By Tanvi Gupta, Kelley Forté Fellow & Solution Specialist at Deloitte
I just returned from an extraordinary experience, and to say that it was memorable would be an understatement. Over the weekend, Bloomington became the epicenter of innovation and learning as more than 200 students, driven by passion and ambition, gathered to partake in X503—the Kelley On Campus course at the breathtaking Indiana University in Bloomington. As I reflect on this remarkable introductory course, I am awestruck by the transformative power of my first MBA class and how it set the foundation for my remaining online courses.
The backdrop of this exceptional gathering was set for us by the Kelley Direct Program, the #1 online MBA. The program’s commitment to excellence was evident to me from the moment I set foot in Bloomington. The excitement in the air was palpable as I joined students from diverse backgrounds and corners of the world, and we converged to explore the vast realm of knowledge and connections that awaited us.
At the heart of the course lay the exhilarating case competition, which was not just a challenge but an opportunity to immerse ourselves in real-world problem-solving. We were tasked with devising the most creative solution to a predicament faced by Aeroseal, a company led by a Kelley alum. We met the gravity of the challenge with enthusiasm and tenacity; 60 teams collaborated, brainstormed, and innovated tirelessly to craft solutions that could shape the future of a real company. My team’s idea was to make Aeroseal a household name to increase market demand by targeting the end users. While another brilliant idea won the competition, making it to the finals allowed my team and me to present our idea to a bigger audience, evoking memories of the excitement that comes with being on a stage. We experienced firsthand the spirit of community and collaboration that the Kelley Direct Online Program stands for, truly embodied in the Kelley On Campus course.
Throughout the five days of the case competition, the other students and I were guided by the exceptional Kelley faculty through a series of seminars and workshops. These academic luminaries shared insights, techniques, and strategies, preparing us for the rigorous intellectual journey that lay ahead. The intensity of the class was only rivaled by the abundance of delectable food that kept our energies high and spirits even higher. The meticulous organization of the class extended beyond the competition arena. From the well-coordinated hotel arrangements that provided us comfort and convenience to the seamless commute between information sessions, every detail was considered, ensuring that our focus remained solely on absorbing the wealth of knowledge and experiences that surrounded us.
As I sit down to pen this post, I am overwhelmed by the sense of accomplishment, learning, and camaraderie that the Kelley On Campus course bestowed upon me. It was an alternate reality where dreams took shape, where challenges were met with vigor, and where connections were forged with fellow minds that shared a passion for growth. As I step back into the realm of everyday life, I carry with me the essence of this extraordinary experience, forever grateful for the opportunity to have been part of something truly extraordinary.
