MBA Program

Student Voices

Colleen McGrath, MBA ’11

Just do it

After working for a number of years as an analyst at a large market research company, I realized that the job didn't really sit well with my long-term goal of starting my own business. I was looking for a way to transition from a track in market research to starting a business in a totally separate industry. MIT Sloan seemed like the road there. It was the next logical step, providing a great foundation of technical, managerial and leadership skills I will need to start my own business.

When applying to schools you have to do a lot of research, and while focusing on MIT Sloan I found that the School really walked the talk. Having spoken to both students and alumni, it is clear that they don't want students just sitting in a classroom. They want you to get out there and do it. That is what really brought me in. You get your hands dirty. You are provided with all the resources you will need to do your thing, and the School backs you up the whole way.

The freedom to be creative

I was nine when I started my first business—trying to buy things low and sell high—whether it was Beanie Babies or antiques from garage sales, and then it just sort of grew from there. Now I buy off of eBay to sell on eBay. I take advantage of unclear listings, or people who don't post pictures. This passion definitely runs in my family. My dad is a great businessman and entrepreneur, and my aunt and grandfather are as well. I see it everywhere so it seems natural. What I love most is the freedom to be creative and the ownership of results. It can be scary at times and you are really putting yourself out there, but there is no better feeling in the world than success you have created for yourself and others.

I look forward to further developing my business skills at MIT Sloan, taking advantage of the great professors and entrepreneurs that come to campus, as well as collaborating with and learning from my classmates.

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