by Sam Trapuzzano
Day Three—During the first few days of orientation, we were acquainted with the faculty and the campus. However, on the third day of our MBA-SBP orientation, the faculty did not waste any time challenging our class. In the morning, Dr. Sroufe and Diane Ramos gave extremely detailed presentations on how they would like case studies to not only be worked, but also presented. Subsequently, two very gifted alumni of the program, Laura Jernegan and Kevin Dole, exhibited how a case study should be presented while answering all of our lingering questions.
As an MBA Program that has a heavy focus in real world examples and case studies, we were tasked with completing and presenting a case study that afternoon to not only our peers, but also the other business school faculty. The faculty divided our small cohort of 15 students into four groups, where we were given around two hours to solve a case study and organize a PowerPoint presentation.
To be honest, the situation was extremely tense and uncomfortable. Yet, as the day progressed, we prevailed, and each group gave solid presentations.
Having only known the members of our group for two and a half days at that point, it was an interesting way to not only familiarize ourselves with our team members as individuals, but also to learn about each other’s strengths and weaknesses. To be honest, the situation was extremely tense and uncomfortable. Yet, as the day progressed, we prevailed, and each group gave solid presentations. Somehow, and to the interest of everyone in attendance, each team solved the issue in a different manner, highlighting the creativity of our cohort. The faculty provided detailed and useful feedback which will only help us moving forward.
To end the evening, we were welcomed with a dinner comprised of our cohort, alumni of the program, and faculty and friends. At this event, we were given time to socialize and network with each other and were treated to a delicious meal. If I had to choose a day of the orientation that I enjoyed the most, it would definitely have been this one.
One-Year MBA 