The MBA Experience

For everyone, the two years at HBS goes quickly. To make the most progress toward your objectives, it helps to be as focused as possible. For those interested in entrepreneurship this typically means a focus on:

  • refining an idea you already have
  • looking for an idea or a team to join
  • thinking about an industry and a set of entrepreneurial companies in that industry that you'd like to try to join upon graduation


> Check out HBS Professor Tom Eisenmann's blog post: A Compilation of the Web's Best Advice for Entrepreneurs.

> Watch this video for an Introduction to the Rock Center and Entrepreneurship at HBS (10/4/10): Entrepreneurship Overview

> Watch this video for a panel discussion on an entrepreneurial path while at HBS (10/4/10): Perspectives from HBS ECs

> Watch this video for Job Search Advice for Entrepreneurs and Start-Up Joiners (3/2/10) Entrepreneurial Job Search Advice (Login Required).

Making the Most of Your Time at HBS

1st Year, Fall

  • Attend the Rock Center Info Session for an introduction to our programs.
  • Meet with an MBA Career Coach whose background fits your entrepreneurship interests and explore your vision and strategy with them.
  • Join the Entrepreneurship Club as well as any other clubs that speak to your industry of interest, e.g., TechMedia Club or Healthcare Club.
  • Tap into the wide variety of Social Enterprise activities if your interest lies there.
  • Try to meet like-minded fellow students through the clubs, Rock Center activities and your own networking.
  • If you have an idea for the Business Plan Contest, begin to think about putting a team together. You should also attend the Rock Center Team Building sessions, and talk to EC students to learn about any second-year teams looking for help.

First Year, Winter

  • Participate in the Entrepreneurship Club Conference as well as any other conferences in your area of interest.
  • Use your Field III experience to try out a new idea for a business.
  • If you are planning to work at a start-up or entrepreneurial company during your RC-EC summer, and will need some additional funding to compensate for a low salary from the company, consider applying for a Rock/Lebor Fellowship.
  • If you are working on a business idea, consider applying for the Minimum Viable Product Fund (MVP Fund).
  • Meet with an EiR to discuss your new business idea or career plans.
  • Meet with an MBA Career Coach whose background fits your entrepreneurship interests to get reinforcement with your networking and/or search strategy.

RC-EC Summer

  • Work on your idea or get some in-depth experience in an industry/function of interest – even better if you can work in your geography of choice.

Second Year, Fall

  • Meet with an EiR to discuss your new business idea or career plans.
  • If you are working on a business idea, consider applying for the Minimum Viable Product Fund (MVP Fund).
  • If you are pursuing your own idea, select a set of courses that will help you advance your thinking, including courses with a project or even a full semester field study. Consider the Field Study Seminar: Evaluating the Entrepreneurial Opportunity
  • Check in with your  MBA Career Coach to discuss your summer and craft your plan for your fulltime search
  • If you are looking for a business idea for the Business Plan Contest, look for fellow students who may want you to join their team.
  • Consider a field study or course with project that will bring you into contact with real customers – this is often where great ideas come from
  • Participate in clubs, conferences and take advantage of Rock Center services for students designed to help advance your idea, including: Early-Stage Idea Feedback, Legal Counsel and Mentoring.
  • If you will be trying to join a start-up or entrepreneurial company, begin your research to identify good targets
  • If you are interested in Search Funds, this is a good time to begin your research on potential search strategies as well as discussions with past search funders.

Second Year, Winter