How hard is an MBA, really?

In the premiere episode of Broad-ly Speaking, we sit down with second-year Broad MBA student and MBA Association President Neal Shea for an honest conversation about what makes the MBA experience challenging – and why the hardest parts don't always happen inside the classroom.

Neal reflects on what he expected before starting the program, how the MBA differed from his undergrad experience, and what it was like balancing academics alongside recruiting, networking, student organizations, leadership responsibilities, and life outside of school.

We also talk about moments when everything felt overwhelming, the habits Neal developed to better manage his time, and the role classmates and the Broad MBA community played in helping him navigate his first year.

Now with a year of experience behind him, Neal shares what he would approach differently, what he stressed about that ultimately wasn't worth worrying about, and what he would tell someone who is interested in pursuing an MBA but isn't sure they're ready for the challenge.

Whether you're considering an MBA or preparing to begin one, this episode offers an honest look at the workload, adjustment, growth, and community behind the experience.

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.