Incoming Oklahoma State MBA students participate in three-day orientation, including dragon boat racing

Thursday, August 25, 2016

First-year Oklahoma State University MBA students experienced an introduction to Watson Graduate School of Management’s graduate program. During a three-day orientation, students had the opportunity to meet fellow classmates, learn about courses, and explore clubs and programs.

To begin day one, a general overview and basic information about the MBA program was presented to the students.

“Orientation for the OSU MBA program was a great way to meet people and make friends with your future classmates,” Tess Hollopeter, first-year OSU MBA student, said. “It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about the program, the professors and all it has to offer.”

Students also learned about the Marketing Analytics concentration and listened to alumni share new experiences in the business world. Then, Courtenay Siegfried, co-founder at Launchpad Skills for Success, offered students social media advice and expertise in Awesome Business Communications.

The second day offered fun interactions as students learned about their personality types, as well as their classmates’ personality types. For this activity, Debra Nelson, Spears School of Business Associates’ Chair and Professor of Management, explained the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator for Leaders along with how to interrelate with each personality type. 

“I really enjoyed getting the chance to hear from Dr. Nelson about MBTI for Leaders,” Kaci Kennedy, first-year MBA student, said. “It was both interesting and beneficial to learn other students’ Myers-Briggs personality types. I think it will be helpful in courses throughout the program as we work in groups.”

Brandy Polo, OSU Foundation External Relations Officer, and Roger Lumley, MBA Advisory Board Vice-President of Mentoring, spoke with students about the benefits of the Spears School’s Mentoring Program. Students met with mentors during orientation and had the chance to network with OSU MBA alumni and ask questions about the program.

“Orientation is such an important part of our program,” explained Jan Analla, Business Graduate Programs Assistant Director. “They get a great head start on self awareness, communication skills and career skills which are essential to their growth and development.”

To conclude day two, Garrett Purdum from Chesapeake Energy shared advice with the students about career readiness. He covered many topics, including résumé structure, career fair and interview suggestions.

During the final day of orientation, students headed to Oklahoma City for team building, volunteering and alumni networking activities. The morning was spent touring the Boathouse District, including the U.S. Olympic Rowing training facilities. While at the Boathouse, students competed in dragon boat racing, a team-building exercise known as “Challenge the Dragon.”

For most students, this was the first time they have attempted team rowing.

“Doing the dragon boat activity in Oklahoma City was a great way to get to know other MBA students,” Kaylee Gryzmala, second-semester OSU MBA student, said. “We got to work together and become familiar with each other outside of a classroom setting. Awesome experience!”

While in Oklahoma City, students met with OSU MBA alumni to learn about their program experiences and how that led them to where they are in their careers. Then, to wrap up orientation, students volunteered at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, where they boxed over 10,000 meals helping Oklahomans in need.

“Overall, the orientation surpassed my expectations and I feel so much more comfortable starting the first week of classes with a group of familiar faces,” Ashley Bjornsen, OSU MBA student, said.

MBA orientation has proved to be a fundamental start to beginning the program. As students begin courses, they find familiar faces and already have a bond for future teamwork and networking activities.

For more information on the program, visit the OSU MBA website.