Spartan Stories: A Broad MBA Perspective: Recent Episodes
Michigan State's Broad MBA Program
Spartan Stories gives an inside look at the Michigan State MBA program as told by current students, alumni, as well as other members of the Broad community to provide an inside glimpse at the program through a casual conversation.
In our final episode of the year, we sit down with three graduating MBA students from the Class of 2026 to reflect on their journey. From their first days in the program to where they are now, they share honest insights on what challenged them, what shaped them, and what they wish they knew starting out. This conversation is all about growth, lessons learned, and what's next after graduation.
What really stays with you after an MBA? In this episode, Kwame Brifo reflects on his time at Michigan State and how those experiences translated into his career. From overlooked lessons that later became critical, to unexpected challenges in his first year after graduating, Kwame shares an honest look at the transition from student to professional. He also discusses how his expectations compared to reality, what he would do differently, and how current MBA students can better prepare for what's ahead. This episode is all about growth, perspective, and learning beyond the classroom.
In this episode, we sit down with first-year MBA student Bianca to talk about what it really takes to move a company from Brazil to the U.S. while pursuing an MBA. She shares the challenges of navigating a new market, balancing academics with entrepreneurship, and adapting to cultural and business differences. We also discuss her transition from practicing law in Brazil to shifting into business and marketing, and what that career pivot has taught her along the way.
In this episode, we sit down with Marla McGraw, Assistant Dean of Career Management at the Palmer Center, to talk about how the center is actively supporting students during a challenging job market. We discuss current hiring realities, career resources available to students, and practical strategies the Palmer Center is using to help students stay competitive and confident.
In this episode, we sit down with Rohit, a first-year MBA student, to recap his experience so far in the program. He reflects on his first semester, sharing what surprised him most, how he adjusted to MBA life, and the key lessons he's learned early on.
This week on Spartan Stories, we sit down with second-year MBA student Pratik Bhattacharjee to break down everything you really need to know about the GMAT/GRE. Pratik shares the study strategies that worked for him, how he approached test-taking, what he wishes he knew before starting, and practical tips for anyone preparing for grad school exams. Whether you're thinking about applying or already deep in prep, this episode gives you real advice from someone who's been through it and came out stronger.
In this episode of Spartan Stories, we spoke with Connor Lyons, a second-year MBA student who shares his journey from military service to business school. Connor opens up about what it was like to transition from leading in the military to leading in a collaborative MBA environment. He reflects on the skills that carried over, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Whether you're a veteran, an MBA student, or simply curious about leadership in different settings, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.
In this episode of Spartan Stories, we sit down with second-year MBA student, Chanada Yeginati, to hear how her summer internship with Amazon’s Pathways program turned into a full-time career opportunity. Chanada opens up about her experience navigating the internship, the skills she sharpened along the way, and how the MBA program prepared her for success in one of the world’s most innovative companies. Whether you’re an MBA student exploring career paths, or simply curious about what it takes to turn an internship into a full-time offer, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.
In this inspiring episode of MBA Spartan Stories, we celebrate Women’s History Month by diving into the dynamic balance between pursuing an MBA, building a career, and embracing a life of travel. Our special guest, Kate Irwin, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, joins us to share her journey as a working mother navigating a demanding role that requires frequent travel. Kate opens up about the importance of a strong support system, how she stays grounded, and the lessons she’s learned from balancing motherhood with a thriving professional life. Tune in for an honest and empowering conversation about resilience, ambition, and redefining what balance truly means.
In this episode, we chat with Lori Fischer, Director of the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University. Lori shares how the program supports student and alumni entrepreneurs at every stage—from idea to launch and beyond. We discuss key resources, common challenges like funding and mentorship, and how the institute fosters innovation across industries.
Plus, you’ll hear inspiring success stories and get Lori’s advice for anyone with a big idea but unsure where to start. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about MSU’s approach to innovation, this episode is full of insights and inspiration.
In this episode, we're diving into the impact of affinity groups in the MBA experience. These organizations provide a sense of belonging and mentorship, helping students navigate both personal and professional challenges. Joining us today is Anna Lin, a JD/MBA, who will share her insights on how affinity groups have shaped her journey, supported her in her personal and professional life, and fostered a more inclusive business school environment. Tune in to hear how these communities empower students and why they play a crucial role in the MBA experience!
Not every career path is linear. In this episode, Astha shares her personal experiences of navigating career shifts, overcoming setbacks, and redefining success along the way. From unexpected roadblocks to breakthrough moments, she offers valuable insights on how to stay motivated, embrace change, and ultimately carve out a path that aligns with your true aspirations. If you’ve ever faced career uncertainty, this conversation is for you!
