Classmates - the Fisher WPMBA program's greatest asset(s)
After being in the WPMBA program for almost a year (which does not seem possible!), I have learned so much. The core classes are all beneficial and the professors are (for the most part) passionate about their subject matter and helping the students succeed. But the best part of this program has been all the new classmates I have met. Every person in the program has a different background and different work experience but all come together two days a week to continue their education. This network of classmates is amazing. Need to know what classes to take next term? Just ask a couple of classmates and get their views on professors, work load, etc. Need homework help? Met up with a group of people and work on it together. Upcoming job interview? There's probably someone in the program that works where you are interviewing. Ask for advice! The options are really limitless. They all understand the pressures of working 40+ hours, plus class, plus studying, and maybe having room for a life now and then. They understand taking vacation days from work to study for an exam. When I started the WPMBA last June, I was not sure what to expect. Honestly, I was overwhelmed. But after meeting several great people starting off, and more each quarter, the classes and workload balancing act still may seem overwhelming at times, but I know I have a network of friends that are available to help or at least understand.
Shout out time: Two of those classmates that I met on Day 1 who I call friends now are Vince and Dave. They are great! I'm going to miss them over the summer when I'm not sitting by them every day in class, since we'll be taking different electives...as much as Dave has tried over the past six weeks to get me to like Finance.