Ari Beal, Kelley MSM Class of 2025
Age: 21
Hometown: Wayne, NJ
Undergraduate Institution: Indiana University at Bloomington
Major: Operations and Law, Ethics, and Decision Making
Pre-MSM Work Experience: Internships: WatchBox: Marketing Associate (3 yrs), Cartier: Media and Digital Intern (1 yr), Alvarez and Marsal: Summer Associate (1 yr)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I see the importance of being a critical thinker with a holistic lens before pursuing my desired career in strategy consulting. Learning from a different analytical perspective will help me get there. As a member of the MSM cohort, I gain more exposure to the business process and learn to shape an evolving message in different landscapes. This will stretch the vital communication, writing, and negotiation skills I need for a career in consulting. I am looking for a diversified viewpoint that I have not yet fully developed. Rather than graduate early and go right into my career, I seek to be pushed to my intellectual limit. This way, I will become a better critical thinker, student, and ultimately, consultant.
Why did you choose Indiana Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When I was evaluating my options post-grad, I was looking for a diversified viewpoint on business I had not yet developed. The strategy and management faculty at Kelley bring decades of industry and research experience I learn from every day. Combine that with the university’s world-class career services, facilities, and extracurricular options and the decision was a no-brainer. Bloomington is an excellent backdrop for a student to develop. A vibrant downtown, expansive greenery, and bustling sports culture combine to make an idyllic college town.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
My love for watches, starting by watching YouTube videos as a child, only grew when I began to work in the industry. Working for two of the world’s preeminent watch retailers (Watchbox on the secondary side and Cartier on the brand side) has taught me to be largely analytical. Coming from the luxury goods industry, an area others are not as familiar with, I have a different perspective on cases and approach problems differently.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Some go to the gym, read, or listen to music to relieve stress. I like to make fresh pasta. I’ve been cooking for my friends and family since I learned via YouTube during COVID. I often have MSM students at my house for family dinners. I’ve gotten significantly closer with my cohort by engaging with them outside of the classroom.
Post-MSM career interests:
No other career satisfies my current professional needs more than consulting. Being in an environment where being concise and straightforward is prevalent in the culture will help me grow as a leader. I relish the opportunity to constantly work with a broad range of people across industries and functions. Adopting greater cultural understanding by working with clients in different geographies is important to me. The industry is a natural fit.
What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Speak to the faculty and students from the program. I am in the inaugural class, so I took the time to engage with faculty and students from some of Kelley’s other world-class graduate business programs. Understanding the day-to-day of being a Kelley student enabled me to see myself in that position. Learning the teaching philosophies of the faculty gave me confidence that the program aligned with my learning style and career aspirations.
What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I am an AMP (Accelerated Masters Program) student. I am in my fourth year at IU, and will receive two degrees (BA and MS) upon graduation in May. Had I known more about the potential of a Masters in my fourth year, I would have planned accordingly to finish my undergrad coursework sooner. This would have made the transition smoother and better prepared me to embark on my next academic journey.
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 have skipped if possible was the waiting period after submitting my application. The anticipation and uncertainty can be nerve-wracking, as you’re eager to know the outcome and start planning your next steps. What helped me get through it was staying proactive—focusing on work, preparing for potential next steps like interviews, and keeping in touch with current students or faculty for advice. Staying productive and optimistic helped turn the waiting period into an opportunity for personal growth and reflection.
What is your initial impression of the Indiana Kelley students/culture/community?
I have really enjoyed discussing challenges with students from different backgrounds, disciplines, and cultures. That is why I went to business school. True intellectual stimulation can only happen if we learn from others. I am consistently challenged by peers and learn different perspectives on leadership. I have no doubt those teachings will have a positive effect on the way I think and face challenges.
What is one thing you have learned about Indiana Kelley that has surprised you?
The student body is a pool of like-minded individuals driven to succeed. This not only helps me connect with those who share my entrepreneurial spirit, but also creates an environment ripe for forming meaningful relationships. The classroom is a competitive environment, but one that fosters learning. A win for one is a win for all. There is a really nice sense of community in the halls.
