Author: mbairishechoes

I like big data and I cannot lie

More and more business headlines are talking about data. Big data, data mining, data uses, what data companies are collecting, how they are using it, what they are doing with it – it’s all about data. When looking for an MBA program, I knew I wanted something that would stand out and set me apart. Enter the MBA/MSBA dual degree program at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business.

What is it and how is it different than an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics?
Both programs are two years in length, and participants in both are considered to be part of the same cohort. The dual degree is 68 credit hours with 10 of those hours being in MSBA electives in addition to the required MSBA courses and 11 hours in general electives (where you have the ability to complete a concentration track). The MBA is 64 credit hours that include the completion of at least one concentration – which could be the Business Analytics track. Essentially, the MSBA requires that more of your courses be related to Business Analytics. Classes related to analytics include: Predictive Analytics, Machine Learning, Data Visualization, and Data Storytelling.

More requirements, more perks
As an MBA/MSBA student, I have all the same resources as the rest of my cohort – the career center, graduate business programs, and all the facilities. Moreover, I get priority registration. Because there are additional requirements for the MSBA, those in the dual degree program register for classes first – ensuring we get all the courses we need and giving us first pick of time slots. I picked my schedule and completed registration before the rest of my cohort had even started registering.

International Opportunities
As an MBA student, we have multiple opportunities to go abroad – either in an International Immersion or in the Mod Abroad program. The International Immersions are 10 day programs in China, Chile and Argentina, or South Africa while the Mod Abroad is in Santiago, Chile. International Immersions can be done the spring of your second year as an MBA/MSBA student, and the Mod Abroad takes place in the fall of your second year. Being an MBA/MSBA student does not exclude you from these opportunities, and the advisors in the Graduate Business Programs Office are there as a guide to ensure you can take advantage of these opportunities as well as completing your MBA/MSBA requirements.

STEM Designation
Speaking of international..The MBA/MSBA is a STEM designated degree program that is part of the traditional two-year MBA cohort. Successfully completing a STEM designated degree program may allow international students to remain in the United States for an extended period of time to help with the demand for STEM professionals.

To learn more about the dual degree MBA / MSBA program, visit Notre Dame’s Website.

Onwards and upwards

By: Sylvia Banda

Members of the Two-Year MBA Class of 2017 during Orientation. (Photo Courtesy Sylvia Banda)

It is with great pleasure that I have the honor of writing the last blog post by the current editorial board. As you know, MBA IRISH ECHOES launched in the Fall of 2016 in an effort to preview “Life Inside the Notre Dame MBA Program”. We’ve had numerous posts on topics such as football weekends, dual-degree programs, study abroad, student treks, extracurricular activities, and best tips and practices as an MBA.

I would like to thank the Class of 2017 in their remarkable efforts in launching the blog to what it is today, particularly, Nitesh Srivastava and Bill Brunner.

Continue reading “Onwards and upwards”

Beyond the MBA: ND Club Golf

By: Brad Wise

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The Notre Dame Club Golf team in 2015. (Photo courtesy Brad Wise)

During our time in the Notre Dame MBA program, and especially during our first weeks on campus, we have the opportunity to hear alumni, administrators, faculty, and friends of the program speak on a variety of topics. Regardless of the issue at hand, these individuals always make a point to share their thoughts on Notre Dame as a whole – the people, the campus, the history, or a notable past experience that makes this a special place.  A central theme – a piece of advice, more accurately – runs through each commentary: “Get yourself outside of the business school to see and experience everything that Notre Dame has to offer.”

Many of my classmates have followed this advice, participating in music ensembles, theater productions, intramural sports, worship opportunities, or simply a daily walk around campus.  Continue reading “Beyond the MBA: ND Club Golf”

How Notre Dame MBAs celebrate Diwali and Day of the Dead

By: Heena Purohit

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Students and staff celebrating Diwali on Nov. 2 in the Mendoza Atrium. (Photos courtesy Heena Purohit)

One of the biggest reasons I chose to attend the Notre Dame MBA program was the small class size, which would enable me to get to know my classmates beyond just their names. My classmates and I want to leave here with meaningful relationships, which involves learning from one another and sharing our backgrounds, cultures, and values. As the Indian festival of Diwali approached, the MBAA (Student Association) and the Asian MBA Club collaborated to host an event celebrating the day with the greater MBA community. Students, faculty, and staff joined together to celebrate the Indian Festival of Lights, and students spoke about the significance of the festival. It is worth noting that no Indian celebration is complete without music — and the celebrations included a dance performance by first-year MBA students. Many enjoyed scrumptious Indian food, and some left the building with henna tattoos.  Continue reading “How Notre Dame MBAs celebrate Diwali and Day of the Dead”

Recapping the Bay Area Trek ’16

By: Mike Ferrigno

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One of us did not get the memo that we were wearing blue that day. (Photo courtesy Ankur Patel)

During Fall Break, I was one of 30 Notre Dame MBA students who visited San Francisco for Notre Dame’s annual Bay Area Trek. This year’s group visited nine companies over four days in San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

The Bay Area Trek gives students the opportunity to visit companies of all magnitudes, ranging from SAP (75,000+ employees) to Grain (2 full-time employees). The goal is for students to gain perspectives on the different opportunities available in the Bay Area, and to determine if they are interested in pursuing internships or a full-time opportunities in the area. Although I was exhausted by the end of the week, I gained valuable insights and connections to a number of companies that could only be achieved through face-to-face interaction.  Continue reading “Recapping the Bay Area Trek ’16”