by Caroline Baselj
As graduation approached, I found myself looking back on my time in the MBA-SBP program quite frequently. More specifically, thinking about the person I was before this program and all of the ways I have been changed for good because of it.
There are a lot of different factors of this program that I attribute my growth to, but I want to start with one of the biggest—our professors. We were instructed through a lens that empowers us to challenge the status quo and consider every angle to build attractive business cases for sustainability. Put another way, we have been taught by professors who are passionate about the work that they do and have been able to translate that passion into applicable concepts for us to carry into the workforce and make a real impact.
Another source of personal growth during this program was working as a fellow for Dr. Gianiodis in the entrepreneurship and strategic management domains. To be fully transparent, before beginning the program the thought of working in academia was pretty intimidating to me. I had worked on research before but was always far removed from the actual conceptualizing and writing of theory so I had no idea what to expect. My fellowship challenged me to learn and add value to projects in business disciplines that were unfamiliar to me as a Marketing and Psychology student in undergrad. I really pushed myself to master new concepts and terms and as a result of that I have learned that I am capable of much more than I used to give myself credit for. My curiosity and willingness/excitement to learn have grown exponentially in this program, largely as a result of my fellowship, and I look forward to continuing that growth in my professional career.
Lastly, but certainly not least, are the wonderful people that made up my cohort. Each one of you has taught me something during our time together and for that I thank you. We have gotten each other through one of the strangest times in history while balancing an MBA course load, and managed to become pretty great friends in the process. From late night team project zoom calls, to finally meeting in person and being able to enjoy campus together, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
For anyone questioning whether right now is a good time to get an MBA, take the leap—you’ll be met with brilliant professors, new experiences, and maybe even lifelong friends. All in all, this program has been a bright spot in some pretty dark times and has changed who I am for the better.
Thank you, MBA-SBP!
One-Year MBA 