Favorite Traditions At The Top MBA Programs

‘Tailgates on game day were my absolute favorite tradition! Prior to Terry, American football was foreign to me. After watching seven games, including the SEC championship, I think I’ve got the playbook down pat. The football fever that sweeps through campus on game day is unmatched. Seeing everyone decked out in their vibrant red, white, and black gear created a great sense of excitement that I will always remember fondly. Go Dawgs!”
Derrick Afriyie, University of Georgia (Terry)

 

 

“My favorite tradition is our annual Get to Know You Bee. Despite the name, it is a quiz of little-known facts about our classmates and always results in some surprising reveals and great stories. Scheller emphasizes the relationships we build together, and I have found that those stories help create and reinforce those bonds.”
Cadence Martin, Georgia Tech (Scheller)

 

“The first month of the MBA is filled with organized events to get us to mingle, know one another, and feel at home in this new environment. One such event that stands out for every cohort is the French Touch event. With a majority of the HEC Paris MBA being foreigners (<5% French), it’s important to discover this new culture you have arrived to (possibly) live in – discover its wine and cheeses, music, decorations, customs, etc. The MBA is as much about learning about business, as it is about network and community ties. These cultural events are an amazing starting place in the early days of the program.”
Victor Heaulme, HEC Paris

 

“The MBAT (aka MBA Tournament). HEC Paris hosts this iconic competition every year that gathers all the top European schools (last year schools from the US and Singapore also joined). MBAT is a combination of high-level sports competitions, cultural exchanges, parties, and lots of networking between the more than 1,500 students who attend. After three days, the event closing took place in the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel in the heart of Paris with a Gala party. That was a weekend I will never forget”
Arthur Castelo Branco, HEC Paris

 

 

“I personally really love the annual Multi-Culti event, which is a full day event that brings together all (or most) of the countries represented by the student body at IESE. Each country has a booth, which showcases its distinct culture, food, drinks, and traditions. It is an amalgamation of the over 55 nationalities represented in the IESE MBA cohort. There are also performances prepared and showcased by each country’s representatives, which is just fun and exciting to watch. It captures the diversity, community, and tapestry of different backgrounds that makes IESE the special place that it is.

For example, the Middle East and North Africa student group often organises Lebanese dinner events; the India Business Club members organise the annual Diwali party; and the Argentinian students put together an amazing full-day Asado outdoor event. The aspect of community, diversity and inclusion of others stands out as a common thread.”
Nura Smadi, IESE Business School

 

“I am certain Multi-Culti is the best IESE tradition. This is an 8-hour event with 1000+ participants in which the nationalities represented by IESE students set up a stand, decorate it with the arts & cultures of their countries, and service typical dishes from their respective cuisines. During the evening, each nationality also organizes a singing and/or dancing show, with exceptional choreography, to showcase each country’s culture. I believe it is a great way to appreciate the rich diversity of the school, as well as to demonstrate its culture to non-IESE friends.”
Marco Goffi, IESE Business School

 

“The Winter Ball at the Natural History Museum is a must for any Imperial Business School student. Imperial College Business School is probably the only school in Europe (and maybe the world) to be able to hire the entire iconic National History Museum in London, which is just down the road from the school. Many exhibits and rooms all are lit up for a great party. It is an amazing experience to dance under the famous blue whale.”
Giovanni Sobrero, Imperial College

 

“One of the most enjoyable events at Imperial College Business School so far was the Winter Party held at the Natural History Museum. The entire museum was exclusively booked for the occasion, providing a unique and captivating backdrop for the festivities. It was an incredible experience to dance and celebrate under the blue whale skeleton, while also taking the opportunity to appreciate the images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Looking ahead, I am eagerly anticipating the Summer Ball, which promises to be another remarkable event. I am excited to enjoy a night of celebration with fellow cohort, creating lasting memories and cherishing the connections we have formed during our time at the business school.”
Eva Look, Imperial College

 

“In 2007, Walt Blacconiere passed away from pancreatic cancer. A beloved professor at Kelley, he was known for ending his classes with a round of applause to show an appreciation for the learning that had taken place, a tradition that has become adopted in every classroom as the Kelley Clap. After learning of the origins of the clap and the meaning behind it, the Kelley Clap became my favorite tradition, giving me an opportunity to demonstrate my thanks for the exchange of knowledge and growth that I am a part of in the classroom at Kelley.”
Chang-Min Song, Indiana University (Kelley)

 

