Business Leaders' Advice for New MBA Grads

Jennifer Hoops • May 25, 2011

As the 2010-2011 school year comes to a close and business schools prepare to send off the newest graduating classes, MBA graduates nationwide are getting some timely advice from national business leaders. A May 23 article in Bloomberg Businessweek offers a round-up of speeches at top MBA schools.

"Less sugar-coating and more tough talk" in this year's commencement speeches

A common thread in this year's speeches was "a call to action, a suggestion to look long and hard in the mirror," Bloomberg Businessweek reports. The following key themes were found in speeches at several MBA schools:

  • Be passionate and work hard: In his speech at Columbia Business School, financier Henry R. Kravis encouraged graduates to be passionate about whatever path they choose, be it non-profit, government or private sector work. Because the current economy might not yield the perfect job immediately, Kravis urged graduates to give it their all in whatever they do.
  • "How can I help?": Doug Conant, CEO of Campbell Soup Company, advises graduates to ask this question in any situation. Conant's view is that working hard to get ahead is not enough. Those that work for the good of an organization will become true business leaders.
  • Focus on the task at hand: Barbara J. Desoer of Bank of America Home Loans and Insurance said that grads who focus on the task at hand and make thoughtful choices in the face of competing demands will add the most value to their businessplace.

As the job outlook for MBA grads improves, top business leaders are urging students to learn from the mistakes of recent years and focus on excellence in all their future endeavors. With an MBA degree in hand, 2011 grads are off to a good start.

Jennifer Hoops works as a project manager within the IT organization of a global manufacturing company. Her previous experience includes IT consulting and software sales. Prior to earning an MBA and becoming an IT professional, Jennifer earned a Bachelors degree in Economics and Music and spent several years as an independent music teacher.