Awesome MBA Traditions At Top Business Schools

The M in MBA may as well stand for Memories. After all, memories are the biggest takeaways from business school. In class, cases and projects build muscle memory; they train MBAs how to think through problems and accentuate team strengths. From Karaoke Thursdays to Service Days, students are connected by shared moments that foster shared values. They remember the laughter that soothed them, the conversations that transformed them, and the people who sustained them.
For MBAs, memories are less about the when and where, and more about who they became and why.
MBA: Memories Bring Assurance and confidence, hope, and compassion too.
LAKE LIVING
Many times, business students bond over traditions, annual events that embody the culture and mission of their schools. At Berkeley Haas, one of these traditions is HaasBoats, which kicks off the first weekend of the fall semester. Think of it as a giant boat party where attendees know little more than whats on their packing list. In the end, HaasBoats turns into something far more profound that boozing and barbecuing on two dozen houseboats.
You drive up to Lake Shasta and spend Labor Day weekend living on houseboats with your assigned crews, docking the boats next to each other for endless sunny days on the lake with the serene mountain backdrop, attending Burning Man-themed parties, and getting to know your classmates by boat-hopping, explains Aditi Bhandari, a 2021 P&Q MBA To Watch. The friendships and memories made at HaasBoats really sets up the Haas experience to be more than I could have imagined. The memories from that magical weekend have sustained us through the toughest parts of the pandemic. I hope that our first years get a chance to experience it this fall. Fingers crossed.
Haas isnt alone in observing the time-honored tradition of sending first-year newbies into the great outdoors. At Cornell University, orientation includes a day-long retreat the Johnson Outdoor Experience which is held in nearby Owasco Lake. Starting at dawn, the Experience harnesses an energy and enthusiasm one that banded together students, faculty, and facilitators as one
We participated in team-based outdoor competitions, engaged in water sports and relaxation, and competed in an ice-cream flavor pitch competition (the winning flavor even goes on to be produced by the Cornell Dairy), writes 2021 grad Ola Esho. I remember this experience so vividly because my convictions about Johnson and the Johnson community became even stronger, as I was continuously challenged by my peers, yet felt supported and encouraged to try new things regardless of my fears.
BACK TO HIGH SCHOOL
To make memories, Brigham Young University turns their grand tradition into an indoor affair. Each year, the Marriott School throws MBA Prom. Here, MBAs can embrace their inner adolescent for one magical evening, at least. According to Dunia Alrabadi, an eBay product manager and 2021 Best & Brightest MBA, students deck themselves out in suits and gown before walking the red carpet to get their picture taken. From there, students enjoy a fancy meal before hitting the deance floor. The best part, however, comes when the hidden sides of classmates seep out.
It was so fun to dress up and see the fun side of my classmates whom I mostly see in a professional setting, adds Alrabadi. My favorite part was watching one of the quietest, most reserved second years own the dance floor. Our friendship started right then and there. It was because we both loved to dance that we were able to find something to connect on beyond school. I loved seeing how different settings can bring out different sides of people and for that reason this tradition will always be my favorite.
Such traditions define the MBA experience, stirring memories that come first to mind when graduates reflect back on their time in business school. Which traditions meant the most to this years MBAs? P&Q posed that question to this years Best & Brightest MBAs and MBAs To Watch. From Chicago Booths Magnificent Mile Watch Party to football tailgates at Texas McCombs, here are the events that encapsulated the best of business school for the Class of 2021.
