My fellow bloggers and some of my very accomplished classmates decided to collaborate to write about our best experiences about McCombs in the last two years.
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Gui and his team trying to imitate Professor Anitesh Barua
Guilherme Sessa travelled from Brazil, went on a trip to South Africa and will now travel every week as a management consultant.
As an international student, the first thing I noticed after joining McCombs was that most of the companies did not hire internationals. A lesson I learned and a good tip for int’l students is to try to focus on companies and industries that do hire internationals. I found that consulting firms in general have no problem doing that, and I ended up getting an internship at Deloitte Consulting, even though my initial plans did not include doing consulting. I think that keeping an open mind is very important in the job search process.
Another significant thing that happened while at McCombs was that me and 3 other classmates co-founded a start-up called Escapaide while taking Prof Doggett’s Opportunity Identification and Analysis class. We found an opportunity in the business travel market and tried to seize it while attending classes. We competed and won 3rd place in the University of Louisville business plan competition, which was very exciting. We also competed in other business plan competitions and didn’t make it to the final round, but we were more interested in the feedback that the judges gave us so that we could improve our business plan.
The last experience I’d like to share is going to the McCombs Global Trip to South Africa, which I did during spring break. It was one of the most memorable times I had as an MBA student, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is considering it. I got to know a lot of classmates that I didn’t have much contact with during the first three semesters, and we all had an amazing time. I would definitely go back to South Africa on vacation!”
Al joins the global connections group for dinner in South Africa
Not to be satisfied with a global trip, Blogger Al Ntiri spent a semester in South Africa
I recently returned from South Africa where I spent my spring semester. Being back in Austin only a week, I have rediscovered what I love about Texas and what drew me here in the first place. My classmates are some of the smartest, hard-working people I have ever met; yet they are still fun and down to earth. On top of that, Austin has made the last two years truly special with its unique combination of live music, outdoorsy culture, and an all-encompassing group of people. No matter where I go from here, it will be tough to match my experience in this program.
Solu is always cheerful, but she works unbelievably hard
Solu Nwanze was one of our most active leaders on campus
I will miss the hustle and bustle of Carpenter Center, the program office and the tables near the family statue at the McCombs South entrance. My classmates and I typically exchange a smile, a quick chat or a high-five as we rush through the hallway to our next class, meeting or lunch. I will miss the vibrant life of Austin, it has been my home away from home. I have made great friends in Austin and would miss our frequent dinner or downtown meet-ups.
My overall experience at McCombs can be described with one word “priceless”. I will not replace my past two years with anything else. The MBA experience – whether it be course work, MBA+ project, case competition, student organization activity or MBA socials – enriched my view of business, leadership and communication. I will take this experience with my as I move forward with my personal and professional encounters. I am proud to be a McCombs MBA! Hook ‘em!
Eugene is in Cohort 1 or Unos as they call themselves
Eugene Lin is American but he used these two years to make friends with international students
The international student community is amazing at McCombs in terms of their unique cultural background and work experiences. At McCombs, students and professors are always eager to hear from international students during discussion and make them feel welcome. My time here at McCombs has also allowed me to meet lifelong friends that I would not only want to start a business with, but also be around. My greatest takeaway from my two years at McCombs, is knowing that I can call on this wonderful group of people to back me up wherever I go throughout the world.
TO BE CONTINUED. CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR PART 3!