What I Actually Learned from the Stanford MBA

Most people will tell you that the real value of business school is not derived from the classroom: it’s all about the people. I heard this over and over again through the application process.

When I was accepted into Stanford’s MBA program, I was grateful. I knew that my classmates would be phenomenal. I was eager to meet these 400 rockstars, and learn from them.

I had no idea what was in store for me.

They say business school is ‘transformational’. I was skeptical of this at first: but I have to admit, I am a different person at the end of an incredible two years. I’m more practical, and less idealistic. I’m more productive and adventurous. I’m more willing to try new things and fail.

Perhaps most importantly, I have a much deeper understanding of my self and my strengths and weaknesses. And I can see that my class- on average- as a whole is more well-rounded, able to read people and build relationships better.

I’m not sure if we’re better ‘leaders’ or ready to ‘change the world’, but we are definitely more equipped to manage ourselves and our own lives.

What happened to us?

We changed.

The exposure to a mind-boggling variety of companies at different stages, industries and business…