Past Participants
Rashad Gold
SVMP 2002 HBS MBA 2008
College: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Science
Major: Chemical Engineering
Work Experience: Eli Lilly and Co. — Operations Associate
Interests: Church, Exercise, Reading
What do you remember as the highlights of SVMP?
Among the highlights of SVMP for me was the opportunity to interface with and learn from world-class faculty and outstanding individuals from across the globe. SVMP introduced me to the unique learning experience the case method affords and opened my eyes to the wealth of knowledge to be gained from classmates from such diverse backgrounds. In addition to the awesome learning experiences in the classroom, the program provided many opportunities to socialize, make new friends, and experience the city of Boston. SVMP was truly a life-changing experience.
How did that week impact your life?
SVMP changed my whole perception of what business education is all about. The program showed me that the learning experience is so much more than the technical aspects of business analysis. It is about building lifelong relationships, developing a toolset to make tough business and ethical decisions, and making this world a better place. I experienced all of these aspects during SVMP, and it made the decision to apply to the MBA program at Harvard very easy.
Did you feel that the SVMP experience was representative of the HBS experience you are living now?
I feel that the SVMP experience was very representative of my current life at HBS. On a typical day, I meet with my study group in the morning, attend classes, go to events/speakers/exercise, prepare cases, and hang out with friends. I did all of these activities during the program as well.
Now that you have benefited from both the SVMP and the HBS experience, what are your dreams for the future?
My dream is to head down a general management path and to someday lead a company that significantly improves the lives of others. I believe that HBS provides the perfect environment for tapping into opportunities of this nature.