In the fast-paced world of MBA recruiting, it’s easy to focus on landing the next internship or job offer—but what about the bigger picture? In this episode, we sit down with Marla McGraw, Assistant Dean of the MBA Career Center, to discuss the importance of playing the long game in career planning.
Marla shares valuable insights on how MBA students can build meaningful relationships, develop a strategic approach to networking, and align short-term actions with long-term career goals. Whether you're just starting your MBA journey or preparing for your next big career move, this episode will help you think beyond immediate opportunities and set yourself up for long-term success.
Tune in for expert advice, real-world examples, and actionable strategies to make the most of your MBA experience.
Join Ramy Darwish, a first-year MBA candidate, as he shares his journey of transitioning from a career in B2B logistics to thriving in the dynamic world of business school. In this episode, Ramy opens up about embracing campus life, exploring diverse concentrations, and navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with this transformative experience. From building connections to finding his academic path, Ramy offers an authentic and insightful perspective on the MBA adventure. Whether you’re exploring the idea of business school, currently enrolled, or simply curious about the first-year MBA experience, this podcast provides a candid, behind-the-scenes look at personal growth, academic discovery, and the excitement of a new professional chapter.
Join Daniel Martinez, a first-year MBA candidate, as he dives into the highs, lows, and everything in between of life inside business school. From late-night study sessions to navigating group projects, networking events, and the balancing act of personal life, this podcast offers an authentic, unfiltered look at the MBA experience. Whether you’re considering business school, already enrolled, or just curious about what it's really like to pursue an MBA, tune in for candid insights, lessons learned, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what it takes to succeed in a demanding program. Get ready to hear stories of growth, challenge, and inspiration—straight from the frontlines of first-year business school!
In this episode, we chat with second-year MBA student Paige Manning, who is concentrating in marketing and making an exciting transition from a healthcare background to the fast-paced world of the Big Three auto industry at Stellantis. Paige shares her summer internship experiences, focusing on high-impact marketing projects, leveraging her unique background, and adapting to a new industry. She provides insights into the challenges she faced, the skills she honed, and how this role is shaping her future career path. Tune in for actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and key takeaways that could inspire your own journey through career transitions and marketing innovation!
In this episode, we chat with second year MBA student, Christine Corsi, who completed her summer intership at Ecolab. We dive into real world experiences within the finance industry from focusing on high-impact projects and navigating corporate culture to the skills she honed, which led to her receiving a full time offer. She shares insights on her introduction to the finance world and how her role is shaping her future career path. Tune in for actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and key takeaways that could inspire your own internship journey!
In this episode, we chat with second year MBA student, Anthony Rizzo, who completed his summer intership at Johnson&Johnson. We dive into real world experiences within the HR industry from focusing on high-impact projects and navigating corporate culture, to the skills he honed and challenges he overcame. He shares insights on his introduction to the HR world and how his role is shaping his future career path. Tune in for actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and key takeaways that could inspire your own internship journey!
In this episode, we chat with second year MBA student, Gustavo Dobrovolski Pereira, who is fresh off his summer internship at Bayer. We dive into his real-world experiences, from high-impact projects and navigating corporate culture, to the skills he honed and challenges he overcame. He shares insight on how this role in procurement is shaping his future career path. Tune in for actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and key takeaways that could inspire your own internship journey!
In this episode, we gathered insights from a select group of graduating students from the class of 2024, delving into their program experiences and exploring their visions for the future.
Join us for the final episode of the Women in Business series, where Olivia English and Konica Baveja share their inspiring journey to the MBA program. They prove that with perseverance and the right mindset, women can achieve success and make things happen. Through their stories, they demonstrate the power of leadership, the importance of student resource groups, and the value of learning from challenges. Get ready to be inspired as they discuss their growth and how they plan to apply their MBA learning lessons to transition into new roles. Make sure to stay tuned until the end, as they turn the tables on Tania and ask her about her experiences.
In the second episode of the Women in Business Series, we are truly inspired by Alyse Hines, a second-year MBA student. Despite dealing with a chronic disease, she persevered and discovered her passion for Supply Chain Management. Through her faith and support system, she hopes to empower other women to pursue their dreams with determination and perseverance. Alyse's story is a powerful reminder that with hard work and resilience, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals.
The Women in Business series has returned and is better than ever before! We recently had the privilege of interviewing a remarkable Marketing Professor who has inspired many through her work and hopes to leave behind a great legacy. Join us and hear Dr. Ruvio's advice for women on how to navigate their careers based on her life experiences. From balancing roles, breaking barriers, and defining success to creating an impact by having a voice, she encourages all of us to "take charge of our lives, well-being, and happiness."
