Spartan Stories: A Broad MBA Perspective

In this episode, we sit down with first-year MBA student Bianca to talk about what it really takes to move a company from Brazil to the U.S. while pursuing an MBA. She shares the challenges of navigating a new market, balancing academics with entrepreneurship, and adapting to cultural and business differences. We also discuss her transition from practicing law in Brazil to shifting into business and marketing, and what that career pivot has taught her along the way.

In this episode, we sit down with Marla McGraw, Assistant Dean of Career Management at the Palmer Center, to talk about how the center is actively supporting students during a challenging job market. We discuss current hiring realities, career resources available to students, and practical strategies the Palmer Center is using to help students stay competitive and confident.

In this episode, we sit down with Rohit, a first-year MBA student, to recap his experience so far in the program. He reflects on his first semester, sharing what surprised him most, how he adjusted to MBA life, and the key lessons he's learned early on.

This week on Spartan Stories, we sit down with second-year MBA student Pratik Bhattacharjee to break down everything you really need to know about the GMAT/GRE. Pratik shares the study strategies that worked for him, how he approached test-taking, what he wishes he knew before starting, and practical tips for anyone preparing for grad school exams. Whether you're thinking about applying or already deep in prep, this episode gives you real advice from someone who's been through it and came out stronger.

In this episode of Spartan Stories, we spoke with Connor Lyons, a second-year MBA student who shares his journey from military service to business school. Connor opens up about what it was like to transition from leading in the military to leading in a collaborative MBA environment. He reflects on the skills that carried over, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Whether you're a veteran, an MBA student, or simply curious about leadership in different settings, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

In this episode of Spartan Stories, we sit down with second-year MBA student, Chanada Yeginati, to hear how her summer internship with Amazon's Pathways program turned into a full-time career opportunity. Chanada opens up about her experience navigating the internship, the skills she sharpened along the way, and how the MBA program prepared her for success in one of the world's most innovative companies. Whether you're an MBA student exploring career paths, or simply curious about what it takes to turn an internship into a full-time offer, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.

In this inspiring episode of MBA Spartan Stories, we celebrate Women's History Month by diving into the dynamic balance between pursuing an MBA, building a career, and embracing a life of travel. Our special guest, Kate Irwin, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, joins us to share her journey as a working mother navigating a demanding role that requires frequent travel. Kate opens up about the importance of a strong support system, how she stays grounded, and the lessons she's learned from balancing motherhood with a thriving professional life. Tune in for an honest and empowering conversation about resilience, ambition, and redefining what balance truly means.

In this episode, we chat with Lori Fischer, Director of the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University. Lori shares how the program supports student and alumni entrepreneurs at every stage—from idea to launch and beyond. We discuss key resources, common challenges like funding and mentorship, and how the institute fosters innovation across industries. Plus, you'll hear inspiring success stories and get Lori's advice for anyone with a big idea but unsure where to start. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about MSU's approach to innovation, this episode is full of insights and inspiration.

In this episode, we're diving into the impact of affinity groups in the MBA experience. These organizations provide a sense of belonging and mentorship, helping students navigate both personal and professional challenges. Joining us today is Anna Lin, a JD/MBA, who will share her insights on how affinity groups have shaped her journey, supported her in her personal and professional life, and fostered a more inclusive business school environment. Tune in to hear how these communities empower students and why they play a crucial role in the MBA experience!

Not every career path is linear. In this episode, Astha shares her personal experiences of navigating career shifts, overcoming setbacks, and redefining success along the way. From unexpected roadblocks to breakthrough moments, she offers valuable insights on how to stay motivated, embrace change, and ultimately carve out a path that aligns with your true aspirations. If you've ever faced career uncertainty, this conversation is for you!

