Welcome Back: Smith School MBAs Start New Semester
A committee of returning MBAs led by Jen Long, Robert H. Smith School of Business vice president of student affairs, planned a two-week incoming MBA orientation that ended with a Washington Nationals baseball outing.
“My orientation experience last year was transformational,” said Long. “The first year of my MBA program changed my life. Now I can facilitate that for the new first-year students.”
New students asked questions to a panel of second-year MBAs, including Long:
“How do you balance your studies with the job search?” “How do you prepare for career fairs?” “What is the value of case competitions?” “Is it important to buy every textbook?” “What would you do differently if you were starting over?”
The new students also networked with second-year MBAs who will serve as mentors during the coming months and help incoming students find summer internships that match their career goals. The incoming MBAs also got to meet each other at the baseball game, and through activities have included kickball, a ropes course and icebreaker activities.
Overall, the incoming full-time MBA class includes 88 students from 14 countries. The average age is 29, the average post-university work experience is 5.6 years, and the average GMAT score is 662. About 34 percent of the students are women and 8 percent have U.S. military experience.
About the Author
Max Pulcini
Max Pulcini is a Philadelphia-based writer and reporter. He has an affinity for Philly sports teams, Super Smash Bros. and cured meats and cheeses. Max has written for Philadelphia-based publications such as Spirit News, Philadelphia City Paper, and Billy Penn, as well as national news outlets like The Daily Beast.