My favorite GSB tradition is TALK I think it encapsulates what makes this community so special. Every week, two of our classmates share a 30-minute version of their life story in public usually in front of more than 150 people (and attendance has only grown via Zoom). They share the life experiences that have shaped them into the people they are today. These stories often go much deeper than the resume highlights we know. I consistently leave these sessions in awe of my classmates resilience, and inspired by their courage and trust in all of us. In this period of relative isolation, TALK has deepened the unique feeling of community at the GSB.Brian Aoyama, Stanford GSB
Since COVID, I have really cherished my memories of every activity and event I experienced with classmates, in-person, during my first year of the MBA program. One of the events that I most appreciated was International Night. As a domestic student, I loved seeing my international classmates reveal a new side of themselves, not apparent in the classroom, and experiencing a little slice of their cultures. International Night involved bringing food to share, wearing traditional attire, and (for some) performing dances or musical numbers that exemplified their cultures. International classmates who moved to the states with their families often brought their spouses and children, and it was wonderful to meet them. Personally, I shared my international heritage at this event by wearing a qi pao (Chinese dress). My mother came to the states from China as an international masters student, and I appreciate that Smith has created a community that welcomes and integrates international students in a way my mother wasnt able to experience years ago. Ive loved learning more about the diverse cultures that make up our program, and this event was a great opportunity to celebrate that diversity in a fun and collaborative way.Maria Herold, University of Maryland (Smith)
My favorite tradition has been Random Walk, the trip that students go on before school starts. The way students get assigned to their trips is very Booth. After analyzing spider charts with average rankings of each trip across several criteria including culture, activity, and nightlife students rank their trip preferences (and as the data-driven students we are, most of us agonize over our rankings). Then, students get randomly assigned to one of their top choices. Similarly to classes, it was fun trying to uncover the common passions, interests, or curiosities that led us all to choose Croatia as one of our top choices. Because of those uncanny commonalities, the 20 people I went on Random Walk with are still my closest friends at Booth.Tess Belton, University of Chicago (Booth)
COVID has unfortunately demanded that many of the unique and fabled Cambridge experiences be curtailed. Norms such as visiting other colleges, attending and participating in debates in-person at the Cambridge Union, discussing hot topics and making new friendships from all disciplines over some pints at college bars, and playing team sports, have been postponed until restrictions allow them to resume. However, I was lucky enough to enjoy a Socially Distanced Formal a three-course candlelit dinner at my college, Darwin College. Held during the last week of term in December, it provided a glimpse of the long-standing traditions that Cambridge has to offer. I hope that we will be able to experience more Cambridge traditions as restrictions are lifted. Aaron DSouza, Cambridge Judge
Small group dinners are my favorite Tuck tradition! Gathering together with a diverse group of students to share a meal is a quintessential Tuck experience. We find these dinners to be such an important part of the Tuck fabric that we have a designated representative for each class year who organizes the dinners. The small group dinners, where five people come together to cook and eat a home-prepared meal, mirror the deeply collaborative Tuck culture. People are often cooking a meal that reminds them of home and it can be a doorway to deeper, authentic conversations that transcend classroom and study group discussions.Madeleine Livingston, Dartmouth College (Tuck)
My favourite MBA tradition at IMD is the Polar Jump jumping in the freezing waters of Lake Leman in peak winter. Coming from a warm country like India, just the thought of jumping into freezing waters was very unwelcome. However, seeing so many of my colleagues undertaking the challenge to keep the tradition alive gave me the courage to do the same as a show of solidarity and I did! Thankfully, all my memories from that day are happy ones because I was also the designated doctor on duty to save people if things went south.
It is a crazy idea, but it is also an IMD tradition. It makes me believe that while an MBA is hard work and IMD is a tough curriculum that prepares us to be accomplished professionals ready to conquer the world, there is an element of daredevilry and adventure attached to the course and thats what makes IMD super special.Ruchi Senthil, IMD Business School
My favorite Darden tradition is the Darden Cup, a year-long athletic tournament between the first-year sections. Including competitions that include American football, cricket, and a talent show. Its an absolute blast and such a fun way to both build section spirit while getting to know people across the class. Plus, while Darden is known for its incredibly collaborative academic environment (which is completely true), the Darden Cup is where we get to let our competitive sides shine! The Darden Cup is a great encapsulation of the Darden community because, while were not afraid to dig deep if it means pulling out the win against our rival section, we ultimately are all there to enjoy time with our fellow classmates and their families.Katie Cech, University of Virginia (Darden)
After the last exam of each term, all the students go to a nearby pub to blow off steam and the revelry goes well into the evening! Walking over en masse after getting through an intense week is such a joyful, cathartic feeling. Often faculty tags along for a bit too. After one notoriously hard final, a professor bought pitchers of beer as a peace offering. It was hilarious and all in good fun.Andrea Poile, University of Toronto (Rotman)
Tepper has a long-standing tradition every Friday at 5pm called B**rs. It is an event based around community and signals the end of a work week. On Fridays, you can find most students hanging around campus working on group projects or attending corporate events. When 5 oclock hits, all the floors are a ghost town and the entire MBA program is in the masters lounge enjoying food and drinks with classmates, faculty, alumni, and friends. I love this tradition because no matter how busy you think you are, everyone takes a pause and gets together and connects once a week.Melissa Bizzari, Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
My favorite tradition is the Kelley Clap. At the end of every class, we clap to applaud the act of learning that has taken place. At first, I thought it was going to be very awkward in each class clapping for each other. However, doing our Kelley Clap gives me a sense of pride for my peers and the professor and is a great way to get pumped up after the lesson has taken place.Justin M. Speller, Indiana University (Kelley)
Next Page: Wharton School, Columbia Business School, Michigan Ross, and more.
