If you want to be

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This review is for HBS

Program Full Time MBA

Class of 2013

Experience during the program

I came to HBS to make a pivot in my career. Though I did make a pivot, it definitely wasn't the one I expected.

The plan was to go from being an engineer and product manager at a big tech company, to being a product marketer at a big tech company. I had a clear sense of who I was, what I wanted to do, and why I wanted to do it. I believe this is a large part of why I got accepted into HBS (and only HBS). Ultimately, I ended up founding my own tech startup instead. I never expected that to happen.

The HBS program challenged me in ways I didn't expect. It wasn't academically challenging, but personally challenging. I was pushed to try everything, to explore, and to learn more about myself in the process. It was that exploration that led to my ultimate career choice.

The student body still leans towards management, finance, and consulting, but academically you can't really specialize like you can at other schools. HBS teaches you just enough about every topic to be a competent manager, and nothing more. This is not the right experience for everyone.

Future applicants: have a story ready that described who you are, what you've done, and what you want to do. Incorporate different elements of that overarching narrative into components of your application.

About professors, classes and curriculum

Things at HBS might feel hokey or "kumbaya" at times. Don't become cynical. Embrace all the weird and oddball activities. Get everything you can out of every experience, even ones that you think are completely outside of your interests.

About job placement process

If you start a company right after school you can get $10,000 of your student debt forgiven by the HBS Rock Center. This is a great deal.

Overall BSchool experience (4.0)
Schools contribution (3.0)
Classmates rating (4.0)

Strengths of the program:

Student body, diversity
Alumni Network
Brand/Ranking

Best fit at this program:

Consulting
Finance
Investment Banking
Management

Can be improved:

Location
Culture & Student Support

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