While many students within the Babson College community have taken the summer off to participate in internships and advance their careers, the 2023 year-long MBA classes have been busy with the start of the first semester. The MBA candidate works hard to meet the rigorous coursework and his BETA-X challenges while finding time to bond over the occasional tennis match on campus.
This year’s cohorts come to Babson from all over the world, from New Englanders who know all the best places around Boston to international students from all over the world. They have years of expertise in areas such as industrial relations, telecommunications and real estate. They are parents and friends, innovators and community builders, all entrepreneurial leaders.
Meet some outstanding first-year MBA students.
Family business next steps
Focus on Entrepreneurship and Business Analysis
Jennifer Calhoun MBA’23 made the leap after working in the maritime and healthcare industry for over 12 years, turning her family business side business into a full-time job. Her GI Junk Removal started in 2018 as a small junk removal service staffed by just her husband and her teenage son, with one truck and her own garage at her disposal. . Her business now earns about $100,000 a month, employs a dozen people, and operates in her three metropolitan areas of Oregon and Washington.
Faced with rapid growth, Calhoun had to think carefully about his next steps in both business and career. “I never set out to get his MBA,” says Calhoun. “Instead, we started researching options for hiring a business coach. We felt like we were ‘building planes to fly planes’ in business and reached the limits of what we could accomplish on our own.” We get it!” That attitude has taken us so far that we needed more sophisticated business support to reach the next level. “
Now a quarter of an MBA completed, Calhoun pursues three main goals: She develops her personal entrepreneurial skill set. and building a stable professional network that will last long after her year at Babson.
“I’m a problem solver and solution creator at heart, and I joined this program with the intention of dedicating myself to my own venture after graduation,” she said. But my eyes are already open to other possibilities.”
in-house entrepreneur innovator
Focus on business analytics and machine learning
Abhishek Dudhankar MBA’23 comes to Babson with 12 years of experience working as an analytics professional. Born and raised in India, he spent his career in Canada, volunteering to help recent immigrants find jobs and adjust to their new surroundings.
Dudhankar wanted to pursue an MBA to support his professional growth, but had to wait until he was sure he could balance his education with other responsibilities before starting. Now, with post-MBA goals clearly in mind, he’s eager to tackle the rigors of his one-year program at Babson.
“Babson’s focus on entrepreneurship strengthens and develops in-house entrepreneurship, helps you manage your career within your organization, equips you with the tools to run your own business, and solve problems. I will tell you how,” he said. More effectively with limited resources. “
Looking ahead, Dudhankar said: …longer term, I intend to create my own company dedicated to developing and enhancing marketing analytics products and solutions based on consumer needs, privacy laws, transparency and ethical business practices. “
real estate sustainability
Concentration of Entrepreneurship and Quantitative Finance
William (Bill) Stacey MBA’23 has built a trusted reputation in the construction industry after nearly ten years of service throughout the Greater Boston area. He works on high-profile projects, manages teams of up to 16 workers, and is an active member of his employer’s sustainability group. Outside of work, he is an avid woodworker and is currently preparing for the birth of his child. But despite everything on his plate, Stacey carved out his time and space to further his professional education.
“I actually only applied to two schools because I was so excited about both,” says Stacy. She was also advised by real estate industry insiders who advocate broader financial and management education. “
For Stacey, getting an MBA was all about finding balance. He wanted a program that would allow him to fully immerse himself in all the opportunities an MBA could offer. But he also needed a one-year acceleration program that would keep the opportunity cost low and allow him to pursue his professional goals faster.
Now Stacy is optimistic about her professional future. “My long-term goal is to one day start my own company with a venture that enhances and promotes sustainability in the real estate industry,” he said. “Ultimately, whatever I do, I want to contribute in a meaningful way towards a more sustainable world that offers a better quality of life for all.”
community builder
marketing focus
Stephanie Denis MBA’23 has been looking forward to completing her MBA for years, but it was important to get a few years of professional experience first. Denise, who was born in Haiti and moved to England 12 years ago, is passionate about community building, outreach and women’s empowerment.
Dennis, director of marketing and communications for the Babson Black Graduate Club and active Boston board leader, said: young black professionals.
But Denise’s relationship with the Babson community didn’t begin in May of this year. She took this opportunity to attend Babson’s second annual Black Her Unity Her Summit in April 2022. The theme was “Bridging the Wealth Gap through Entrepreneurship”. During the course of the event, she interacted and got to know Babson students, alumni, and other community members, including President Steven Spinelli Jr.
In considering her path to Babson, Denis shared her advice to anyone considering an MBA.
“My advice to anyone considering whether to go back to school and get an MBA is to understand the ‘why’ of your aspirations,” she said. “Make sure your MBA aligns with your long-term goals and do it intentionally. I also recommend that you should be ready to embark on a journey that will change your life. … Getting an MBA is challenging, but rewarding in the long run.
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