Huntsman Hall Entrance at the Wharton School. Wharton photo
During winter break of my first year, I did a Culture Quest (CQ) in Oman with a group of 50 Wharton/Lauder students. Think of CQ as an Amazing Race in teams of 5 over a 4-5 day journey in a foreign country. Challenges ranged from volunteering at a school for an afternoon to finding the best bargain for a local Omani dress. Our team ended up swimming through wadis, sleeping under the stars with Bedouins, and praying at the Grand Mosque. This CQ tradition really reflects the students desire for a global perspective and appetite for stretch experiences.Teddy Shih, Wharton School
My two favourite events are the Imperial Innovation Challenge (IIC) and Entrepreneurial Journey (EJ). During the IIC week, we are exposed to the most frontier deep technologies developed at Imperial and introduced to practice-oriented frameworks and canvases. Leveraging the knowledge, we then develop prototype concepts and experimentation plans to test both technological viability and economic feasibility for the assigned technology. The whole process is really fast-paced and challenges our quick-thinking ability. I really enjoyed working together as a team under pressure, which helps us build closer bonds and appreciate each others efforts more.
The EJ is a unique opportunity for us to research and explore a business idea in-depth, working in teams and collaborating with students from other majors. We will receive substantial coaching sessions from experienced faculty members and support from the Imperial Enterprise Lab, and various training workshops (Design thinking, innovative business models, customer discovery, legal essentials and financial modelling) to really work on our own business ideas. The Entrepreneurial Journey equips us with almost all skills required to start our own business.Joanne Long, Imperial College
I have absolutely loved attending CBS Matters. This is a tradition where individuals take time to give a presentation to their classmates on what matters most to them. Students use the time to be incredibly vulnerable, often sharing their life story and intimate details about their family, relationships, mental health, and more. This is so special because it allows us all to take a step back from our business school selves and reminds us that we have more in common than we realize.Chanel Washington, Columbia Business School
Being a self-proclaimed football fanatic, I feel incredibly grateful that I got to experience one football season before COVID. While my undergrad institution had a football program, our stadium was an hour drive from school, so I never got to experience true game day vibes on campus. Football is such a big part of UTs culture and I loved being able to hang with classmates in a more laid-back environment, eat some BBQ and sport burnt orange.
However, it wouldnt be a business school function without some business. Each MBA tailgate was sponsored by a different company who would host an informal networking event prior to the game. It was an awesome way to get to know alumni in a lower pressure environment. In addition, our building, Rowling Hall, is on the corner of campus and downtown Austin and our tailgates always sported amazing food from local eateries. I am looking forward to resuming this tradition in post-COVID world and as an alumni supporter.Chelsea Martell Evans, University of Texas (McCombs)
So many of our core traditions were adversely affected or canceled by COVID-19 closures, but we have tried to keep our sense of community as intact as possible despite the difficult circumstances. A few new initiatives started by ASA (Student Council) President Shoshana Seidenfeld and a few other members have been tremendously popular. Each month on Zoom, a student shares their AnderStory a deeply intimate, personal story to present their true selves to their classmates. Despite the online setting, AnderStories has been phenomenally attended, and has become a great opportunity to learn and share vulnerabilities. I am excited for this new tradition to continue at Anderson, especially when it can even more intimately be in person.Parth Chauhan, UCLA (Anderson)
Company-Sponsored Tailgates are by far my favorite tradition of the Smeal MBA Program. The school would reserve a tailgate spot in a specially designated area for organizations and sponsored tailgates during every home football game. The student government organization, the MBA Association (MBAA), would work with companies interested in hiring Smeal MBAs to sponsor the tailgate. The sponsoring company would pay for all the supplies and the spot and send representatives that were a mix of recruiters and Smeal MBA Alumni. To this day, my dad asks me to re-explain this to him every time I mention it because he cannot believe it exists. It truly is unique to our program and the culture of Penn State Football. This event allowed us to get to know companies and their employees beyond the formality of a networking call or interview.Andrew J. Marshall, Penn State (Smeal)
