Sports – MBA IRISH ECHOES

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”

How an ND MBA student ended up in a boxing ring

By: Zak Pedersen

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Perhaps I’ve taken this advice too literally, but it adequately sums up my aberrant decision to participate this winter in the 87th Annual Bengal Mission Bouts Boxing Tournament at the University of Notre Dame, while balancing a full-time class workload in the Notre Dame MBA program.

Our revered Professor of Management, Mike Crant, has said that avoiding conflict is a natural human inclination. The sentiment is intuitive: Stepping into a boxing ring is an intimidating experience – just ask 16 year-old Mike Tyson who had cold feet the night of his first professional bout.

Why, then, would a guy who is here trying to enrich his brain take part in such a paradoxical activity like boxing? I’ll tell you. Continue reading “How an ND MBA student ended up in a boxing ring”

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?”

Beyond the MBA: ND Club Golf

By: Brad Wise

12304129_559715620849872_7226203493399535416_o-1 — 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”

5 tips on how to do Notre Dame football, the #NDMBA way

By: Nitesh Srivastava

The Notre Dame football team with the student section after a game. (Photo courtesy Sylvia Banda)

Football is (obviously) a big part of life at Notre Dame – even for students in the MBA program. Here are some tips:

1. Most MBA students buy student season tickets! Once you’re enrolled in the program, you’ll receive directions on how to do this.

2. Even if you don’t want to attend the games, you’re still welcome to attend the MBA tailgate, which is widely considered to be the best gameday party in northern Indiana*. Alumni and friends of the program have been known to stop by, and companies interested in hiring students will occasionally sponsor the festivities. Continue reading “5 tips on how to do Notre Dame football, the #NDMBA way”