In this episode, we explore the diverse and dynamic concentration of Human Resources and Strategic Management through the lens of students Bryce and Hayden as they share their unique perspectives. Join us as they share the motivations behind choosing HR as their concentration within MSU's MBA program and the insights gained from their journey. Join the conversation as we delve into the importance of cultivating a people-centric approach, driving employee engagement, and becoming advocates for positive workplace experiences. Whether you're an HR professional, a student exploring career paths, or someone passionate about the human element of business, this episode promises valuable insights to empower and inspire.
In this episode, we delve into the real-world experiences of MBA students Mark and Christine as they navigate the field of finance. Their unique perspectives revolve around both conventional and unconventional experiences, and they share their reasons for choosing finance as their concentration. Finance is more than just numbers; it's a way of knowing what your next move will be in the game. It's about creating conversations and encouraging people to become more financially literate. Join the conversation as they share valuable insights that can help alleviate the fear of tackling finance.
In this episode, we uncover the real-world experiences of MBA students Sisira and Madison, as they navigate the dynamic field of marketing. Our guests share their unique perspectives on why they have chosen marketing as their concentration. At Michigan State University they are gaining hands-on experience through internships, classroom experiences, and simulations. Come discover the strategies and insights they've gained during their internships, and how these experiences are preparing them for leadership roles in the competitive business world. If you’re considering an MBA with a marketing focus this episode is filled with practical tips and stories that resonate with the excitement and challenges of pursuing a marketing concentration.
In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of the Supply Chain Management concentration within the MBA program at Michigan State University. We explored how this specialized curriculum equips students with the skills to tackle the challenges of today's complex global marketplace. From optimizing logistics to mitigating risks, we uncover the critical aspects that make MSU's MBA, focusing on supply chain management, stand out. Our guests, Kwame and Aditya, discussed their program experiences and how their backgrounds played a role in it.
In this episode, we engaged in a discussion with Skylr and Anthony, delving into the strategic decisions they made in pursuit of enrollment in the MBA program. The conversation explored the challenges they encountered and the strategic approaches they employed to overcome obstacles inherent to the program.
In this episode, we had the opportunity to unravel Elliot Smith's incredible story—from cooking ribs to studying civil engineering, joining the Broad MBA program, and venturing into entrepreneurship with his water-improvement startup, Motmot. Elliot provided valuable insights on having courage, finding the right people, preparation, and perseverance. Please follow motmot on LinkedIn through the link provided below.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/motmotco/
Spartans, welcome back to Season 4! Today's episode features Wayne Hutchison's inspiring story of discovering new possibilities and learning more about the Program's future. Let's dive in and be inspired together!
For this last episode of the school year, the Class of 2023 wanted to give us all a graduating gift by sharing their last words of wisdom as they move on to their next adventures. Thank you, Class, of 2023, for the wonderful memories and for being role models to follow. We are going to miss them all.
Join us for this latest episode as we hear from Cameron Moore, a JD/MBA student, on his inspiring journey of discovering his career path. With a background in health science, Cameron found his passion in the intersection of law and business. Tune in to learn from Cameron's experiences and find out how you, too, can discover your own passion.
In this episode, we speak again with Adam Rose and Jacob Staller from the Class of 2023. We'll cover their success stories going into their post-MBA full-time roles and what they're doing to keep themselves occupied as the experience dwindles down.
Continuing the Women in Business Series, we are featuring Amy Brothers, who has a decade of experience in a nonprofit organization within the Aviation Industry under her belt. She is now a first-year Broad MBA student building her leadership skills further. She helps us, especially women, through her story and advice, discover ways to set our foundation, break barriers, seek opportunities, and cultivate relationships.
In this episode, we briefly commemorate the lost lives of great Spartans on the 13th of February. Then, we had an epic session with Helen Dashney in our new series of women in business, where we talked about the power of networking. Helen discussed the different networking tools and how to sustain and maintain these large networks.
Music: "BROUSSARD"
Written By: Michael "Maja 7th" Chamberlain
Episode Produced By: Timilehin Ayodeji and Tania Sotelo.
We have the privilege of having Hannah Wilson on the podcast. She is a first-year MBA student who shares her journey of finding study habits and overcoming academic and mental health challenges early on in her undergrad and how she has leveraged her unique study method to help her in the MBA program. Hannah also shares more about how these challenges helped her find her voice, how she was able to use it in her career pre MBA and how she plans to use it post-MBA. So join us to hear more about how we can find our voice.