The Internship Fund (IF) and accompanying fundraising events are a great example of how SOM students are dedicated to the mission. Each year, first-years raise money to help provide financing for students who plan to intern for nonprofits during their summer. The IF committee plans a series of events including a bake-off, a talent show called Star Search, and a Valentines Day Cupid Gram service. It all culminates with a boisterous and entertaining live auction, where students and professors donate prizes ranging from homemade cakes to Broadway theater with the Dean. It allows so many students to get involved and give to a worthy cause.Jenn Burka, Yale SOM
Every Thursday evening (prior to the pandemic), the Jones School hosted Partios that take place on our schools patio. It is a weekly event to bring current students, faculty and staff, alumni, and community partners together for networking. The Jones Student Association plays a vital role in hosting these events, and teams up with club presidents to theme Partios around cultural holidays and traditions. My favorite partio is the International Partio in which students bring cuisines from their cultural backgrounds/home countries and take turns presenting and teaching the student body about their cultures.Casey Sherrod, Rice University (Jones)
The annual International Friendsgiving hosted by the Katz Student Executive Board. This family-friendly around the world event is widely anticipated each year, with students cooking or catering cultural cuisine, explaining cultural traditions and pop culture, and sharing different music and dance offerings. International Friendsgiving reflects Katzs commitment to building an inclusive community by embracing international students and their unique backgrounds and cultures, broadening the horizons of domestic students, and fostering understanding and community between domestic and international students.Malena Hirsch, University of Pittsburgh (Katz)
One of the best traditions at Owen is Closing Bell. Every Thursday afternoon, all students converge on our central area where various student organizations prepare food, drinks, and entertainment related to their respective club. My favorite Closing Bell was hosted by the Global Business Association, where our international students decorated tables and prepared traditional food from their home countries. Walking through the Owen lobby that evening was like walking through an international marketplace, where I could drink a pisco sour and discuss politics in South America and then step across the aisle to eat Jollof Rice and hear about common business practices in Nigeria. International students already bring such an incredible amount of knowledge and perspective to our classroom discussions, but connecting with those students while being partially immersed in their cultures was an extraordinary experience.Kaitlyn Barrett Wilson, Vanderbilt University (Owen)
My favorite MBA event/tradition is the annual Business School vs. Law School hockey game called The Monroe Street Cup (both schools are located next to each other on Monroe Street). This hockey game has a long-standing tradition and garners a lot of attention from faculty and students from both schools. The best part about the game is that it is played at the historical Yost Ice Arena where the University of Michigan Division I team plays. Last year, Ross had about 250-300 students show up to our game with home-made signs and coordinated cheers. The Ross community is a family, and the support from classmates at a tradition such as the Monroe Cup is one of many examples of this. Not to mentionm Ross is on a two-year win streak!Clinton Bourbonais, University of Michigan (Ross)
International Fest! War Stories! Identity Stories! Her Stories! Georgetown students are incredibly diverse and globally-minded. We have students who represent 30+ different countries and through International Fest, we get to see friends wear traditional garb, eat and drink amazing grub from all over the world, and see our friends showcase their talents. I had an amazing time emceeing the event last year, watching friends do magic tricks, singing opera, and playing the guitar I even got to bust out a fun Bollywood number with twenty friends! Just thinking about that evening makes me smile! Similarly, War Stories, where we hear our veterans tell stories of their time in the military; Identity Stories, where we hear the stories and experiences of our LGBTQ+ community; and Her Stories, where we hear the experiences of women, are all events that enable us to learn about our classmates through different lenses. The stories often have me crying one minute and on the floor laughing the next. We dont always get to hear the transformational stories that changed or defined a person or their view of the world over a beer, or a glass of wine. So when you do, its quite the privilege.Leena Jube, Georgetown University (McDonough)
My favorite event at my business school was the Diwali (Festival of Lights) Celebration organized by the Multi-Cultural Club. It was a joy to watch people from different cultures and backgrounds dress up in traditional Indian attire and sing and dance to Bollywood music. It was a night filled with fun, food, and laughter, one that I will cherish for lifetime.Karthik Rai, Michigan State (Broad)
Next Page: Northwestern Kellogg, Chicago Booth, MIT Sloan
The Super Bowl Ad Review takes place at Kellogg during the night of the Super Bowl.
