Eduardo Nieto
Human Resources and Management major; Indianapolis, IN
"Once I came to IUPUI, doors really opened for me. I realized all of the possibilities available and what a good choice I made in coming to IUPUI. It’s really a great school."
In a very short time, Eduardo Nieto has made a very big impression. Since coming to the U.S. with his mother and two brothers just seven years ago, Nieto, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, has wasted little time seizing worthwhile opportunities. In addition to studying human resources and management at Kelley, Nieto is also serving out his term as president of IUPUI’s student government – a role that’s benefited him in a number of ways.
“The opportunity to work with campus administration has been a great pleasure,” says Nieto. “It’s been very interesting to see firsthand how the university system works and how students can influence what happens on campus. It’s not something you can gain from a book or a class.”
Before becoming student body president, Nieto served as a student government representative for two years. Collaborating with IUPUI’s student activities office, he was instrumental in launching a new program aimed at improving voter turnout for campus-wide elections. The efforts, which included hosting several “Pass the Mic” debates at the Democracy Plaza locations across campus, resulted in a 300 percent increase in the number of IUPUI students taking part in elections.
Although Nieto says he’s excited about the possibility of a career in business – he’s particularly interested in the hotel/leisure and hospitality markets – his path to Kelley wasn’t entirely straight. He came to IUPUI with his sights set on studying mechanical engineering, but after completing a few business courses during his first semester, he realized that business seemed like a “much better fit.”
So far, Nieto has been impressed with what he’s learning at Kelley – skills he hopes will prepare him to eventually open his own business.
“Kelley professors are experts in what they teach,” Nieto observes. “They put the real world of business into perspective, helping students fill those shoes for the future.”
Interestingly, IUPUI is no stranger to the Nieto family. One of Eduardo’s brothers has already graduated from the Kelley school, and the other will graduate from the university in May with a degree in biology before heading to medical school. Eduardo’s mother also attends IUPUI and is majoring in sociology. At one point, all four attended IUPUI together – making it a real family affair.
