Kaly (Allen) Trupp (Mgmt'09, MBA'17)
Senior Consultant, TMT Business Transformation at FTI Consulting
Why did you decide to come to Leeds? While I originally thought part of the college experience meant "going away" for school, I couldn't resist such a great program right in my backyard. I grew up going to my family's cabin in Nederland and was always in awe of Boulder. I even wrote a letter to my swim coach in 7th grade telling her my dream was to go to CU and study business! My mom and aunt are Leeds alum, too. I had such a great experience in my undergrad that Leeds was an easy choice yet again when it came time to look at MBA programs.
Could you share an experience (or two) that was particularity memorable at CU Boulder/Leeds? My favorite experience during my time at Leeds was studying abroad in Perugia, Italy to fulfill the requirements for my International Business certificate. The memories made will last a lifetime and spurred my current love of travel. Connecting with my fellow classmates back at Leeds about their study abroad experiences enriched the classroom experience as well. During the MBA program my favorite memory was an International Strategy class to Cuba!
Any particular professors or mentors that influenced you while you were at CU Boulder/ Leeds? I didn't take advantage of the opportunity to connect with many of the professors and mentors during my undergrad, but made up for it in the MBA program. My involvement in the MBA Association, Women in Business Club, Professional Mentorship Program, New Venture Challenge, WILD and Leeds Women's Council opened so many doors for me and introduced me to many people I'm thankful to call mentors today.
I'm also incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from and go to Cuba with Dean Matusik, who I'm proud to still call a mentor and friend today.
Where has life taken you since you graduated Leeds? Life has taken me on endless adventures since graduating from Leeds! I've been to 15 countries, cheered loudly at dozens of CU football games (GO BUFFS!), returned to Leeds for a 2nd time to get my MBA, got married and adopted two wonderful dogs to name a few. These days I stay busy with work at FTI Consulting and serve on the Leeds MBA Alumni Board.
What is one piece of advice/best practice that has stuck with you throughout your career? Building relationships is worth the time and effort it takes to do so. Having a support system as you navigate your career and an advocate within your company will take you much further than you could get on your own. Your network will come into play time and time again throughout your personal and professional life and you'll be thankful you have it!
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February 2019