By Mary Thomason-Smith
Gary Tong, MBA’24, spent his early career in engineering and manufacturing but wanted to earn an MBA. A first-generation college graduate, Gary kept his MBA ambitions on hold to support his family and build a career at Boeing—until he discovered the #1-ranked Kelley Direct Online MBA program. Now Gary works in consulting and shares his tips for using an MBA to change careers:
Career coaching for MBA students
“I chose the Kelley Direct Online MBA for the highly personalized Kelley Direct Career Advancement & Performance Coaching that I couldn’t get anywhere else. With the one-on-one support of a certified career coach, I researched the fields that interested me, narrowed my career interests, and pivoted my career focus from engineering to consulting. They worked with me on interview prep and helped me understand a new industry. My confidence increased. Ultimately, partnering with a career coach helped me land an offer from a global consulting firm. Now I serve as a senior vice president for AlixPartners at the same time I’m finishing my Kelley Direct Online MBA.”
Build your Kelley Direct network
“With more than 127,000 Kelley global alumni, I believed the Kelley Direct MBA would be a sound investment for my career. During Kelley On Campus, I went to as many informal student gatherings as possible to build my network. While enjoying the beautiful IU campus and Bloomington’s charm, I connected with world-class faculty and fellow classmates in person. From the comfort of my home, I continue to deepen connections virtually with Kelley Direct peers through engaging discussions. I highly recommend students join a Kelley Direct Student Leadership Association to access opportunities specifically for online students.”
Apply what you learn
“In my first two semesters with Kelley Direct, I learned frameworks to solve business problems and gained predictive analytical skills to enhance my data analysis. In both my case and job interviews, I used what I learned in the classroom to frame answers with industry specifics. Now I apply these advanced business skills in my current work on real-world consulting cases. I’m using my newly gained skills to assist C-suite executives with complex and high-value opportunities.”
Order priorities in a way that works for you
“I don’t really balance my work, coursework, and my family time—I harmonize all three. I blend them together based on my energy level each day. I constantly shift priorities to maximize my productivity at work, even as I engage with professors, classmates, and my family. The Kelley Direct MBA program offers opportunities for me to connect what I’m learning to real life.”
Interested in earning a Kelley Direct Online MBA for mid-career professionals? Discover why we’re ranked #1 and we can build lasting momentum for your career.