As 2020 comes to a close, we wanted to share a roundup of MBA Voices Blogs from 2020. It’s been quite a year for HBS students, alumni, faculty and staff, and sharing our experiences with you through our blog is always a highlight. These posts give an authentic look at how HBS students and recent alumni have navigated this past year and provide important insights about the strength of our community. Here is our roundup of notable posts published in 2020:
The Class of 2021 is facing a time unlike any other in human history. In these unprecedented times, HBS is grateful that these students will lead us into a better future filled with possibility, inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration. Read more about the Harvard Business School Class of 2021’s interests, fears, and goals in our Class of 2021 student profiles.
Black MBA Students Pen Letters to the HBS Community: Letters to my Classmates Series
Members of the HBS African American Student Union have written a series of Letters to our Classmates in an effort to elevate this message: “On behalf of your Black classmates: we’re not okay, and you shouldn’t be either.” Below is an excerpt from one of these letters. “Black students in our community have spent the last few weeks grappling with the weight of a devastating truth: that our country and society has undeniably and systemically failed Black communities – and the false narrative that being well educated, professionally accomplished and palatable enough for predominantly white spaces is still not enough to keep Black people safe – and there isn’t a job title or degree in the world that can protect Black communities from institutionalized and systemic racism.”
Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month at HBS
“While the global pandemic has upended our lives at HBS, it has also reinforced the strength and resiliency of the LASO familia.” This post highlights some of our favorite events of the semester, including what we did to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, as well as profiles of students in the Latinx community at HBS. LASO is the Latin American Student Organization, a student club on campus.
“I was particularly drawn to HBS after hearing about the experience of my friends who had not only found a supportive entrepreneurial community at HBS, but co-founders as well. I spoke with alumni who were part of the Venture Capital and Private Equity (VCPE) club, and others who were Rock Center Partners. A colleague at Google had even explored a startup idea at the i-Lab. The more I investigated the resources at HBS, the more I knew an MBA there was the perfect fit for me.”
Take a Seat in the Case Method Classroom
The case method presents big challenges confronting organizations - including the constraints and incomplete information found in all read world situations - and places you in the role of decision maker.
4 Things to Know About the MS/MBA Biotech
“I was initially attracted to Harvard’s MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences program because of the emphasis on ethical decision making, and ultimately chose the program with the goal of becoming an impactful biotechnology executive who is able to effectively deliver transformative therapies to patients in need. As a member of the first cohort of Harvard’s MS/MBA joint degree, I wanted to share four things you should know about this new program.”
How Financial Aid Can Help You Meet the Cost of Your MBA
As a first-generation college student, Katie Kelsall in MBA Financial Aid, understands firsthand what it’s like to have to figure out how to pay for school. Education is an investment, and Katie is here to tell you that it IS possible to afford an HBS MBA. With generous support from our alumni, we are able to offer need-based financial aid that considerably reduces the price of our program.
How to Fit in at HBS
“I realized that for the past decade, my focus on success had led me to believe I needed to ‘fit in’ in order to get the promotion, land the next job, and get the raise. I had mastered the art of camouflage, and, though I never felt ashamed of my story—in fact, I would never change it because it has taught the most valuable lessons of life—I had shared it only with a few intimate colleagues and friends.”
My HBS Financial Aid Story: Why I Chose to Invest in My Future
“I grew up thinking debt was unequivocally bad. Many people in my life discussed student loans negatively as if they were sure to become an insurmountable burden. With that in mind, I attended the college that awarded me the best scholarship and sought out external scholarships and work-study opportunities to avoid relying on student loans.”
“LivelyHood is a safe and simple platform that connects healthy, young volunteers with elderly and immunocompromised individuals who need help running errands. Our mission is to help diminish the impact of the pandemic by enabling the most vulnerable among us to stay safe in their homes.”