Favorite Traditions At The Top MBA Programs

“Follies is one of my favorite MBA events. It’s our annual sketch comedy show in which the MBAs come together once a year to show off our talents, roast each other and our clubs, and laugh at our quirks and the obstacles we face. It’s a semester-long commitment that involves multiple writers, actors and actresses, videographers, and musicians who put on a two-hour long skit. We make light of difficult situations, like the challenging recruiting season and the steep learning curve of consulting casing. We make jokes about our beloved town for its limited food options, our football-centric Saturdays, and the living conditions of a certain apartment complex that houses many MBAs and brands itself as “luxury living.”

I really like how it encapsulates our spirit of camaraderie, humility, and resilience, and I am always amazed by the creativity of my peers. It’s the perfect combination of self-deprecating humor, storytelling, and musical and acting skills. If you look beyond the jokes and the skits, Follies shows you just how down-to-earth, hard-working, and quick Rossers are to poke fun at ourselves.”
Lisa Cheung, University of Michigan (Ross)

 

“The MBA experience at Ross is synonymous with Michigan Football and, more specifically, the BUS. This tradition of gathering for tailgates against the backdrop of a giant Maize-and-blue painted bus embodies the spirit of community and collaboration that Ross prides itself on. It’s not just about watching football; it’s an opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to come together, share experiences, and create lasting bonds. Affinity groups and professional clubs even sponsor tailgates, bringing a unique flavor to each event. The energy and enthusiasm at the BUS reflect Ross’s vibrant culture, showcasing how important one’s community is to success.”
Akbar Arsiwala, University of Michigan (Ross)

 

“My favorite MBA event is the Carlson 4 Community (C4C) Charity Auction. Started in 2005 by full-time MBA students at the Carlson School of Management, C4C is a student organization that promotes volunteerism and community involvement within the Twin Cities. C4C embodies the spirit of collaboration and community that Carlson stands for. At this event, the entire Carlson community comes together to raise funds for a local charity chosen by the student body. In 2023, C4C raised over $61,000 for Operation No Limits, a non-profit that helps at-risk youth at the juvenile detention center reintegrate back into society.  This is a unique event that unites students from the full-time MBA program, other Master’s programs, alums, and faculty – all in support of local causes. People bid on items from local vendors and artists, as well as experiences offered by faculty (such as gardening lessons or dinner at a local restaurant and mentoring opportunities). This event sets an example for future business leaders to also care about their local communities and how to connect the business world to good causes. It is an example of how Carlson School teaches its MBA students not just in the classroom but also through social occasions and events.”
Ernie Srimaneekulroj, University of Minnesota (Carlson)

 

“My favorite tradition is MIT Sloan’s Pre-f(x) Trip program. Rising second-year MBA students create and run trips worldwide for the incoming class before classes begin. In 2023, second-year MBAs led sixteen Pre-f(x) trips for over 250 first-year MBAs and their significant others to places like Lisbon, Iceland, Seattle, and Maine. I ran trips for over 45 Sloanies to Chicago and Portland, Oregon, showing them two of my favorite cities. I love the Pre-f(x) Program because it’s the first time new “Sloanies” meet each other. To this day, some of my closest friends at Sloan were on my Yosemite Pre-f(x), and my story is hardly unique. Pre-f(x) trips form some of the strongest bonds at Sloan, and I recommend all new Sloanies go on one if they can.”
Stefan Sayre, MIT (Sloan)

 

“My favorite MBA tradition at NYU Stern is Follies, our end-of-year comedy show, reflecting on the past year of our collective MBA experience. This event is put together by students, for students, and it is an opportunity to laugh and celebrate the end of our year, as well as fun and funny moments throughout the year. Last year, I had the opportunity to serve as an Assistant Vice President on the Board and perform in the show. This year, I am Chief of Staff for the club and I am writing sketches, producing, and performing. I am excited to end the year in the best way we know how – together, celebrating each other!”
KJ Brown, New York University (Stern)