In the fast-paced world of MBA recruiting, it's easy to focus on landing the next internship or job offer—but what about the bigger picture? In this episode, we sit down with Marla McGraw, Assistant Dean of the MBA Career Center, to discuss the importance of playing the long game in career planning. Marla shares valuable insights on how MBA students can build meaningful relationships, develop a strategic approach to networking, and align short-term actions with long-term career goals. Whether you're just starting your MBA journey or preparing for your next big career move, this episode will help you think beyond immediate opportunities and set yourself up for long-term success. Tune in for expert advice, real-world examples, and actionable strategies to make the most of your MBA experience.

Join Ramy Darwish, a first-year MBA candidate, as he shares his journey of transitioning from a career in B2B logistics to thriving in the dynamic world of business school. In this episode, Ramy opens up about embracing campus life, exploring diverse concentrations, and navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with this transformative experience. From building connections to finding his academic path, Ramy offers an authentic and insightful perspective on the MBA adventure. Whether you're exploring the idea of business school, currently enrolled, or simply curious about the first-year MBA experience, this podcast provides a candid, behind-the-scenes look at personal growth, academic discovery, and the excitement of a new professional chapter.

Join Daniel Martinez, a first-year MBA candidate, as he dives into the highs, lows, and everything in between of life inside business school. From late-night study sessions to navigating group projects, networking events, and the balancing act of personal life, this podcast offers an authentic, unfiltered look at the MBA experience. Whether you're considering business school, already enrolled, or just curious about what it's really like to pursue an MBA, tune in for candid insights, lessons learned, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what it takes to succeed in a demanding program. Get ready to hear stories of growth, challenge, and inspiration—straight from the frontlines of first-year business school!

In this episode, we chat with second-year MBA student Paige Manning, who is concentrating in marketing and making an exciting transition from a healthcare background to the fast-paced world of the Big Three auto industry at Stellantis. Paige shares her summer internship experiences, focusing on high-impact marketing projects, leveraging her unique background, and adapting to a new industry. She provides insights into the challenges she faced, the skills she honed, and how this role is shaping her future career path. Tune in for actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and key takeaways that could inspire your own journey through career transitions and marketing innovation!

In this episode, we chat with second year MBA student, Christine Corsi, who completed her summer intership at Ecolab. We dive into real world experiences within the finance industry from focusing on high-impact projects and navigating corporate culture to the skills she honed, which led to her receiving a full time offer. She shares insights on her introduction to the finance world and how her role is shaping her future career path. Tune in for actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and key takeaways that could inspire your own internship journey!

In this episode, we chat with second year MBA student, Anthony Rizzo, who completed his summer intership at Johnson&Johnson. We dive into real world experiences within the HR industry from focusing on high-impact projects and navigating corporate culture, to the skills he honed and challenges he overcame. He shares insights on his introduction to the HR world and how his role is shaping his future career path. Tune in for actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and key takeaways that could inspire your own internship journey!

In this episode, we chat with second year MBA student, Gustavo Dobrovolski Pereira, who is fresh off his summer internship at Bayer. We dive into his real-world experiences, from high-impact projects and navigating corporate culture, to the skills he honed and challenges he overcame. He shares insight on how this role in procurement is shaping his future career path. Tune in for actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and key takeaways that could inspire your own internship journey!

In this episode, we gathered insights from a select group of graduating students from the class of 2024, delving into their program experiences and exploring their visions for the future.

Join us for the final episode of the Women in Business series, where Olivia English and Konica Baveja share their inspiring journey to the MBA program. They prove that with perseverance and the right mindset, women can achieve success and make things happen. Through their stories, they demonstrate the power of leadership, the importance of student resource groups, and the value of learning from challenges. Get ready to be inspired as they discuss their growth and how they plan to apply their MBA learning lessons to transition into new roles. Make sure to stay tuned until the end, as they turn the tables on Tania and ask her about her experiences.

In the second episode of the Women in Business Series, we are truly inspired by Alyse Hines, a second-year MBA student. Despite dealing with a chronic disease, she persevered and discovered her passion for Supply Chain Management. Through her faith and support system, she hopes to empower other women to pursue their dreams with determination and perseverance. Alyse's story is a powerful reminder that with hard work and resilience, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals.