Scaling Impact Through Client Work and Career Outcomes
Our 70 members operate across four core silos: Strategy, Marketing, Finance, and Technology, gaining practical experience through real client projects.
In just three semesters, we have grown to 17 client partnerships across diverse industries, including work with a global sportswear company. This has enabled members to produce portfolio ready work while solving real business challenges.
Beyond project work, we have also supported career outcomes by connecting approximately 10 members to internship opportunities at startups like HÜMN. We plan to expand this pipeline further for Summer 2026 to increase access to meaningful, hands on professional experience.
Over the past three semesters, Aperture Partners has become one of the fastest-growing and most impactful student organizations at the Kelley School of Business.
As President and Co-Founder, I have led the growth of this student-run, service-based organization, where members gain hands-on professional experience, collaborate across disciplines, and learn through mentorship in a community built on doing, not just observing.
To further this mission, I led Aperture Partners in becoming a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, enabling us to reinvest directly in our members. Our goal is to expand access to educational and professional opportunities and, by the end of 2026, ensure that financial background is not a barrier to experiences such as corporate visits, professional programming, and career development.
Building a High Growth, High Impact Community
Aperture Partners has seen exceptional growth, with applications increasing from 220 in Spring 2025 to 607 in Spring 2026, reflecting a 276% increase. This momentum has been driven by a strong value proposition centered on access, experience, and community.
A key differentiator is our cross class mentorship model. While the organization is focused on freshmen and sophomores, upperclassmen play an active role as project leads and mentors. Many have secured roles at firms such as McKinsey & Company, EY, PwC, KPMG, Raytheon, U.S. Department of Defense, Alvarez & Marsal, and Royal Bank of Canada. Their experience enables them to share real recruiting insights and guide younger members through the process.
This structure has contributed to a 100% internship placement rate among actively engaged members, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to tangible outcomes.
Building a Distinct Brand and Digital Presence
We have built a strong campus and digital presence, growing to over 890 followers and 138,000 monthly impressions on Instagram (@aperturepartners). This growth has been driven by a clear and consistent creative direction that I led, including rebranding the organization from ACG to Aperture Partners to better reflect its mission and long term vision.
As part of this transition, I designed the Aperture Partners logo and developed a full suite of brand assets that define how the organization shows up across platforms. The visual identity and messaging strategy were intentionally crafted to feel both professional and accessible, positioning the organization as a space where students can learn, contribute, and grow.
This extended into hands on social media management, where content was planned, designed, and executed to highlight member work, promote initiatives, and drive engagement. Recruitment marketing played a key role in scaling the organization. I developed campaigns that clearly communicated value and attracted high intent applicants, supported by in person outreach through club fairs and interactive booths.
Alongside this, “Office Hours with Aperture Partners” was launched as a podcast series to share insights on recruiting and professional development, further strengthening the organization’s voice as a resource for students navigating their careers.
Organization of the Year at Kelley Business School
Aperture Partners was recognized as Organization of the Year by the Kelley School of Business, a reflection of the organization’s rapid growth, strong programming, and measurable impact on its members. In just three semesters, the organization has built a reputation for delivering real client work, meaningful mentorship, and clear career outcomes, creating a model that stands out within Kelley’s student ecosystem.
At the university level, Aperture Partners was also named a First Finalist for New Organization of the Year at Indiana University. This recognition highlights the organization’s impact beyond a single school, reinforcing its role in shaping a more accessible, experience driven environment for students across campus.
Driving Experiential Learning and Career Outcomes
This semester, we hosted a Chicago corporate visit with EY and RubinBrown, bringing over 30 members to engage directly with professionals and participate in a networking lunch with more than 15 industry representatives.
We also organized a case competition in partnership with Plutus, attracting around 100 participants. The competition awarded $3,000 in prizes and provided the top three teams with first round interview opportunities, creating a direct pipeline between student performance and professional access.
These initiatives have translated into tangible outcomes. In the past two semesters alone, members have secured placements in highly competitive workshops across Investment Banking, Capital Markets, Marketing, Business Operations Consulting, and Entrepreneurship.
Through rapid growth, a focus on accessibility, a strong mentorship culture, and measurable results, Aperture Partners delivers a transformative student experience.