“My favorite tradition at Kelley was the Third Thursday After Class. (TTAC). It is a great opportunity for students and faculty to interact with each other in an informal setting with wine and snacks. I especially loved the variety on the menu, especially when the event was themed to align with a celebration by any affinity group within the MBA program. It is also a good way to practice networking in a cocktail setting, which usually happens in most organizations. I loved TTAC because it helped me catch up with other students in the program who I may not have had classes with.”
Rita Korkor Agyei, Indiana University (Kelley)

 

“My favorite MBA tradition at INSEAD is Master Strategists Day. This intense, 24-hour competition embodies the essence of INSEAD’s ethos: the swift and effective application of theoretical knowledge to tackle real-world business and societal challenges. Teams must come together to devise strategies for NGOs and companies in need, those that typically couldn’t afford high-level consulting services. This tradition not only honed our strategic thinking and problem-solving skills but also highlighted INSEAD’s commitment to making a tangible impact in the community and the broader business landscape. It was a clear reflection of the school’s values of innovation, diversity, and social responsibility.”
Sami Mavrothalassitis, INSEAD

 

“My favorite Instead MBA events/tradition is undoubtedly the Cultural Weeks. These weeks provided an opportunity for students from various nationalities to showcase their culture. Tasting international dishes, enjoying traditional dances, and connecting with stories from around the globe not only enriched my understanding, but also underscored the importance of empathy and cross-cultural understanding in today’s global business landscape. This experience didn’t just entertain; it shaped us into globally minded leaders, prepared to navigate the complexities of international business with sensitivity and insight. By allowing each group of students to share the riches of their cultural heritage, the school not only fostered a global learning environment, but also encouraged mutual understanding and respect among students.”
Maria Douieb, INSEAD

 

“The Ivey Olympics was definitely my favorite MBA event! Every year, the MBA cohort competes for the Ivey Cup through a series of physical, strategic, and intellectual challenges. This event brings together all students from the cohort as well as some professors. In my opinion, the event is special because it takes place after the initial recruiting period. The Ivey Olympics gives the cohort an opportunity to destress and reconnect with classmates after an intensive period of interview preparation. At Ivey, we have a strong sense of community, and this event is one of many ways the cohort comes together to bond.”
Olivia Petric, Ivey Business School

 

“Without a doubt, my most cherished MBA tradition at LBS is Tattoo. This iconic event is more than just a party; it’s a vibrant testament to the school’s core value of celebrating diversity. Tattoo has the distinction of being the grandest student-led gathering on campus, attracting more than a thousand attendees from over 70 nationalities who get to immerse themselves in an unparalleled cultural festivity. Notably, it clinched a Guinness World Record in 2016 for the most nationalities participating in a sing-along, symbolizing the true unity in our diversity.

Tattoo unfolds as a spectacular evening filled with an array of activities – from mesmerizing regional dances and electrifying musical showdowns to a sumptuous spread of global cuisines and an array of engaging games.  culminating in a secretive after-party. This year, I led the organizational efforts for Tattoo, steering a dedicated team of over 30 to orchestrate this big event. The overall experience was challenging, but the satisfaction of hosting an evening that united the entire LBS community (including students, faculty, and staff) in a memorable celebration that will be etched in everyone’s memory forever, was simply unmatched!”
Priyal Keni, London Business School

 

“Smith’s Got Talent is undoubtedly my favorite MBA event at our business school. It’s a showcase of the incredible diversity and talent within our cohort. From comedy sketches to musical performances and dance routines, there’s something for everyone – and the talent on display is truly amazing. What I love most about this event is how it brings our community together in celebration and appreciation of each other’s unique abilities.

At the end of the talent show, we also had a fun service auction for charity, where we bid on dinners with professors, unique experiences, and services within the school. It’s not only a great opportunity to support a good cause but also a chance to build connections and create memorable experiences with faculty and classmates outside of the classroom. This event reflects the spirit of giving back and coming together for a greater purpose that defines our business school community.”
Aravind Srinivasan, University of Maryland (Smith)

 

“The Desautels Cup is my favourite MBA tradition. This highly competitive internal case competition allows first-year MBAs to challenge themselves by providing strategic solutions to real world problems. Presenting to top-tier executives offers an incredible opportunity to showcase our skills in what feels like an executive board environment. Winning the competition in my first year was a nice reaffirmation that my hard work was paying off. Moreover, coaching the winning team in my second year was a great way to give back to the next generation of talented MBAs, and it was a fulfilling moment in which I realized all that I had learned in my MBA journey.”
Camila Sabogal, McGill University (Desautels)

Next Page: Top traditions at Michigan Ross, MIT Sloan, Northwestern Kellogg, and more.