Students come to HBS from all corners of the globe – it’s part of what makes HBS such a dynamic place to study and learn. As an Admissions team, our goal is to connect with prospective students and help them learn more about business school in general and the HBS MBA Program in particular. 

If you attend one of our off-campus information sessions you’ll certainly learn more about the admissions process, but you’ll also have the chance to hear from local alumni and ask them questions about their HBS experience. While it’s true you’ll find us in places like London, Sao Paolo, Johannesburg, and Beijing, we also host gatherings at cities across the US.

This summer Admissions Board member Kelly Quinn returned to her roots to help spread the word about HBS in the Midwest.

1.       What was your favorite part of the trip/city? 
Returning to my roots in the Midwest was great! I grew up in Ohio, went to summer camp in Michigan, and spent time in Minneapolis as a child while my father was doing his medical training. It was good to be home. The All-Star Game/HomeRun Derby in Cincinnati brought a real energy and excitement to our event. In addition, there was a real Midwest thunderstorm that rolled through Cincinnati reminding me of my childhood (we don’t get the same big thunderstorms in Boston). I loved being in Detroit and seeing the revitalization of the downtown area—there was lots going on and I even managed to catch an outdoor concert the afternoon before our event at Grand Circus. Finally, Minneapolis definitely has a “hip” vibe you feel the minute you get off the airplane.  I love the focus on the outdoors, the easy-living feeling of the city and what seemed to be a thriving arts and theatre scene. I wish I had had more time to explore the city—as well as to get out to the infamous Minnesota lakes.

2.       What is one of your travel essentials that you always make sure to pack?
I never go anywhere without a book and magazine. I know some people don’t like to eat alone, but I love sitting down at a restaurant, ordering some food, and pulling out my book. My mother often told me as a child that if you always carried a book, you’d never be bored…how true! I finished The Children Act by Ian McEwan on the first leg of my trip and then picked up Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain. Also, my family and my colleagues will be happy to know that I FINALLY started the last season of Friday Night Lights on Netflix on the trip. I’m at least 4-5 years behind the times, but I say better late than never. 

3.       What questions came up during the events? 
Questions surrounding non-traditional paths to the MBA were a theme (everyone thinks of themselves as non-traditional!). There were also questions about how to approach a regional job search—in other words, if after the MBA you want to return to a specific region of the country. Finally, there are always questions about the community life at HBS.  

4.       What was the most valuable piece of advice offered by the alumni panel?
 Don’t be afraid to take a less-travelled path to HBS, the perspective you’ll bring will be valued in the case-method classroom. Follow your passion.