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.

In this episode, we chat with Lori Fischer, Director of the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University. Lori shares how the program supports student and alumni entrepreneurs at every stage—from idea to launch and beyond. We discuss key resources, common challenges like funding and mentorship, and how the institute fosters innovation across industries.

Plus, you’ll hear inspiring success stories and get Lori’s advice for anyone with a big idea but unsure where to start. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about MSU’s approach to innovation, this episode is full of insights and inspiration.

In this episode, we're diving into the impact of affinity groups in the MBA experience. These organizations provide a sense of belonging and mentorship, helping students navigate both personal and professional challenges. Joining us today is Anna Lin, a JD/MBA, who will share her insights on how affinity groups have shaped her journey, supported her in her personal and professional life, and fostered a more inclusive business school environment. Tune in to hear how these communities empower students and why they play a crucial role in the MBA experience!

Not every career path is linear. In this episode, Astha shares her personal experiences of navigating career shifts, overcoming setbacks, and redefining success along the way. From unexpected roadblocks to breakthrough moments, she offers valuable insights on how to stay motivated, embrace change, and ultimately carve out a path that aligns with your true aspirations. If you’ve ever faced career uncertainty, this conversation is for you!

In the fast-paced world of MBA recruiting, it’s easy to focus on landing the next internship or job offer—but what about the bigger picture? In this episode, we sit down with Marla McGraw, Assistant Dean of the MBA Career Center, to discuss the importance of playing the long game in career planning.

Marla shares valuable insights on how MBA students can build meaningful relationships, develop a strategic approach to networking, and align short-term actions with long-term career goals. Whether you're just starting your MBA journey or preparing for your next big career move, this episode will help you think beyond immediate opportunities and set yourself up for long-term success.

Tune in for expert advice, real-world examples, and actionable strategies to make the most of your MBA experience.

Join Ramy Darwish, a first-year MBA candidate, as he shares his journey of transitioning from a career in B2B logistics to thriving in the dynamic world of business school. In this episode, Ramy opens up about embracing campus life, exploring diverse concentrations, and navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with this transformative experience. From building connections to finding his academic path, Ramy offers an authentic and insightful perspective on the MBA adventure. Whether you’re exploring the idea of business school, currently enrolled, or simply curious about the first-year MBA experience, this podcast provides a candid, behind-the-scenes look at personal growth, academic discovery, and the excitement of a new professional chapter.

Join Daniel Martinez, a first-year MBA candidate, as he dives into the highs, lows, and everything in between of life inside business school. From late-night study sessions to navigating group projects, networking events, and the balancing act of personal life, this podcast offers an authentic, unfiltered look at the MBA experience. Whether you’re considering business school, already enrolled, or just curious about what it's really like to pursue an MBA, tune in for candid insights, lessons learned, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what it takes to succeed in a demanding program. Get ready to hear stories of growth, challenge, and inspiration—straight from the frontlines of first-year business school! 

In this episode, we chat with second-year MBA student Paige Manning, who is concentrating in marketing and making an exciting transition from a healthcare background to the fast-paced world of the Big Three auto industry at Stellantis. Paige shares her summer internship experiences, focusing on high-impact marketing projects, leveraging her unique background, and adapting to a new industry. She provides insights into the challenges she faced, the skills she honed, and how this role is shaping her future career path. Tune in for actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and key takeaways that could inspire your own journey through career transitions and marketing innovation!

In this episode, we chat with second year MBA student, Christine Corsi, who completed her summer intership at Ecolab. We dive into real world experiences within the finance industry from focusing on high-impact projects and navigating corporate culture to the skills she honed, which led to her receiving a full time offer. She shares insights on her introduction to the finance world and how her role is shaping her future career path. Tune in for actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and key takeaways that could inspire your own internship journey! 

In this episode, we chat with second year MBA student, Anthony Rizzo, who completed his summer intership at Johnson&Johnson. We dive into real world experiences within the HR industry from focusing on high-impact projects and navigating corporate culture, to the skills he honed and challenges he overcame. He shares insights on his introduction to the HR world and how his role is shaping his future career path. Tune in for actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and key takeaways that could inspire your own internship journey!