A Deep Dive into MBA Classes: What to Expect and How They Can Benefit You

Before I started my MBA, I was always curious about what MBA classes would be like. Would they be useful, boring, or exciting? I had great professors, and today, I want to give you an inside peek into what MBA classes are really like. From a high-level overview down to the nitty-gritty details, I’ll share my experiences, including screenshots of my actual assignments. So, if you’re interested in learning more about MBA academics, let’s dive in!

Understanding the Academic Structure

Let’s start with an overview of Wharton’s academic structure throughout the two-year program. Wharton’s curriculum can be broken down into three main parts: core fixed classes, core flex classes, and your major. The fixed core consists of fundamental business classes that all students must take or can waive out of through credentials or exams before the semester begins. These classes ensure that everyone has a baseline understanding of essential business principles.

Next, we have the flex core classes, which also cover basic business subjects but offer multiple options to fulfill the requirement. For instance, I’m planning to take classes like Responsibility in Global Management and Innovation and Operations Strategy. Finally, there’s your major, where Wharton provides a plethora of options to choose from, and you can even create your own major if you wish.

The fixed and flex core classes take up most of your first year. If you can waive out of some required courses (which I highly recommend), you can squeeze in one or two electives or major requirement courses, which tend to be much more interesting. In your second year, you’ll fill your course load with mostly electives and major requirement courses, which can be a lot of fun!

What Are MBA Classes Really Like?

Now, let’s talk about what MBA classes are like. A question I often get is about the balance between academic theory and practical application. If I had to describe the courses in one word, it would be “interactive.” The classes strive to mirror real-world scenarios, and I’ll share a few examples from my own experience.

In my Innovations class, the first few weeks were more academic, focusing on strategies for developing new business ideas. Midway through the quarter, we had to pitch our own business ideas. For one class, we heard 80 different one-minute pitches, and our job was to vote on the best ones. This process continued until we narrowed it down to the top ideas, which we then developed into more detailed pitches. My idea was a humorous take on a hangover prevention pill popular in Korea, and surprisingly, it gained traction!

Another class I enjoyed was Statistics, which I initially thought I wouldn’t like. However, my professor was engaging, and we used software called JMP to run regression models and analyze correlations. This hands-on approach made the class much more enjoyable.

In my Valuations course, we built financial models through individual and group assignments. While some concepts were familiar to me from my previous experience in investment banking, the professor’s insights and stories added depth to the learning experience.

Lastly, I took a Communications course with only eight students. This public speaking class required us to develop one-minute, two-minute, and five-minute persuasive speeches. Although I’m comfortable making YouTube videos, public speaking felt like a different challenge, and I found it incredibly rewarding.

Are MBA Classes Useful?

Now, let’s address the burning question: how useful are MBA classes? To provide some context, I majored in Business Administration at UC Berkeley, worked in investment banking, and started my own fashion brand. With this background, I can say that there’s often no comparison between what you learn in the classroom and what you experience in the real world.

For instance, when I was working on my fashion brand, I learned more about marketing from watching Steve Jobs’ videos and experimenting with Facebook ads than I ever did in a classroom. True marketing knowledge comes from execution, and this applies to most business theories.

However, MBA academics can hold value in several ways:

1. For those without a business background: Many of my peers who entered the MBA program without prior business experience found the classes to be enlightening and beneficial.
2. Interesting electives: There are numerous non-core and elective classes that can spark your interest. For example, I’m excited about taking an Intro to Python class next semester.
3. Guest lectures: Many courses bring in guest speakers who share their real-world experiences, providing valuable insights that enrich the learning experience.
4. Idea generation: Classes can spark new ideas or thoughts. For example, during my Valuations class, a discussion about resource allocation made me rethink my own business strategy.
5. Learning from peers: MBA courses foster discussions among students from diverse backgrounds, allowing you to gain insights from their experiences.

While MBA classes are rooted in academic theory and have their limitations, they can still be useful. Most MBA programs also have non-grade disclosure policies, meaning your grades aren’t shown to employers, allowing you to focus on the classes that truly interest you.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, MBA classes offer a mix of academic theory and practical application. They can be beneficial, especially for those without a business background, and provide opportunities for networking and learning from peers. If you’re considering an MBA, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and think about how it aligns with your career goals.

As you embark on your GMAT journey, remember that tracking your progress can be incredibly helpful. Platforms like GMAT Sprint can assist you in monitoring your study habits and ensuring you’re on the right track. With the right resources and mindset, you can achieve your goals and make the most of your MBA experience.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of MBA classes! If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below. I’m excited to hear from you!