The Kellogg Super Bowl Ad Review! Every year about ~50-60 students are selected to participate in Kelloggs legendary Super Bowl Ad Review led by two Kellogg marketing professors (Tim Calkins and Derek Rucker). Students rank the advertisements in real-time using Kelloggs ADPLAN framework. It is really a great way for students with interest in marketing (like me) to apply what we have learned in class to real-life examples.Di Gao, Northwestern University (Kellogg)
In true Midwestern form, Carlson hosts a tailgate tent or two at every home football game. Coming from a small liberal arts school out west school with no football team, I was somewhat apathetic about attending my first gigantic state school tailgate. Whats so special about hot dogs and hamburgers in a parking lot? What I found was a prime example of the community that this program creates. We always had Part- and Full-Time MBAs at our tables, as well as alumni of the program who were excited to welcome the next class to the Carlson fold. The welcoming, open atmosphere and celebration of our home team reflect Carlsons approach to the classroom and to business: collaboration and cooperation get you further than the competition. Creating spaces (in parking lots or in classrooms) for everyone to leverage their strengths is a huge emphasis at Carlson that shines through every facet of the schools culture.Samantha Clute, University of Minnesota (Carlson)
My favorite tradition at Stern is listening to students tell their personal stories at Stern Speaks and then walking over to Stern Social every Thursday (pre-COVID). Stern Speaks is an event where students volunteer to talk about their personal lives and stories in front of a filled lecture hall. I found that these stories would usually be very emotional and force me to think about my classmates and my own life in a different light. This would be followed by a fun and easy-going night of socializing, where I was able to make new friends and build relationships with existing ones. The stark contrast between these back-to-back events, from very serious to easy-going, always reminded me of the depth and breadth of relationships you can build at Stern.Krithik Tirupapuliyur, New York University (Stern)
No doubt, it is the Crawfish Boil. It is an annual event held in the Scheller Courtyard where admitted students, current students, and alumni alike come together for a night of music, great food, and plenty of fun. I remember attending as a new admit, conversing with my future classmates and 20 -year alumni. It truly confirmed that I had made the right decision.Marcus Harmon, Georgia Tech (Scheller)
Without a doubt my favorite IESE event would have to be our annual Multi-Culti. Multi-Culti is this large fair where all the nationalities of IESE are represented. Located in a beautiful outdoor venue in Barcelona, each nationality is in charge of their own stall and each group goes all out to best represent their country. Each table has typical food, drinks, and decoration from their nationality. Many of the groups also put on a show with some traditional dancing and singing. Last year on the Canadian table, we offered some Tim Hortons donuts, maple syrup, and delicious poutine! For me, this event best embodies the multi-cultural spirit of IESE.Marc-Olivier Granger, IESE Business School
The MBA Olympics is easily my most favorite event at NUS Business School. Each year, MBA students from the top business schools in Singapore come together to showcase their athletic prowess and compete in various sporting events. It is a pleasing sight to see a diverse cohort unite as one community, cheer their hearts out, and have loads of fun. The NUS MBA Team has consistently finished on the podium for several years now, and it just goes to show how well rounded our students are. Study hard, play hard!Maria Katrina Volante, National University of Singapore
The Ivey Ring Ceremony. Although the event hasnt happened for our class yet, the Ivey Ring ceremony really speaks to the values and culture of the school. To take the same pledge, alongside all previous Ivey students, to uphold ethical standards and practice in business is a great way to connect us to the rest of the schools alumni and send us off from the safety of cases into the business world, where our decisions really matter.Kailey Howell-Spooner, Western University (Ivey)
Winters in Chicago can be tough to say the least. Every winter, though, Booth hosts the Annual Magnificent Mile Watch Party. The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a Chicago parade that takes place at night and runs down Michigan Avenue, across the Chicago River, and then down Wacker. The floats are spectacular displays featuring well-known characters and are completely lit up. At the conclusion of the parade, there is a huge fireworks display. With floor to ceiling windows overlooking the river, Booths downtown location seems to have been built specifically for viewing this event. Every year, the school hosts a party where students are allowed to bring their partners, children, parents, or any other family or friends. Here, youll find hot chocolate and intricately-designed cookies. There are activities for children, and even a nicely staged photo area to take your holiday card picture on a sled when Santa Claus makes his appearance! This event, to me, recognizes that when you choose to go to business school, its not just a decision that impacts you it impacts everyone in your life. During this event, you get to celebrate the holiday with both your family and your Booth family.Gabriela Arismendi, University of Chicago (Booth)
