Spring 2021 Graduate Q&A: Justin Kelley

Justin Kelley reflects on some of his most memorable experiences as a Business Bobcat, including his time as a student trustee for the Ohio University Board of Trustees and his trip to Greece after his freshman year through the Global Consulting Program.

Justin Kelley reflects on his time as a student in the College of Business.Read the Q&A below to learn more about what he'll remember from his time as a Business Bobcat.

What did you study at Ohio University?

I majored in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Business Pre-Law. I wanted to have a broad range of options when I graduated, and this combination of degrees provided me many opportunities among many careers.

What organizations were you involved in?

I was involved in a variety of organizations both inside and outside of the College of Business. I was a member of the Board of Trustees, the overall governing body of Ohio University, in which I served as a Student Trustee; member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, in which I served as President; and member of the Schey Sales Centre, in which I served as Vice President of Operations. Additionally, I was a College of Business Student Ambassador, a Presidential Leader, and member of the Copeland Scholars program. Each of these programs served as a huge supplement to my education and success at Ohio University. They provided me a variety of professional development opportunities as well as helped me create an extensive support system across campus.

Did you have any internships? Explain your internship experience(s).

I had three different internships during my time at Ohio University. The summer after my freshman year, I did a non-profit internship with the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development in Charleston, South Carolina. During my time there, I was responsible for compiling a report of all the member non-profit organizations, retaining their numbers on items such as job creation, tax revenue generated, job-training provided, among other areas. I learned so much about non-profit work and found out how important the work is of these organizations. Moreover, it helped shape the different areas in which I wanted to focus on in my career.

During the summer after my sophomore year, I interned with Sumo Logic in Redwood City, California, as a Sales Development Representative Intern. During my time at Sumo Logic, myself and the other sales interns were tasked with providing support to our Account Executives and Sales Development Representatives. I learned a plethora of information relating to the product, the sales process, and what entails a career in sales. During this internship, I learned about how extensive the sales field is and how tech is an ever-evolving field in which to potentially have a career.

Lastly, during the summer after my junior year, I interned with the Hackett Group as a Consulting Intern. My internship was virtual, and I was tasked with supporting my manager through a variety of change management activities for our client. Throughout my internship, I learned what it meant to be a change manager, and the different activities associated with getting buy-in from our clients. I would support the client and project by creating training slide decks, making sure the system was running properly, and organizing the roles and responsibilities of all involved on the project for both the client and Hackett. During this internship, I learned what it meant to love what you do, and that is why I am returning to the Hackett Group full time after graduation.

What is your favorite memory from being a student in the College of Business?

My favorite memory as a student in the College of Business was the final cluster presentation. My group had the opportunity to travel to Columbus and present in front of a group of professionals and get feedback for our project. The final presentation was a culmination of hours of hard work and dedication and made me truly understand the value of teamwork. It is an experience impactful to my development and is something I will never forget.

What are you most grateful for about your time at OHIO or in the College of Business?

I am so grateful for all the wonderful faculty and staff at Ohio University. I have had the pleasure of getting to know so many genuine and fantastic faculty members that have gone above and beyond to not only provide me a great education, but also mentor me throughout the internship and job search. They were so pivotal in my college experience and played such an important role in my development.

Is there a particular course, organization, event, professor, etc. that really impacted you during your time here?

The program that had the largest impact on me during my time at Ohio University was the Global Consulting Program. During this program, I was able to travel to Greece the summer after my freshman year, work with international students, consult for a winery, and understood what it meant to be a global citizen. Being able to have this experience the summer after my freshman year expedited my development and provided me the foundation needed to be successful over the next three years.

What do you think was your greatest accomplishment as a college student?

My greatest accomplishment as a college student was serving as a member of the Board of Trustees as a Student Trustee. Throughout my role, I have had the ability to speak on behalf of Ohio University students and ensure they were being considered through a variety of University decisions. I was able to advocate to University leadership and felt I have been able to help my peers.

What is your favorite thing about Athens? What will you miss the most?

My favorite thing about Athens is the people. It is such a special place where everyone cares about each other and is willing to help you in so many ways. There is always someone willing to chat about anything, whether it be a professor, advisor, or fellow student. I will miss having such an extensive support network and group of people I could turn to for anything.

What will you be doing after graduation? What are you most looking forward to about starting your career?

Following graduation, I will be moving to Chicago and working for the Hackett Group as a Consultant. I am excited to get started in my professional career in a new city and make a positive impact for our clients.

What is one skill or concept you developed in the College of Business that you will apply to your future job and beyond?

Public speaking is a skill I have had to extensively practice throughout my time in the College of Business. Throughout my time at Ohio University, there have been many team projects that have led to presentations in which I had to prepare and practice. It is going to be such a pivotal part of my career, so it was important I was able to develop it throughout college.

If you could give current or future Ohio University students one piece of advice, what would it be?

There is no right path. Every individual has a unique and personal path they can take throughout their college career. There are so many different organizations, degrees, and opportunities you can take, so do not feel you need to know right away what you want to do or where you want to go. College is a journey towards helping understand what you want to accomplish and what career you want to pursue. It may come to you your freshman year, or it may not come until senior year. The timing is not as important as ensuring it is what you want to do.