On this episode of Spartan Stories, we speak with current second year MBA, Saket Janyavula. Saket ran his food manufacturing company while attending the full-time MBA program. Listen to lessons from his classes he's been able to apply to his company and his overall experienc being a full-time student and business owner!
Episode produced by Andrew Chow
On this episode of Spartan Stories, we speak with Broad Business College's new DEI Program Manager, Scot Wright. Get a perspective on Scot's background, what parts of DEI that drive him and how he hopes to combine it all for a better State experience!
Episode produced by Timi Ayodeji and Andrew Chow
On this episode of Spartan Stories, we speak with Fiona Kristo and Muhammad Khan who both interned with Honeywell over the summer. Get a perspective of the types of projects, the results and some critiques on their overall experience in Charlotte, NC!
Episode produced by Andrew Chow
On this episode, we talk with Ezekiel Darre on his journey to an MBA. Ezekiel is an international student with a few years of finance and professional athletics under his belt. Listen in on his international experience at Braod and how he wants to leverage those skills and interests for his future!
Episode Produced by: Timi Ayodeji and Tania Sotero
On this episode, we talk with Abdi Ahmed on his journey to an MBA. Abdi is a two-time Spartan that is still running XC and T&F for the school, running a community outreach student organization and pursuing his MBA. Listen in on how his motivations to do it all and how he manages his time!
Episode Produced by: Timi Ayodeji and Andrew Chow
On this episode, we talk with Ajinkya, Dilavar and Jose who were Amazon interns over the summer of 2022. We talk about the Amazon Program Manager experience, along with the Pathways internship with the supply chain focus.
Episode Produced by: Timi Ayodeji and Andrew Chow
We welcome the third season of Spartan Stories by kicking off the episode with Assistant Program Director William Horton-Anderson and our new hosts, Tania and Timi. In this episode we discuss the new changes to the MBA program and what else William still has his mind set on improving!
Episode Produced by: Andrew Chow
In this episode, we speak with the managing director of the MBA program Wayne Hutchinson to recap the year and talk about what's to come. Music: "BROUSSARD"
Written By: Michael "Maja 7th" Chamberlain
Episode Produced By: Andrew Chow
In this episode, we speak with Kimberly Rodriguez and Jose Naime from the Class of 2023. We discuss their culture and how it drives their education and corporate motivations.
Music: "BROUSSARD"
Written By: Michael "Maja 7th" Chamberlain
Episode Produced By: Andrew Chow
In this episode, we speak with Adam Rose and Jacob Staller from the Class of 2023. We discuss their journey to MSU and the variety of extracurricular activities around East Lansing.
Music: "BROUSSARD"
Written By: Michael "Maja 7th" Chamberlain
Episode Produced By: Andrew Chow
On this episode, we talk with former Admissions Director and current GRE Business Director MT Taglang about the GRE standardized test and best practices when applying to graduate programs. Don't skip out on this one! Music: "BROUSSARD" Written By: Michael "Maja 7th" Chamberlain Episode Produced By: Andrew Chow
In this episode, we speak with Claire Wixted and Emilia Zamora from the Class of 2023 on their motivations for an MBA and where their first-year internships are.
Music: "BROUSSARD"
Written By: Michael "Maja 7th" Chamberlain
Episode Produced By: Andrew Chow
In this episode, we speak with Claire Wixted and Emilia Zamora from the Class of 2023 on how they successfully developed great working and personal relationships with their MBA team members to succeed in their first year.
Music: "BROUSSARD"
Written By: Michael "Maja 7th" Chamberlain
Episode Produced By: Andrew Chow
In part two of our recap with the Class of 2020, we catch up with three of our female graduates. We talk about their experience going into the workforce impacted by the onset of COVID and discuss the hot topic of DEI in this time of uncertainty.
Follow along this three-part series with Marques Moore as he continues to chat with alum from the Class of 2020.
Music: "BROUSSARD"
Written By: Michael "Maja 7th" Chamberlain
Episode Produced By: Andrew Chow
In part one of our recap with the Class of 2020, we catch up with three of our male graduates. We begin with talking about their experience going into the workforce impacted by the onset of COVID and discuss the hot topic of DEI in this time of uncertainty.
Follow along this three-part series with Marques Moore as he continues to chat with alum from the Class of 2020.
Music: "BROUSSARD"
Written By: Michael "Maja 7th" Chamberlain
Episode Produced By: Andrew Chow
On this episode, we take a dive into everything the Graduate Management Admission Council has to offer from researching if an MBA is right for you all the way to applying to MBA programs. We sit down with Ramnik Aulakh, the Marketing Development Manager, to discuss mba.com and how you can research schools, employers, career opportunities and best utilize GMAC's free resources to get the most out of your MBA journey.
