The top 3 highlights of living in South Bend

By: Andrew Crown

Four Winds Field, home to the South Bend Cubs. (Photo courtesy Andrew Crown)

Like most Notre Dame MBA applicants, I was delighted when my phone rang with a “574” area code and an invitation to join the program. Even though I was elated to be coming to Notre Dame, I admit that I had some reservations about making the transition from the big city of Denver to the small town of South Bend, Indiana. Fortunately, I have been pleasantly surprised with the quality of life in the South Bend area.

Fitness: A short drive from the Notre Dame campus is the Riverwalk in the neighboring town of Mishawaka. With several miles of paved trails on either side of the St. Joseph River, the Riverwalk is the perfect place for a walk, jog, or bicycle ride. With wide paths and gorgeous scenery, the Riverwalk provides a nice diversion from schoolwork. 

Sports: One of my favorite things to do when I was living in Denver was to go to sporting events. There is just something special about taking in a ballgame on a warm evening with your friends. Although it is not Major League Baseball, the South Bend Cubs provide a fun experience at the intimate Four Winds Field. With cheap tickets and concessions, you can have the full ballpark experience for $20. Not a bad deal on a student budget!  Continue reading “The top 3 highlights of living in South Bend”

The war for team rooms in Mendoza, part 1

By: Nitesh Srivastava

Team rooms in Mendoza are worth their weight in gold. (Photo courtesy Nitesh Srivastava)

In the Notre Dame MBA program, students have exclusive access to team rooms in the Mendoza building where they can work on group projects together. Given the high demand for these rooms and the relatively low supply, the fight for these rooms often reduces students to their basest instincts. These are their stories.

I needed to work with my friend Bill on a marketing project the other day, but all the team rooms were occupied. “No worries,” I told Bill. “Many of these rooms only have one student in them, in clear violation of the rules. As Notre Dame MBA candidates, we will use our newfound persuasive communication skills to convince them to leave. Follow me.” I opened the door to the closest team room and said hello.  Continue reading “The war for team rooms in Mendoza, part 1”

Why choose the ND MBA?

By: Jayson Boswell

(Editor’s Note: The Round 3 admissions deadline is coming up! In honor of the occasion, enjoy this bonus post from MBA IRISH ECHOES, and be sure to check back over the next few days for more content.)

A group of Notre Dame MBAs take in an Irish basketball game at Purcell Pavilion. (Photo courtesy Jayson Boswell)

So which MBA program is the perfect fit for you? You’ve memorized program rankings and websites, but you’re looking for an X factor. Consider the following four reasons why the Notre Dame MBA program could be at the top of your list:

1. The student experience: The Notre Dame MBA program has small class sizes, so students’ experiences are very personalized. Before you know it, Thirsty Thursday transitions from a networking opportunity to recapping a week with old friends. The Notre Dame community is also very welcoming and great at making MBAs feel more like Notre Dame students than detached grad students.  Continue reading “Why choose the ND MBA?”

The best weekend bars near Notre Dame

By: Hannah Fronczak

(Editor’s Note: The Round 3 admissions deadline is coming up! In honor of the occasion, enjoy this bonus post from MBA IRISH ECHOES, and be sure to check back over the next few days for more content.)

Class of 2017 students on a night out. (Photo courtesy Dara Chesnutt)

There is nothing MBA students appreciate more than their weekends. After seemingly endless group meetings, exams, and presentations, it’s a welcome respite. From a brief and very scientific poll conducted in class, I’ve determined the most popular activities are sleeping, deep sleeping, and socializing with our fellow classmates at the local watering holes. I’ve already discussed our favorite restaurants and our weekday choices when it comes to bars, and sure, those are important, but this is the list where it’s REALLY important so take notes.  Continue reading “The best weekend bars near Notre Dame”