My favorite MBA tradition at UNC Kenan-Flagler is Carolina Casuals, which is held on the Schools lawn every week. Co-hosted by our student association and the program administration, its a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and their families to take a break from the weeks activities and socialize over some of the Triangles best food and drinks. This weekly event reflects a core value of our school where a keen focus on community is continuously encouraged and creates an environment to forge life-long friendships and a strong professional network to leverage long after my MBA program.Aditi Paul, University of North Carolina (Kanan-Flagler)
My favorite tradition was celebrating the end of exams with my classmates at the bar across the street, The Lab. It always happened organically as we finished exams and streamed out of the halls, small groups headed across to The Lab. Suddenly, the whole place was filled with MBA students. I remember looking around and feeling part of something truly greater. Looking back now, I think its a reflection of just how strong our sense of community is at Marshall. When all is said and done, we still just want to be in each others company. We endure the lows and celebrate the highs together.Asia Liza Morales, USC (Marshall)
One of my favorite events was Sloans annual Charity Auction. Students from each cohort offer up a variety of valuable items for the auction a poker or a cooking class, a lunch with a popular professor, freshly-made cookies, or an opportunity to have a classmate dress up in a costume of your choice for a final exam. During my first year, I auctioned off a pierogi party complete with a pierogi-making lesson, vodka tasting, and traditional Russian dancing. I loved the opportunity to share a part of my culture while helping my cohort raise funds for Cradles to Crayons an organization that provides children in low-income situations with essential items.Olga Timirgalieva, MIT (Sloan)
My favorite tradition at Foster is kicking off the new school year with a Day of Service. Typically, on the first Friday of fall quarter classes we bring together over half the program and have a huge volunteering event with a local nonprofit where we offer up our resources to help them however we can. I love this tradition for two reasons. One, it builds connections right out of the gate in a setting outside of the classroom. When you volunteer alongside someone for a few hours, you get to know them on a different level than you do in an academic setting, which brings the overall community closer together. Two, it sets the tone for engagement in community service from the beginning of the year. Bringing folks together to help in a fun way builds momentum for continued volunteering as the year progresses and schedules become more chaotic. It conveys the value service as a positive outlet for when stress regarding classes and recruiting reaches a boiling point.Brian Wright, University of Washington (Foster)
My favourite MBA tradition at Rotman is our monthly Culture Eats. Toronto is a cultural mosaic and Rotman is even more so with a roughly even split between domestic and international students. We have a breadth of diverse cultural clubs at Rotman and every month one would put on an afternoon of food, entertainment, dancing, and trivia from their culture. We would all sit in one of our atriums while the cultural clubs shared their favourite dishes from home, sang, dance, taught us to dance, and put on fashion shows, games, and trivia. I never missed one and we have even continued the tradition virtually. I have a very fond memory (and video) of our then academic director, Professor Joe Milner, up on stage trying to learn Afro-Caribbean dance moves. This tradition was not only delicious and entertaining but was also an excellent way to promote and celebrate diversity.Caley Laxer, University of Toronto (Rotman)
Haas Boats is a three-day event where a fleet of house boats are rented on Lake Shasta. Haas Boats is the most memorable bonding event to kick off the academic year. It includes floating islands of giant floaties. You are swimming, socializing with new classmates on themed boats, enjoying group meals, and listening to curated playlists created by classmates, Each boat was driven and managed by a boat captain who volunteered to be responsible for the navigation, staking the houseboats to the shore, and overseeing the safety of the occupants on their respective boats. Serving as a boat captain was a first for me and came with both challenges and rewards. The event is heavy on logistics, but everyone is collaborative, supportive, and quick to come to each others aid, exemplifying Haas Defining Leadership Principle, Beyond Yourself.Olaséni Bello, UC Berkeley (Haas)
Emory Goizueta Business School
My favorite event was the Obstacle Course that my class was thrown into within the first few days of starting the MBA program. There is nothing that will build trust as quickly as having your safety literally placed in the hands of your classmates while navigating an outdoor rope course. Thatand being sweaty around each other for 5-6 hours in Georgias summer heat.Anupama Tadanki, Emory University (Goizueta)
Next Page: Stanford GSB, Yale SOM, Dartmouth Tuck, and More.
