When she enrolled in the Undergraduate Program at the Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis, Unnati Nayak, BS’23, was nervous about the move from her home in the United Arab Emirates to Indianapolis.
“I didn’t know what to expect because the environment here is completely different than back home,” Unnati said. “I was most nervous about the transition: Fitting into this culture with all the big changes that come with starting a freshman year, meeting new people, and beginning a new education system.”
Unnati visited IUPUI and fell in love with the campus and the city of Indianapolis. The career opportunities, scholarships, and real-world business education provided by the Kelley School sealed her decision. In particular, she was drawn to the Kelley Indianapolis Honors Program.
“I liked the perks of being in Kelley Honors: smaller class sizes, more interaction with professors, and courses that challenge you and immerse you in learning business,” said Unnati. “I came in as a Kelley Honors freshman, so right from the start, my Kelley Honors advisors helped me choose the right classes to get the most out of my education.”
“I liked the perks of being in Kelley Honors: smaller class sizes, more interaction with professors, and courses that challenge you and immerse you in learning business.”
Back home, Unnati says her high school focused more on academics than extracurriculars. In the Kelley Indianapolis Honors Program, she was encouraged to explore student organizations that interested her. Professors and classmates in the Honors courses helped her make connections to student groups where she could make a difference.
A senior majoring in marketing, management, and international studies, Unnati is executive director of the IUPUI Regatta steering committee, director of communications for Undergraduate Student Government, and vice president of marketing for the Student Activities Programming Board. She also served as an ambassador to Indianapolis as a 500 Festival Princess. She says the Kelley Indianapolis Honors Program has been a transformational experience.
“When I arrived as a freshman, I was a very nervous person. I would not even think about stepping outside my comfort zone. But with all these opportunities I’ve had on campus and all the connections I’ve made, I’ve transformed like a butterfly coming out of a cocoon,” Unnati said. “I was able to incorporate all the things I was learning in class with all the things I was doing outside of classes, and I transformed myself from a shy girl to the leader I am today on campus. The small steps I took outside my comfort zone have led to big changes I see in myself today.”
As a freshman, Unnati completed an “Instagram takeover” of the Kelley Indianapolis social media account to share her perspective. This led to connections that landed her “dream job” working as a marketing intern with IU Studios, which offered her several more opportunities to get involved on campus and represent the school in videos. As she looks toward graduation and plans to work in marketing and advertising before pursuing an MBA, Unnati says the Kelley Indianapolis Honors Program helped prepare her for a successful career in business.
“The opportunities and guidance the Kelly School provides have set me up for success.”
“The opportunities and guidance the Kelley School provides have set me up for success. My Honors advisor and Kelley Indianapolis Career Services helped me understand which career path aligned with my interests and three majors,” Unnati said. “Going to the various career fairs helped me discover the companies that come to recruit at Kelley and begin making those connections. Kelley helped me do what I love.”