Author: Ezichi Adanna Anokwuru

Author: Ezichi Adanna Anokwuru, Full-Time MBALast week, I attended the acclaimed musical Jersey Boys by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, which tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. While the show featured unforgettable music, it also offered surprising lessons that connect to concepts I’ve learned in business school at Fisher College of Business.The Four Seasons’ rise to stardom reflects the power of a shared vision. Frankie Valli’s voice, Tommy DeVito’s drive, and Bob Gaudio’s songwriting created a winning synergy.

As I step back onto campus, the humid New Jersey air still clinging to my memories, I can't help but feel a sense of transformation. As part of my Full-Time MBA program this summer, I embarked on an internship that would challenge, inspire, and ultimately reshape my professional trajectory.

As I near the completion of my first year in a full-time MBA program, I find myself reflecting on the transformative experiences that have reshaped my understanding of both business and personal growth.The InitiationThe pace of an MBA is relentless. From day one, the breadth of knowledge and the overlap of courses like finance, marketing, operations, and strategy alongside leadership workshops and networking events have both challenged and excited me.

Embarking on an MBA, I was acutely aware of the demanding nature of graduate studies. However, nothing could have fully prepared me for the intricate dance of balancing academic responsibilities with personal life—a challenge that has become a central theme of my first-year experience. The Initial Overwhelm: Setting the StageThe early days of my MBA journey were marked by an overwhelming sense of being perpetually behind. Coursework, group meetings, networking events, and the relentless pursuit of internships filled every waking moment.

Transitioning from one country to another as an international student is an adventure filled with learning, growth, and the inevitable challenge of adapting to a new culture. Having recently returned from London, UK, where I went to collect my MSc degree certificate, I've had time to reflect on my journey and the plethora of experiences that shaped my time abroad. Now as an MBA student here in the USA, I share insights and tips for fellow students embarking on a similar path from Europe to the USA.Embrace the Cultural Shift: The cultural contrast between Europe and the USA can be striking.