Long-term Connections

The GSB experience is what you put into it. The more you invest the greater the return, especially outside the classroom. In fact, that is the biggest challenge. It’s easy to allocate all your energies into academics, especially when you are in the part-time program and have to balance work and family. But if you focus purely on academics you’re missing out on what will keep you connected to the GSB long after you graduate. The camaraderie and friendships can only be created by making the time to get involved in student activities and spending face time with classmates and alumni. My motivation for participating in the Student Activities Council (SAC) is to create the social activities that facilitate building these personal networks and relationships.

Training Beyond the Conventional

The GSB philosophy of rigor and empirical evidence reflect the challenges I face each week as a consultant. Uncertainty is the only constant in my line of work. If the answers were clear clients would not need my services. It is not easy to challenge conventional thinking and ask the questions other people are afraid to ask. Anyone can point out the symptoms and come up with ideas, but coming to the GSB will give you the tools to prove what the true issues are and do the right thing.

Dedicated to Each Other

There is an unspoken humility and self reliance at the GSB that you can only experience and appreciate by interacting with the students, faculty, and staff. You know the faculty, students and staff are dedicated and their actions speak for themselves. When I was working out of town and flying back to Chicago for class I could relate to the out of town students who do that for their whole academic career. The same applies for the faculty and staff. You know they are here for the students. For example, Professor Zonis had just flown back from England and came down with a cold. But there he was on Saturday morning starting his Theories of Leadership class promptly at 9 AM.

Achieving A Balance

While working on my MBA part-time it was even more important I figured out how to best allocate my time. If you put your mind to it you can usually figure out how to make things work. For example, I need a good workout to clear my mind when I find myself spinning my wheels working on an issue. Helping my pal Pete LaBore start up the Running Club was one way to spend constructive time with classmates while helping me refocus for the task on hand waiting for me on my desk.

Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

Until you start your MBA at the GSB you do not realize right away you are living a once in a lifetime opportunity. The GSB MBA experience does not have to end at graduation if you invest a part yourself in this community. What you will get in return will pay for itself many times over personally and professionally.