Because growth happens inside and outside of the classroom, and because your interest in a subject deepens when you actively engage in it, the MBAexperience is elevated and enhanced when you pursue organized club activities. We’ve looked at some of the coolest clubs offered at top MBAprograms and are highlighting them in a series of blogs.
UCLA Anderson
Black & Scholes Surf Club:Do people say “Hang Ten!” anymore? Well, if they do then they’re saying it here. This is the club for Anderson students and alums who love to surf. Are you a beginner? Then you’ll be into Fall and Spring quarters events that focus on mellow long-boarding waves — a great opportunity to learn the sport. Winter outings are for the more experienced surfers, scheduled based on swell arrivals. This is your chance to surf Southern California’s most renowned waves at their best! Don’t have your own board? The surf club has loaners. Kowabunga, dudes!
Automotive Business Association: Gear head?Then check out one of the newest industry-oriented clubs on campus. The ABA connects students with career opportunities in the field by creating networking opportunities with industry pros. The ABA community is made up of auto enthusiasts who enjoy annual events inclu company presentations, “days-on-the-job,” an alumni mixer and the famed LA Auto Show. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!
Yale SOM
Economic Development Club: Does the roller-coaster ride — otherwise known as the global economy — fascinate you? The EDC encourages interest in topics that contribute to economic security, justice and prosperity, both within the U.S. and around the world, including education and workforce development, community space development, environmental and economic balancing. The big annual event is the club-sponsored Economic Development Conference.
Conservative Club: This club seeks to enrich the business education of its members through the intellectual and practical benefits of political participation and strives to expose the SOM community to conservative ideas and concepts. Just imagine: righties and lefties meeting in the middle to engage and learn from each other. Are you listening, Washington, DC?
Sales & Trading Club: Here you’ll find a forum to learn about the sales and trading field, network and access recruiting opportunities between members and companies via such events as trading floor visits on major investment banks in NY and Connecticut, on-campus presentations, mock interviews, resume review sessions, summer internship prep, and an alumni recruiting event.
Food For Thought: Got the MBA munchies? Here’s a not-for-profit volunteer-run café operating within the SOM. Proceeds generated through the food and coffee sales support the Internship Fund, which helps students who pursue summer internships in the public or nonprofit sector. Food For Thought gives back to the broader SOM community by providing a great space to meet for study groups and club meetings. Volunteers even get to work a shift, selling and serving customers. Think of it as “Starbucks with a soul.”
NYU Stern
Technology & New Media Group: TANG provides members with networking opportunities with fellow students, alumni and industry leaders; job search assistance, and educational opportunities about technology through events like these:
• New York Tech Trek: Visit the tech departments of Manhattan’s most prestigious companies, as well as some of the hottest startups in Silicon Alley.
• Bay Area Tech Trek: TANGers meet with California CEOs and top managers of leading tech and media companies.
• Tang Talks: A series of panels, run by students for students, focused on tech-related topics of importance and interest. Think of it as “TED Lite.”
• Special Speakers: Hear from CEOs and top managers at the forefront of the technology business. Who knows, perhaps even the next Steve Jobs.
• Alumni Events: Mix and mingle with fellow students, alumni and recruiters who are passionate about technology and new media.
Stern in Africa (SIA): A club for all Sternies interested in Africa, SIA offers exposure to business and investment opportunities and enhances awareness of the continent’s growing economies. At professional, educational and social events, you will join thought leaders, industry practitioners, and fellow MBA students to explore investments in Africa and examine its growing importance in the global marketplace. Spring break safari, anyone?
To learn more about each of these schools, and to request a free evaluation of your MBA candidacy, click here.
