Because growth happens inside and outside of the classroom, and because your interest in a subject deepens when you actively engage in it, the MBA experience is elevated and enhanced when you pursue organized club activities. We’ve looked at some of the coolest clubs offered at top MBA programs and are highlighting them in a series of blogs.
Chicago Booth
Mothers at Booth (MaB): Are you a student mother or future working mom-to-be? Greater visibility and information about motherhood during and after business school helps students make more informed and satisfying academic and career decisions. You can do it all! Vibrant family life can be achieved alongside academic and professional success. MaB is aligned with the Chicago Booth Office of Diversity Affairs and partners with other student groups to host select career and life planning sessions. Every day is Mother’s Day at Booth!
Audio Booth: For music lovers and music makers alike. If you can sing, play an instrument, have an interest in singing or playing an instrument, or just enjoy listening to good tunes, this club is for you. Take in performances at happy hours and the big Follies show, access a rehearsal and recording space downtown Chicago, and check out Chicago’s amazing local music scene from Bach to the blues.
Booth Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (BETA): Maybe you know that you want to run “a company” someday but don’t have a clue what business should be. Or maybe you’re eager to develop the skills and build the network you need to source, diligence, purchase, manage, and profitably exit an entrepreneurial venture. As a BETA member, you’ll learn about entrepreneurship through acquisition and join a community of interested and active peers. Educational events include discussions with industry gurus and opportunities to source and evaluate live investment targets. Hey, you might even spot the next GroupOn!
Northwestern Kellogg
Brew’n Q: Like a good beer, this group is rugged, yet refined with a single goal: “To share with the Kellogg community our passion for all things beer and BBQ.” These are the folks responsible for the annual Turkey Bowl, Chili Cook-off, Crawfish Boil and Spring Luau. Look no further than the Brew’, Q Club for your chance to pursue your own passion for “the ancient art of the grill and joys of global beers.” Calories and cholesterol? There’ll be plenty of time for those concerns after b-school.
Digital Shorts: What a crazy cool idea. This club encourages you to make comical digital short films all year long, “celebrating” Kellogg. This is not for professionals, just for folks who want to help make entertaining videos. All you need is an idea and iPhone. Action!
Joint Ventures: Nearly 40% of all incoming students come to Kellogg accompanied by a partner, and if you’re one of them then you’re already a Joint Venture (JV)! From day one, this club can help your own “JV” achieve a smoother transition to Kellogg Life that lasts all the way through graduation. Social and cultural events, job development and meaningful volunteer opportunities will engage you and yours. This is a place where lifelong friendships are forged.
The Bottom Line: All-male a cappella group that performs pop, rock, classical, and jazz and welcomes all Kellogg men with an interest in singing to join. Not to be outdone, the Kelloggarhythms bring all-women’s a cappella to Kellogg! Who needs to watch Glee when you have the real thing right here on campus.
UC Berkeley Haas
Redwoods@Haas: Taking full advantage of the great outdoors, this club organizes a range of get-togethers with their signature event being the Yosemite car camp-out in early Fall. Kayaking, skydiving, camping, expert speakers, and “anything else you have suggestions for we have to capacity to help coordinate. We welcome all suggestions as long as they involve outdoors, adventure, and fun.” So grab your sunscreen and go for it.
Haas Leadership Club: For this club, “leadership” is defined as inspiring people to achieve their full potential and go to work together toward a common goal, “stepping up, taking initiative and making tough calls.” Club members are united by a shared interest in growing their individual ability to improve and explore facets of leadership in ways that coursework along cannot provide. Interview practice, a leadership lab (in which alumni test club members in real-world scenarios), Toastmasters, Scotch night, and abstracts for business books. Plus unlimited pizza at every event, “all for $10.” Who knew leadership could be this much fun?
C4C: The MBA Challenge for Charity draws on the talents, energy, and resources of students from nine West Coast business schools. you’ll participate in volunteer events like landscaping and restoration during first-year orientation, bowling and basketball clinics with Special Olympics kids, and fundraising events including Haas-oween, No-Shave November and the annual C4C Charity Auction. Every April, the organization’s work culminates at the C4C Sports Weekend. Sounds more like a dozen great clubs within a club. Have fun, do good, enough said.
To learn more about each of these schools, and to request a free evaluation of your MBA candidacy, click here.
