If there were one word to avoid when describing the MBA program at Brigham Young University, it would be “procrastination”. From the moment students get accepted into the program, months prior to the start of classes, they are kept busy with a wide variety of tasks—everything from surveys and pre-requisite classes to personal essays and personality tests. In addition, each new student is assigned a second year MBA “Sherpa” to help prepare the new student for the difficulties that he/she may find in starting the program. The Sherpas also provide mentoring and motivation to new students so that they begin to prepare their resumes, elevator pitch and interviewing skills before starting school. And as if this weren’t enough, BYU provides two orientations for many first year students: one for internationals, and then one for the entire incoming class.
All of the preparation provided by BYU prior to the start of the school year allows students to focus exclusively on their classes and their job search rather than spend half of the semester figuring out what is an optimal resume, how long an elevator pitch should be, or where to find the Symplicity website (Y Business Careers).
The program forces students to stretch in different directions to achieve results. These may come in the form of good grades, better family life or church callings, not to mention a robust personal/professional network and great career prospects.
My first impressions of BYU are related to hard work, discipline, anticipation and great attitude. Already, the program has helped me become a better person, and a better professional. Not only does BYU provide excellent faculty, but it also excels in selecting talented MBA candidates. And one first impression that still rings true is that the word 'procrastination' has nothing to do with this program.
Nacor Tortosa, Supply Chain, Class of 2012
