Exploring the MBA Journey

Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

Elizabeth Barrett, a senior at the Cornell School of Hospitality, recently discovered her interest in pursuing an MBA degree after attending a career panel featuring an alumnus from Harvard Business School (HBS). Intrigued by the possibilities an MBA could bring to her future career, Barrett decided to delve deeper into the MBA experience by signing up for Peek, a virtual introductory program offered by HBS Admissions.

During the three-day Peek program, participants like Barrett engage in case discussions, panel discussions, and sessions with students, faculty, and alumni to gain a better understanding of how an MBA could support their career goals. HBS offers pipeline programs, both open enrollment and application-based, to introduce college students to the idea of pursuing an MBA.

Brooks Lin, a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, found the case method discussion to be the most enriching aspect of the Peek program. Youngme Moon, faculty chair of the pipeline programs at HBS, believes that these programs help build a strong community based on shared values and educate future leaders who can make a positive impact in the world.

HBS’s pipeline programs emphasize the value of case method teaching and participatory learning to establish a connection between undergraduate students and the MBA offerings at the school. After participating in Peek, Barrett realized that she could see herself thriving in a case method classroom and found the experience to be incredibly valuable and enriching.

Overall, Barrett’s journey through Peek and her newfound interest in pursuing an MBA highlight the importance of programs like Peek in guiding and inspiring students to consider the vast opportunities that an MBA can offer in their career paths.