Stanford GSB MBA students gathered together
By far, my favorite GSB tradition is TALK, a weekly series in which two classmates share extended versions of their personal stories and answer a few questions about their lives. These TALKs allow you to understand your classmates deeply their challenges and triumphs shaping who they have become and where they plan to go. In that sense, this tradition embodies the GSBs emphasis on disclosure, vulnerability, and authenticity.Austin Ward, Stanford GSB
One of my favorite traditions at the Wisconsin School of Business is Thursday After Professional Studies, or what is more commonly referred to as TAPS. Every Thursday, the MBA students make an effort to meet up in a more social setting to help unwind from the week. It encourages students to interact in a less formal environment and to get to know each other outside of our studies. The program has adapted TAPS to the virtual world and created unique events to keep students engaged remotely including a virtual escape room, ugly sweater party, trivia night and charades game night. This tradition really showcases UWs commitment to building a community amongst the MBA students.Natalie Marinello, University of Wisconsin
It was Voices, which is a nonprofessional club at SOM. Voices is a weekly event comprising two speakers from the student body who share whatever is most important to them, such as their journey to SOM, a difficult life event, or dealing with prejudice. I got a chance to share my Voices earlier this year. Leading up to it, I remember the fear and worry I felt putting my vulnerabilities out for my class to see. However, the experience was like no other: it felt like a cleansing of the past and at the same time a reminder of the progress Ive made. The amount of support and follow up I received from those around me was overwhelming! Partners, faculty, and staff also partake in Voices periodically, which truly shows the strength of the singular SOM community.Adhi Murali, Yale SOM
The career services team at Scheller has a tradition of Ringing the Bell. After you have accepted an internship/job offer, you ring a bell that is housed in the career services office. It is one of those events where the entire career services team, your classmates, members of the faculty, and the program office come together to celebrate your success. As a result of COVID-19, I could not ring the bell in person when I secured in person. However, when we got back from the summer break, the career services team made arrangements to ensure that we could ring the bell virtually. Since I had missed the opportunity to ring the bell when I had secured my internship, the opportunity to ring the bell for my full-time role felt extra special. As the event was conducted online, my friends, and family from around the world could attend the event and celebrate along with me.Sachin Suresh Pai, Georgia Tech (Scheller)
Ill go with the quintessential Tuck activityTripod Hockey. Its such a great feeling seeing a bunch of collaborative, yet competitive, people attempt to take each other on at a sport they have minimal background in. It leads to a lot of falling, a lot of laughs, and a lot of moments when you celebrate a goal as if you have won the Stanley Cup. There are a ton of phenomenal Tuck traditions, but for the rest youll need to come here to see for yourself.Teo Gonzalez, Dartmouth College (Tuck)
At Haas, we have a tradition called Story Salon where several nights each month a couple of students stand up in front of their classmates and tell a personal story. Students are selected through a lottery to speak during Story Salon and are paired with a trained student coach who helps them shape their speech into a compelling story for the audience. Story Salon is one of few events where I do my best to attend each one. The stories shared in Story Salon are often deeply moving and range from extremely vulnerable to light-hearted and funny. I have learned a great deal about my classmates from this tradition and it has helped me gain a deeper appreciation for the tenacity and strength of my peers. I also had the opportunity to share my own story and was moved by the support I felt from my classmates during and after the event.Corrine Marquardt, UC Berkeley (Haas)
The Mountain Experience. At the beginning of the year, the school mobilizes all of the students to the snowy Swiss Alps. With the well-designed activities, we reset our mindset and open ourselves to the class. It is the beginning of the bonding process, and it is a wonderful moment to think of afterwards.
