Fellows of the Month: Chelsea Krause

Washington University in St. Louis, Marketing and Advertising Design, 2007
Kelley School of Business, 2014
Hometown: Honeoye Falls, NY
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Digital Media Planning/Buying

Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
I have always been interested in brand management and knew it would help prepare me for that role.

What advice do you have for women who are considering business school?
It is important to gain valuable work experience after college before returning to business school. This experience will not only teach you about yourself, but it will give you a sense of what occupations and responsibilities really excite you.

What’s the most surprising you learned about business school during the application process?
I learned that it’s not as easy as applying to college! Rarely do essays overlap between schools and the recommendation questions are extensive and differ completely per school. You will need to send your recommenders a sincere token of your appreciation for helping you in the process. Definitely give yourself ample time to tackle this process strategically.

Do you feel prepared for business school?
Yes, brand management has been what I’ve wanted to do since freshman year. Four years of college and five years of professional experience later, I couldn’t be more excited to check the last box in my journey: Business School.

What do you do in your free time?
I run frequently around Bloomington and enter races for fun. I also enjoy photography and volleyball. Brunch on the weekend with friends is my favorite way to relax!

Please share something about your experience with Forté.
Forté has helped me connect with other women throughout every phase of my journey to business school. In a sector where women are still the minority, it was extremely helpful to have that support and know that there are plenty of other ambitious women with the same aspirations as me. The connections made available to you, and the access Forte provides to powerful female professionals are invaluable.

So long as you have a plan and you are passionate about it, don’t be afraid to take a chance. We only live once, so you have to chase a career that you’ll truly enjoy!