What Do You Learn in an MBA? The Lessons That Show Up Before Graduation and in Orientation

When people ask, “What do you learn in an MBA?” they often think about finance, strategy, analytics, and leadership courses. While those subjects are certainly part of the experience, some of the most important lessons begin before the first assignment is submitted and even before the first class begins.

On August 28, Michigan State University’s Broad Executive MBA Program welcomed 53 professionals as the Executive MBA Class of 2028, the program’s 62nd cohort. Students arrived from a variety of industries, organizations, and leadership roles, each bringing their own experiences, goals, and reasons for pursuing an MBA.

Like many MBA orientations, the day started with a mix of excitement and nerves. That quickly shifted to connection and collaboration as students began getting to know the cohort that will accompany them on this journey over the next two years.

The day kicked off with a welcome from William Horton-Anderson, Interim Director of Academic Services, who reminded students that everyone enters the program with a different purpose.

“Some of you are preparing for a promotion, a career pivot, a broader leadership role, or a new level of impact, and all of you are here because you are ready for what’s next.”

That theme of growth and leadership carried throughout the day as David Wheatley, Chief Question Asker and CEO of Humanergy, led students through a series of team-building and leadership development exercises.

Working in teams of eleven, students participated in a Leadership 360 activity where they identified a personal strength, an opportunity for growth, and areas where feedback could help them become stronger leaders. Common themes included building confidence, improving time management, making better use of technology, and strengthening communication skills.

It was an important reminder that leadership starts with self-awareness. Many professionals enter an MBA expecting to learn how to lead others. One of the first lessons they discover is that great leadership begins with understanding yourself.

Another major takeaway centered on feedback.

Students talked about the type of feedback they value most, and a common sentiment emerged: people would rather receive honest, direct feedback today than hear “I wish I would have told you sooner” months later.

While feedback is not always easy to give or receive, it creates opportunities for growth. Learning how to seek feedback, apply it, and use it to improve is a skill that extends far beyond the classroom.

The Humanergy team also introduced students to the concepts of the “Green Path” and the “Red Path” of leadership. Green Path behaviors include listening to understand, building trust, creating team alignment, and addressing challenges directly. Red Path behaviors include avoiding difficult conversations, indirect communication, and ignoring problems when they arise.

The exercise reinforced a valuable lesson for aspiring leaders: leadership is not just about making decisions. It is about the behaviors we choose every day and the culture we create for those around us.

Of course, orientation was not all leadership exercises. One of the greatest strengths of any Executive MBA program is the people in the room.

The Class of 2028 brings together professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, industries, and experiences. Students quickly discovered that some of their most valuable lessons will come from one another.

The networking started immediately, and a few memorable “get-to-know-you” facts stood out:

• One student rapped with Big Sean.
• One has attended more than 70 Michigan State University basketball games without seeing a loss.
• One traveled to Europe five times this summer.
• Another has never left the United States.

These conversations highlighted the diversity of experiences within the cohort and demonstrated that learning in an MBA happens just as much through your peers as it does through coursework.

The Broad Executive MBA curriculum will challenge students to think strategically, make data-driven decisions, and lead organizations through complex business environments. Yet orientation proved that some of the most important MBA lessons begin long before graduation.

Self-awareness. Honest feedback. Solution-oriented leadership. Meaningful relationships. Learning from people whose experiences differ from your own.

Those lessons started on day one.

We are excited to welcome the Executive MBA Class of 2028 to Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their organizations, communities, and industries over the next two years.

Go Green!