Music: "BROUSSARD"
Written By: Michael "Maja 7th" Chamberlain
Episode Produced By: Andrew Chow
On this episode, we sit down with Muhammad Khan as we discuss how our first semester of MBA went, his interesting story of recovering from being kicked out of undergrad to being hired at conglomerate Honeywell, and what he plans to do with an MBA.
Music: "BROUSSARD"
Written By: Michael "Maja 7th" Chamberlain
Episode Produced By: Andrew Chow
On this episode, we sit down with three-time Spartan Arica Drummond-Clay as we discuss the hot topic of DEI and how to make the most out of the internship experience.
Music: "BROUSSARD"
Written By: Michael "Maja 7th" Chamberlain
Episode Produced By: Andrew Chow
On this episode, we sit down with two-time Spartan and MBA alum Dalana Brand, as we discuss her path to Twitter, how she is heading DEI initiatives for the company's future outlook and what DEI means for companies in the future.
Music: "BROUSSARD"
Written By: Michael "Maja 7th" Chamberlain
Episode Produced By: Andrew Chow
On this episode, we sit down with recent grad and former MBA Marketing Association President, Brad Sauchak, as we discuss what brought him back to MSU for his MBA and how he secured a role with SC Johnson for after graduation.
Music: "The Real World"
Written By: Andrew Dean Piland
Performed By: SOLO
Produced By: SOLO
Via Soundstripe.com
On this episode, we sit down with first-year MBA and newly elected Black MBAA President, Marques Moore about his transition from educator to MBA student, as well as what we can expect from the Black MBAA next year.
Music: "The Real World"
Written By: Andrew Dean Piland
Performed By: SOLO
Produced By: SOLO
Via Soundstripe.com
On this episode, we sit down with second-year MBA and President of the Broad Women MBA Association, Erica Rochana, as we discuss what drew her to Broad from the west coast and what her experience has been like in B-school. Music: "The Real World"
Written By: Andrew Dean Piland
Performed By: SOLO
Produced By: SOLO
Via Soundstripe.com
On this episode, we chat with second-year student Mike Rose as we talk about his Pre-MBA journey, why he chose Broad as a finance concentration, as well as his internship experience with the Federal Reserve.
Music: "The Real World"
Written By: Andrew Dean Piland
Performed By: SOLO
Produced By: SOLO
Via Soundstripe.com
On this episode of Spartan Stories, we sit down with 2020 Broad MBA alum Jamari Brooks as we reflect on his time in the program and how that set him up for success post-program.
Music: "The Real World"
Written By: Andrew Dean Piland
Performed By: SOLO
Produced By: SOLO
Via Soundstripe.com
On this episode of Spartan Stories, we sit down with second-year MBA Varun Garla and discuss his background, internship experience in the tech sector, and the importance of networking while in an MBA program.
Music: "The Real World"
Written By: Andrew Dean Piland
Performed By: SOLO
Produced By: SOLO
Via Soundstripe.com
On this episode we sit down with MBA Association President Danielle Chatman-Moore as she discusses why she chose Broad, her responsibilities as president as well as her internship experience at Dow Chemical Company.
Music: "The Real World"
Written By: Andrew Dean Piland
Performed By: SOLO
Produced By: SOLO
Via Soundstripe.com
On this episode, we speak with 2nd-year JD/MBA Abigail Swanson as she explains her journey to Michigan State with the original goal of studying law, but ended up pivoting to the MBA program at Broad.
Music: "The Real World"
Written By: Andrew Dean Piland
Performed By: SOLO
Produced By: SOLO
Via Soundstripe.com
On this episode of Spartan Stories, we sit down with second-year MBA Karthik Rai as he details his time at Broad, his internship, and how he used both to secure a post-MBA position in management consulting.
- Music: "The Real World"
- Written By: Andrew Dean Piland
- Performed By: SOLO
- Produced By: SOLO
- Via Soundstripe.com
On this episode of Spartan Stories, we sit down with 1st-year MBA Andy Whitaker as he tells his story of how he matriculated to Broad from an untraditional background.
- Music: "The Real World"
- Written By: Andrew Dean Piland
- Performed By: SOLO
- Produced By: SOLO
- Via Soundstripe.com
On the first episode of Spartan Stories, we sit down with 2nd year MBA Frank Martinez as he details his journey from the military to Broad MBA student.
- Music: "The Real World"
- Written By: Andrew Dean Piland
- Performed By: SOLO
- Produced By: SOLO
- Via Soundstripe.com