Highlights of My Tuck MBA Experience
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE TUCK MBA AT DARTMOUTH?
What drew me to Tuck was the appeal of a fully-encompassing, well-rounded experience that transcended merely determining the next move in my career. I remember visiting Tuck in January for my interview (it was probably the coldest weather I have ever experienced) and it was like a real-life winter wonderland—it was so beautiful and charming. After my interview, while walking to a class visit, I witnessed the palpable energy in the hallways, and I knew that this was the place where I wanted to be.
WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR TUCK MBA EXPERIENCE SO FAR?
I am thankful to say that I have many highlights during my time at Tuck and it was hard to narrow it down, but here are my top two. One of my fondest memories is my first band performance in Fall Term of my first year. I sang Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” with a fellow T’26 and friend. Feeling the support and seeing our classmates cheer for us, some of whom I had not met yet at that point, was such a special feeling. That moment captured a very quintessential Tuck moment for me. Another highlight was during the Fall Term of my second year when I was selected to deliver a testimony about America’s trade war during Dean Slaughter’s Leadership in the Global Economy course. I was very excited to have that opportunity to experience a mock congressional hearing, complete with grilling from Dean Slaughter and my classmates, as I had heard about the class from a T’25 and came to Tuck to have these types of experiences.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE AT TUCK?
The academic experience at Tuck is rigorous and challenges you to expand your thinking. Through the course offerings and experiential learning opportunities like Global Insight Expeditions (GIXs), Tuck nurtures the abilities to dive deeper, take on multiple perspectives, and be comfortable asking difficult questions. I have observed how my thought process, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate and defend my position have been enhanced over these last two years.
WHAT TUCK RESOURCES HAVE HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOUR EXPERIENCE?
Tuck Compass has had a great impact on my experience. One of the reasons I chose Tuck was because the school’s values aligned with mine, but also specifically because of the Compass program. Reflection is a major element of Tuck’s culture, highlighted on our first day of Tuck Launch, but finding time amid the busyness to pause and reflect is very difficult. Tuck Compass’ programming encourages reflection through a variety of dimensions, like weekly journaling sessions, exercises focused on clarifying your values, personal branding workshops, and sessions with speakers like Dr. Nate Zinsser who authored The Confident Mind to campus. Lastly, Compass pairs students with Tuck alumni mentors and provides sessions with an assigned leadership coach.
WHAT WILL YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME AT TUCK?
I will miss my community, the serendipitous moments that become fond memories, and the spontaneity of student life. As I reflect on my two years here, it is hard not to get sentimental. A T’24 shared with me during my Admitted Students Weekend the advice of “going all in” and I committed to that during my time here. My time at Tuck has been such a blessing and I am constantly reminded what a privilege and opportunity it is to be here.
IN ONE SENTENCE, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE TUCK MBA EXPERIENCE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING BUSINESS SCHOOL?
If you are seriously considering Tuck, be committed to the transformation you will experience here. Be bold, be brave, be authentic—bring your full self to this experience, which is challenging yet so rewarding. It is a fun and fast ride, so buckle up!