The MBA Participants at IMD are generally older than those of other top MBA programs. Each of my colleagues has had unique and successful professional and personal experiences. The Mountain Experience is to remind us to put aside our egos and our past achievements and be open to the present and all the different perspectives.Haichen Liu, IMD Business School
My favorite MBA event at Johnson is our annual Lunar New Year Celebration. We celebrated the Year of the Ox virtually this year given the pandemic, but it was still fun. Facultyincluding Dean Mark Nelson and Associate Dean Drew Pascarellaeven filmed dance videos for the celebration. Everyone in the community came together to wear red (a must-have color for Lunar New Year and Cornellians). The event featured Asian ensemble dancing, traditional Asian music, cooking demos, and calligraphy. I was so proud that the Johnson community was dedicated to promoting and celebrating cultural diversity. And I couldnt be happier when my American classmates asked me how to ensure good luck during their Zodiac yearI told them, just wear red all year long!Heidi Xu, Cornell University (Johnson)
I loved the simple First Coffee sessions in the morning. It is a 35-minute break between classes, but one that attracts students, staff, and faculty to a common area. First Coffee is ideal to meet or catch-up with people. I enjoyed discussing weekend plans, thought-provoking cases, and even challenging recruitment activities. It is a key pillar of the Darden community and helps build relationships across cohorts.Prateek Sinha, University of Virginia (Darden)
Foster Idol is my favorite tradition. Its a community event hosted by Foster Creative and Challenge 4 Charity (C4C) where students share their creative talents, like musical performance, dancing, and comedy. Audience members then tip the performers via donations to C4C. Seeing everyone cheer the performers on, whether the performers are new to their art or actual professionals, illustrates the supportive and joyful community we have at Foster. I hope to dust off my trumpet and participate as a performer in the next Foster Idol and I know that my classmates will cheer me on if I do.Claire Herting, University of Washington (Foster)
The most iconic tradition at Texas A&M, and my favorite, is that of the Aggie Ring. The Aggie Ring has a history dating back to 1889 and represents a connection to the over 500,000 living alumni all around the world. As the class of 2021, we were presented our Aggie Rings at the beginning of our final semester. When first receiving the ring, it is tradition to wear the graduating class year facing in, signifying that our time at Texas A&M is not yet complete. At our commencement ceremony, as a class we flipped our rings to have the graduating class year face outwards, signifying that we were also ready to face the world with our newfound skills and knowledge.Nicole Streifert, Texas A&M (Mays)
The C4C Charity Auction! The event, which is celebrating its 16th year, brings together Full-Time, Part-Time, and Executive MBA students along with the schools alumni and faculty, to support local causes. Since the events inception in 2005, it has benefitted 17 charitable organizations, raising more than $390,000. The event is beautifully run, winning multiple student awards, including Club of the Year and the Peoples Choice Fun Event awards of 2020. Its the highlight of our year!Jeffrey Merkel, University of Minnesota (Carlson)
Our Karaoke Competition is hands-down my favorite MBA tradition at UNC Kenan-Flagler. Each legacy (or cohort) spends months rehearsing two songs to perform at the competition in December. Students from each legacy volunteer to sing and perform a fully choreographed dance for each song. It is such a blast to watch our classmates get up on stage and let loose a little after working so hard during the fall semester. As it turned out, many of our classmates are very talented singers and dancers! As Legacy Cup Captain, I choreographed the dances for our cohort, and our rendition of Lady Marmalade actually won last year! The event was postponed this year due to the pandemic, but I have no doubt that it will be back in full force when its safe to do so.Claire Boston, University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)
A unique tradition of the Notre Dame MBA program is MBA Mass and Brunch. At least once a semester, members of the MBA student body attend Sunday Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart together. If Notre Dame Stadium is the heart of campus, the Basilica is its soul. The Basilica is a gorgeous neo-gothic church with antique stained-glass windows, murals of religious scenes and saints on the walls, and a painted night sky with gold-leaf stars on the ceiling. Student choirs offer angelic music at each Mass. Attending Mass with classmates forms a special spiritual bond. Afterward, the MBA Association pays for brunch at North Dining Hall, which looks like the Great Hall in Harry Potter. This tradition reflects the deep Catholic roots of Notre Dame and the MBA program. Faith, Religion, and Spirituality are all fair game for discussion here`!Eric Sweeney, Notre Dame (Mendoza)
The Smith communitys greatest strength lies in our earnest embrace of and excitement about international culture. Every fall, we celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Despite not having heard of Diwali prior to my first semester, the celebration has become my favorite event. Diwali Night represents a true celebration of the rich diversity represented in the Smith community.
My first Diwali, Indian students choreographed several dances for international and domestic students alike. I was grateful for the way domestic students were invited to join the celebration and to learn about the festivals significance. I danced alongside three other students who had never previously celebrated Diwali, all of us dressed in traditional Indian clothing. The evening represented a blend of cultures and traditions among the Smith community. Even though our celebrations transitioned to a virtual environment this year, the Smith community remained just as excited to celebrate Diwali. Our International MBA Association created an impactful evening for the entire student body complete with dancing, a drum performance, and a candle-lighting ceremony. More than ever, our festival of lights provided a much-needed celebration for the Smith community.Virginia Pierrie, University of Maryland (Smith)
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