There were roughly 2,000 of us who graduated from the Kelley School of Business back in 2012. Nearly double the size of my high school graduating class, which I previously considered to be massive. While I am incredibly fortunate for the connections and exposure I gained from Indiana University, I was seeking a more intimate experience from my full-time MBA program. With just about 65 fellow badgers in my MBA class, I found that personal environment here at the Wisconsin School of Business. Outlined below are my 3 favorite features of an MBA experience with a smaller class size:
1. Personalized Experience:
With a smaller class size, my peers and I have incredible access to our professors, career advisors, other faculty members, and visiting professionals. These connections promote a very tailored experience. I am personally targeting a specific career path upon graduation and am hoping to work at an organization with a focus on environmental sustainability. I have shared this goal with my professors, career advisors and other Wisconsin School of Business staff members, all who have provided incredible support and guidance to help to make my dream a reality. This personalized attention is also extremely beneficial when we have alumni and other professionals visit the campus and/or attend a meeting. The smaller class size enables more of us to have deeper conversations and connections with these professionals.
2. An Inclusive Environment:
A smaller class size also allows every student’s voice to be heard. From my experience, larger lectures filled with dozens and dozens of students can feel intimating and there is often not enough time to hear from every class member. Smaller classes encourage discussion and I have learned so much from the different perspectives and previous experiences of my fellow MBA students. These discussions are great practice in sharing our unique ideas and opinions in front of a group; an invaluable skill as we progress in our professional lives.
3. Intimate connections fostering lasting relationships:
My favorite aspect of a smaller MBA class size is the ability to get to know my fellow classmates more intimately. During my internship at Danone North America this past summer, I worked with MBA candidates from programs that had over 200+ people in each class. These students did not even know the names let alone the previous experiences of their fellow classmates. The environment at the Wisconsin School of Business feels very supportive and collaborative and I think a big reason for that is the smaller class sizes, enabling students to become better acquainted with one another. These deeper connections foster longer, lasting relationships, which will be an incredible support system throughout both my professional and personal life.
There are many pros and cons for both large and small MBA programs; therefore, class size is definitely an important factor to consider when deciding what school to attend. For me personally, I credit the smaller class size for the resources I have had and the relationships I have made. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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