Educational background: Harvard College, Anthropology
Current or most recent position: Pfizer, Global Market Analytics Manager
What I didn't anticipate was how much learning would occur outside of the classroom, through clubs, executive speakers, conferences, etc. Being a co-President of two clubs (BioPharma Business Club and the MIT Sloan Women in Management Club) allowed me to hone my leadership skills and to interface with many areas of the MIT, Sloan and outside communities. I got so much more out of my MBA experience by being involved. I also learned an incredible amount from the exciting array of speakers who visited campus, such as Michael Dell and John Reed. One of my most memorable experiences at MIT Sloan occurred when I had coffee with Dan Vasella, the CEO of Novartis, with a small group of BioPharma Business club members.
Another thing I loved about MIT Sloan is the high level of student involvement in the School. Students run many aspects of life at MIT Sloan, including professional events, social events, and student trips. MIT Sloan attracts the type of person who feels compelled to get involved and to lead. They can't help it — leadership is in their blood. It is common to find people who are officers of multiple clubs while serving as a TA for a class (on top of their own class work, a job search, and for some, a family). Not only do people lead activities but they also constantly create things — new clubs, new classes, and new processes. That is part of the spirit of innovation at MIT Sloan.
Before coming to MIT Sloan, I was concerned about what it would be like to be a woman in business school. However, I really found it to be a non-issue. I did not feel like a minority, nor did I feel that I was treated differently because I was a woman. As a co-President of the MIT Sloan Women in Management club [SWIM], I was an active participant in the community of women at MIT Sloan. The women there are extremely impressive and inspiring.
© 2013 MIT SLOAN SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT