As we bid farewell to another incredible year, it's time to reflect on the moments that resonated most with our readers. Let's revisit this year's highlights of the MBA Voices Blog!


FROM HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL TO SPOTIFY: FOUR LESSONS IN MY JOURNEY TO LAND MY DREAM JOB

In October 2022 I joined Spotify as a Senior Product Manager leading a team that introduces younger audiences to our products through fun and interactive experiences. My friends and MBA classmates know how passionate I am about music and this role is nothing short of a dream job for me. In reflecting on my professional journey to get to this point, I wanted to share four pieces of advice for future MBA students:[...] Read More>>>

MY ONE CASE: MBA CLASS OF 2023 LOOKS BACK

How many cases do MBA students read over their two years at Harvard Business School (HBS)? 500. Ranging in topics from finance to entertainment to sustainability, cases share the story of a business leader (the case protagonist) making a key decision in a difficult situation. In the classroom, students discuss and debate potential solutions with fellow classmates, bringing their personal, cultural, and professional backgrounds to bear. While all cases help broaden the perspectives of future leaders, students find some to be more meaningful than others. Read More>>>

DISPELLING MYTHS ABOUT HBS THROUGH MY SUMMER VENTURE IN MANAGEMENT PROGRAM EXPERIENCE

Graduating high school during the height of the pandemic was yet another obstacle threatening to set me back. Growing up in one of the tougher, under-resourced communities of Houston, Texas, I encountered innumerable challenges early on in my life. I felt prepared to navigate this reality. I wasn’t always this confident. Before I attended SVMP, I had begun to question my own worth and capabilities. I never considered applying to an Ivy League institution given some of the negative stereotypes I had heard about them. Read More>>>

THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTORSHIP: A CONVERSATION WITH PROFESSOR TING ZHANG

In this blog, Loujaine AlMoallim (MBA 2024) interviews HBS Professor Ting Zhang about her personal journey, her time at HBS, and her advice for HBS leaders. Read More>>>

HOW I SPENT MY HBS 2+2 DEFERRAL: JADA HAYNES

I love the flexibility and optionality that the 2+2 deferred admissions program provided me at a very uncertain point in my life, as a graduating undergrad. Additionally, I knew that if I took the GMAT and applied while I was in the academic headspace, I would thank myself endlessly for having that option down the road. Read More>>>

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 2+2 PROGRAM

Which standardized tests does the 2+2 program accept? What is the range of GMAT or GRE scores for accepted students? Can I take the GMAT or GRE after the April 27, 2023 2+2 application deadline? Read More>>>

HOW SHORT INTENSIVE PROGRAMS (SIPS) TRANSFORM YOUR MBA LEARNING JOURNEY

Short Intensive Programs (SIPs) are courses that offer a great opportunity for students to think about career choices, gain practical skills, and explore new topics. These are no-fee, no-credit courses over winter break open to both first-year and second-year students. We interviewed two students about their experiences with SIPs, taking a closer look at their time in the Spiritual Lives of Leaders and Personal Finance courses. Read More>>>

CROSSING THE BRIDGE: A REFLECTION ON THE HKS/HBS JOINT DEGREE PROGRAM

I was blessed to have a dynamic career before pursuing my dual master's degrees. I climbed the corporate ranks as a consultant, dabbled in entrepreneurship by working part-time as a real estate agent, and was heavily involved as a second-grade tutor and board member for a non-profit organization focused on the Chicago Public Schools system. My professional and community positions convinced me that the intersectionality of business and government created an incredible opportunity to use corporate structures as a vehicle to facilitate positive social impact. Read More>>>

CELEBRATING ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH AT HBS

May is Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The Asian Affinity Business Association (AABA), in collaboration with students and organizations across campus, is proud to share and honor the stories of our community members. We hope these stories showcase the history, richness, and diversity of the AAPI experience and inspire hope for a world of empathy, compassion, and courage. Read More>>>

HOW I SPENT MY HBS 2+2 DEFERRAL: SAM PEREZ DIARTE

When I was younger, I watched telenovelas with my mom. I looked beyond the drama and strove to have this luxurious life of executives in the shows. I set my mind on becoming one of these executives. While my undergraduate degree is in engineering, I wanted to explore business more through formal learning. My mentor, Gary Trujillo, shared his experience at HBS and in the 2+2 program, and it was a perfect option for me. I wanted time to grow as a STEM leader and still have the opportunity to develop my business knowledge with this deferred enrollment program. Read More>>>