Chelsi Riordan (MBA ’21)
One of my favorite parts of being an MBA student at Broad is the diversity in our program. Diversity at Broad goes way beyond geographical origin or ethnicity. It encompasses the experiences and perspectives that the students at Broad bring to the program. These unique perspectives fuel engaging discussions both inside and outside of the classroom. From students with engineering backgrounds to those who worked in the banking industry or served in the military, each person brings their own perspective about business practices through their own experiences.
Thirty percent of our class is international, which gives students the opportunity to interact with classmates from all over the world. A large portion of the curriculum at Broad is done in team settings, so I often have the opportunity to work on projects with students from other cultures. Not only does this result in more thoughtful conversations around current business practices, but it also gives students a chance to understand business from a global perspective. Gaining a global business mindset is critical to leadership, and because of this, Broad MBA students are gaining a competitive advantage.
The diversity of thought goes beyond current students. Broad faculty members also come from all over the world, bringing a wide range of areas of expertise. The well-rounded faculty help students analyze issues affecting today’s business environment while guiding us through unique ways to solve them.
Outside of the classroom, we have the opportunity to take part in clubs and activities to experience other cultures. For example, the MBA Multicultural Club hosts events like Diwali and a Lunar New Year celebration so students can indulge in authentic cuisines from other parts of the world and even learn traditional dance moves. The Broad Women’s MBA Association also provides women a supportive environment to share resources and connect. This club is committed to empowering women and making modern business a more inclusive environment. These are just a few examples of how Broad embraces diversity; you can learn more about the program’s clubs here.
I believe the close-knit community here results in respect for every student. Although we may come from different places and cultures, we are united by the drive to be effective business leaders and support one another throughout our MBA journey and beyond.
Who will make business happen? Spartans will!
