Izzy Busch
By Izzy Busch (MBA '24)
Embarking on a full-time MBA program is a significant step in one's career journey. The first year of an MBA is often a whirlwind of new experiences, rigorous coursework, and personal growth.
To help you navigate this exciting chapter effectively, second-year MBA student Izzy Busch compiled a comprehensive guide that provides insights and tips for making the most of your full-time MBA first-year experience. Whether you’re a prospective student or a current applicant, this article will offer valuable advice on acing your academics, building a strong network, and achieving a balanced work-life-study equilibrium.
Pre-MBA Preparation
Before embarking on the exhilarating MBA journey, I took the time to adequately prepare myself for the challenges that lay ahead. Here’s how I set the stage for my MBA adventure:
Set Aside Quality Time for Friends and Family: To ensure I started the journey with a fresh perspective and abundant energy, I dedicated quality time to my loved ones. Recharging my personal batteries would prove invaluable in the months to come.
Kept Abreast of Financial News: An MBA journey necessitates understanding the contemporary business landscape. I made it a habit to consistently read financial news to stay updated on current events, which was invaluable in class discussions and networking.
Scheduled Time for Pre-MBA Coursework: To hit the ground running at BC, I scheduled time to complete the program’s pre-MBA Statistics course. This foundational knowledge was essential for the advanced coursework that awaited me.
Made a List of Networking and Job Opportunities: In preparation for networking and potential job opportunities, I developed a preliminary list of companies to target. This proactive approach ensured that I was well-prepared to make the most of my MBA program.
Navigating the Start of the MBA
As the MBA journey began, I adopted several strategies to maximize my experience:
Formed Study Groups: Collaborating with classmates, I formed study groups to enhance our understanding of course material and prepare for exams. This teamwork facilitated better performance and deepened our connections.
Planned (and Planned Some More): Managing the intense workload required daily and weekly planning. This practice helped me meet deadlines while effectively juggling multiple academic and extracurricular priorities.
Leveraged Second-Year Students: Initiating networking with second-year MBA students provided valuable insights into their summer internships. Their experiences guided my own career decisions and helped me navigate the competitive job market.
Sought out Career Advisor Support: Working closely with my career advisor, I identified key individuals to network with and companies to explore for internships and job opportunities. My career advisor also aided me in tailoring my resume to stand out in the competitive job market.
Tips for Incoming Students
For those embarking on an MBA journey, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Embrace Your Uniqueness: Remember that there’s no such thing as a “typical” MBA student. Embrace and discuss your unique educational and work experiences with pride.
Learn from Peers: Take time to get to know your classmates and their backgrounds. Your peers are a valuable resource, often underestimated, who can expand your network and provide support throughout your MBA experience.
Reflections on My First Year
The first year of an MBA program is indeed demanding. Balancing coursework, networking, and interview preparation simultaneously is a challenging, but rewarding experience. The quarter system’s pace adds an extra layer of challenge with courses moving quickly.
The first year is not just about academic growth, but also personal and professional development. The opportunity to delve into new course material and concepts while interacting with a diverse group of classmates is an enriching experience.
I found the guidance offered by second-year MBA students to be immensely helpful. Their willingness to share experiences and assist in navigating challenging coursework and the summer internship search streamlined my journey. As a current second-year student, I'm committed to paying it forward, just as my predecessors did for me.
Izzy Busch is a 2024 BC MBA graduate and is currently at the Financial Leadership Program at Fidelity Investments. Prior to her MBA, Izzy received a B.A. in Geoscience from Hamilton College and a M.Sc. in Earth and Environmental Science from Vanderbilt University. Professionally, Izzy was a Graduate Fellow with the National Nuclear Security Administration, a Nonproliferation Analyst at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and a Consultant at Industrial Economics, Inc.
Izzy is originally from New Jersey, but is happy to call Boston her home now with her husband, James, and golden retriever, Annie.