Nikki Hite, Kelley MSM Class of 2025
Age: 22
Hometown: Fishers, IN
Undergraduate Institution: Indiana University at Bloomington
Major: Business Management
Pre-MSM Work Experience: Summer Associate at Stax
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After completing my undergraduate degree at Kelley, I was preparing to begin my professional career in January 2025. However, opportunity to join the inaugural class of the Master of Science in Management (MSM) program arose and I was intrigued by the additional value it could bring to my career. Given that I had already accepted a job offer, my experience in the MSM followed a more unique timeline. The program, traditionally a full year, was accelerated and I was able to complete in nine months. I worked closely with the Program Director, Richard Ash, to design a plan to complete the degree before my job started. I graduated from undergrad in May and immediately enrolled in graduate classes the following week. By frontloading coursework in the summer and taking additional classes during the year alongside the Core curriculum I can earn enough credits to graduate on time. I saw this as a unique opportunity to use the transitional period between graduation and the beginning of my career to explore a new discipline, broaden my skill set, and ultimately strengthen the foundation for my professional journey.
Why did you choose Indiana Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
After an incredible undergraduate experience at Kelley, pursuing a graduate degree from the same institution felt natural. Kelley’s greatest asset, in my opinion is its world-class faculty and staff. The prospect of working with these exceptional educators at a graduate level to further develop my skills was a major deciding factor. Additionally, the proximity to my family in Fishers, and the friendships I had cultivated during undergrad made staying at Kelley an easy decision. The combination of a strong academic environment and a supportive community made it a clear choice.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
My academic background in both finance and law allows me to offer a unique perspective and approach that differs from many of my peers. Additionally, my experience in the Kelley Undergraduate Consulting Workshop and participation in several international case competitions during undergrad equipped me with strong problems solving skills and the ability to effectively tackle business challenges in group settings. These tools have been instrumental in contributing to class discussions and projects.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love Bloomington coffee shops! I made it a point to find the best coffee in Bloomington during my senior year and have had so much fun extending my quest through my time in graduate school. My current go-to spot is Verona Coffee House.
Post-MSM career interests:
I will be joining Bain & Company in Chicago as an Associate Consultant in January of 2025, following my December graduation from the MSM.
What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again as part of my application process is involve my family and mentors in the decision-making process. I reached out to several Kelley faculty that played a significant role in my undergrad experience to get their opinion on the program especially in relation to my short- and long-term career goals. Their overwhelming support became a catalyst for my decision. Additionally speaking with the program office and getting to know the team behind the MSM assured me that I would be supported throughout my graduate journey.
What is one thing you would change or do differently?
As part of the inaugural MSM cohort, I would have appreciated the opportunity to speak with current students to better understand the day-to-day curriculum in detail. While my discussions with the program faculty provided a strong overview, hearing directly from students would have added valuable insights.
What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Looking back, I wouldn’t skip any part of the experience. Although the intensity ramped up toward the end of each seven-week session, this rigor was essential to making the most of the program and building strong relationships with my cohort members. The challenges we faced were worth it for the learning and camaraderie that resulted
What is your initial impression of the Indiana Kelley students/culture/community?
As the daughter of two IU alumni who met at the Little 500 Bike Race, I am a lifelong Hoosier. When deciding where to pursue an undergrad degree that could support my joint interest in business and law, IU struck the perfect balance. My undergrad experience was enriched by the communities I joined, and these connections played a big role in my decision to stay for graduate school. I knew the support systems and networks I valued in undergrad would still be here, while I could also expand my relationships within the Kelley graduate programs. Crossing the street to the Graduate building exceeded my expectations. While each program fosters its own community, the collaborative culture remains consistent, and I have really enjoyed building connections both inside and outside the MSM program.
What is one thing you have learned about Indiana Kelley that has surprised you?
I initially expected my graduate experience at Kelley to be similar to my undergrad journey. However, I have been pleasantly surprised by how different and enriching it has been. I have taken on new challenges, learned valuable business lessons, and discovered new aspects of Kelley as well as the greater Bloomington community that I had not explored before. This program has given me the opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering strong relationships within my cohort that will last beyond graduation. Additionally, our interaction with second-year MBA students in our curriculum has been invaluable. Learning from their experiences and working alongside them has also been an integral part of my development within the program.
