Educational background: Wesleyan University, Psychology and Economics
Prior work experience: Non-profit Management and Accounting
Current or most recent position: The Delve Group, Inc., Brand Consultant
MIT Sloan was an outstanding experience that had a huge impact on me. It helped me develop an instinctive approach to looking at problems, breaking them down and knowing what questions to ask. It also helped me enhance my interviewing skills — not only for job searches, but also in my day-to-day work. And, while I was co-president of Sloan Women in Management (SWIM), I had the opportunity to polish my leadership skills.
The main reason I chose MIT Sloan over other business schools was because I found the atmosphere to be dynamic and warm. When I visited, I was struck by how much the people at MIT Sloan laughed. The students have diverse backgrounds both culturally and in business experience. For me, the journey is just as important as the destination, so it was clear that MIT Sloan was where I belonged.
There’s no question in my mind that I wouldn’t be in my current position as a strategist with a business-to-business branding firm if it weren’t for MIT Sloan. I was your typical career switcher and found the guidance from the Career Development Office and peers valuable. Through the MIT Sloan job board, I found a summer internship that gave me great experience doing marketing strategy. When I left, company officials literally opened their Rolodexes to me and helped me network with their industry peers. I used the career networking skills that I learned at school to find a position in a growing company that wasn’t operating under a typical MBA recruiting schedule. I couldn’t have made the transition without MIT Sloan, and I am thrilled with my choice.
What surprised me most about MIT Sloan was how much the faculty cares. I had a false assumption that the professors would be too busy with their own research to invest in students who were only on campus for two years. I was so wrong. MIT Sloan professors are very knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects and truly enjoy mentoring students. I found most to be available and eager to speak after class or during office hours, or even to have lunch. They really want you to understand the topics they’re teaching, and they’re committed to helping you succeed.
The spirit of entrepreneurship is very alive at MIT Sloan. I realized that entrepreneurship isn’t necessarily about starting a business, but really about pursuing your goals, whatever they may be. The professors and staff encourage you to define what you want and to find a way to do it. Whether it’s planning a trip, organizing a new club, or taking on an interesting research project, if you have a real love for something, both faculty and staff are open and supportive in helping you to attain your goals. I can’t say enough good stuff about MIT Sloan. It was a life-changing experience — one I’ll never forget.
© 2013 MIT SLOAN SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT