about the program and its people, and see how you can be a great fit and contribute to the program’s community!
What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Sometimes when I write cover letters or personal statements, I feel like they come across robotic, focusing too much on my accomplishments instead of letting my personality shine. If I could change one thing, it would be to let my authenticity come through in my responses, becoming less afraid to limit my past successes and tailoring it more towards showing the human side of me. In a world so driven by technology, I fear it’s easy for our individuality to get lost in translation. We need to remember that there are real people behind the recruiting process and connecting with them through genuine and personal responses is a powerful way to stand out and help them put a face to the writing.
What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
One part of the application process I would skip if I could is uploading supporting essays. Although imperative to the recruiting process, in my opinion, essays provide only a glimpse into who you are compared to face-to-face interactions, often failing to capture the most important intangible qualities you can bring to the community. Writing skills are certainly important, and sample responses offer insight into this, but its challenging to showcase your full self without open dialogue and interaction. However, what helped me get through this part of the process was knowing that these essays serve merely as a beginning impression, and by putting the time and effort into them, it would help me earn the chance to interview and truly showcase my personality. Consequently, this helped me push through this part of the application, as well as things like writer’s block and frustration. Moreover, it enabled me to write the best responses I could in an effort to meet the faculty and let my authentic self shine through in person.
What is your initial impression of the Indiana Kelley students/culture/community?
Before we even started the program, the faculty asked us if we wanted to go on a hike, a simple yet impactful gesture that paved the way for support moving forward. Initially, I was blown away by how invested the faculty was in easing our stress and anxiety before the school year started. Now, it’s clear that this wasn’t just a one-time effort; it was a glimpse into the unwavering support of the entire Kelley community. My initial impression of the Kelley community still stands, striking an authentic approach to balancing academic rigor with compassion and the commitment to fostering an environment where every student feels empowered to both succeed and be themselves. Additionally, my peers have been incredible sources of both trusting teammates and reliable friends, and as the semester has gone on, I’ve continued to develop more on both the undergrad and graduate side. Being fully immersed in this community has deepened my appreciation for the school and I’m so grateful to be a part of this exceptional culture at Kelley.
What is one thing you have learned about Indiana Kelley that has surprised you?
One of the most enriching discoveries I’ve made about the Kelley school is the strength and impact of its powerful alumni network. While I knew the school was big and known for its nationwide prestige, I had no clue just how extensive and influential the alumni community truly spans. With over 133,000 graduates across the globe, many of whom have achieved incredible success, Kelley’s extensive reach is amazing. What’s even more impressive is how eager the alumni are willing to give back to the school and students, connecting on LinkedIn, holding roundtable discussions, and even coming in to teach classes. I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of them and learning from their experiences. It’s been a joy relating to the Hoosier experience, sharing stories about our life at IU and all the fun we’ve had.