 

“This one has to be Blue Cup. Every year, UNC Kenan-Flagler goes head-to-head with Duke Fuqua during a two-week long tournament that covers everything from basketball to pickleball, ping-pong, tennis, e-sports and, my personal favorite, Battle of the Bands. The program with the most wins takes home the Blue Cup Trophy and bragging rights for the rest of the year. I’m not an athletic guy, but I love that there are so many other ways to participate – we’re an MBA class with many talents, and Blue Cup is a great example of how UNC Kenan-Flagler provides opportunities to showcase these talents. I’m currently on an exchange program at Keio University in Tokyo, but that’s not stopping me from practicing our setlist on drums for this year’s Battle of the Bands performance!”
Oliver Jones, North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)

 

“It has to be the Blue Cup Competition between the UNC and Duke MBA programs. Each spring, UNC and Duke compete in over 20 events ranging from individual events like a spelling bee or pickleball to team football and basketball. It’s the most fun two weeks of the year! I’ve been lucky enough to be the captain of the softball, dodgeball, and trivia teams, and I got to engage with my MBA classmates in a truly unique way. Even if you’re not participating in an event, most people will go to cheer on their classmates, and it brings out the school spirit in everyone! It’s one of those traditions I think that brings out the best in UNC Kenan-Flagler, as everyone is incredibly supportive, friendly, and collaborative. Additionally, it’s a great chance to meet fellow-like minds at a similar MBA program and build connections through fun competitions.”
Dan Hawkins, North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)

 

“My favorite MBA tradition is KWEST, which is one of the biggest and most popular global opportunities at Kellogg. All incoming full-time students have the opportunity to take part in KWEST before the start of fall classes to travel to one of 35+ different locations. I had the amazing opportunity to go to Malta, where we explored historic sites, spent time on the water, and built amazing friendships that have lasted throughout my Kellogg experience and which I have no doubt will last a lifetime.

A unique aspect of KWEST is that the trip starts with several days where everyone on the trip refrains from sharing some aspects of their personal and professional backgrounds, which creates an amazing opportunity to get to know people on a deeper level from the start. About halfway through the trip, students reveal their full identities at an event called “Big Reveal”—what program they are in, what they did before Kellogg, where they were living, and more. This experience really demonstrated the inclusive and culture-driven nature of Kellogg from the start. The intention put behind getting to know people for who they are and not “what” they are has certainly carried forward throughout my experience at Kellogg and has been engrained in the way I approach all new relationships—both professionally and personally.”
Elizabeth Willis, Northwestern University (Kellogg)

 

“My favorite event in business school was getting to be part of creating a new tradition: Grow the Good Gala. Each year, Mendoza holds a gala in service and support of a local South Bend nonprofit. It connects students, faculty, and staff across all Mendoza graduate business programs to strengthen our community and give back. I was fortunate to be part of the inaugural team in December 2022. Through a combination of silent auction and donations, Mendoza was able to donate over $15,000 to Cultivate Food Rescue (a leader in perishable food rescue, procurement, redistribution, and education that seeks to meet the nutritional needs of the South Bend community). I believe that this event, along with many other initiatives, is reflective of Mendoza’s efforts to grow the good in business and to lift up one’s community (both within the business school and the larger South Bend community).”
Bailey Harrison, Notre Dame (Mendoza)

 

“The Katz Friendsgiving event is, without a doubt, my favorite MBA event. The Student Executive Board planned this event, which was more than just a get-together but also a demonstration of unity and cross-cultural exchange. We created an international banquet hall in the graduate student lounge by inviting students to bring food from their home countries. The occasion evolved into a delicious global tour, stopping in countries like Germany, Japan, India, Africa, and beyond.

This was an occasion to honor Katz’s rich cultural diversity. Along with these meals. “We exchanged laughs, stories, and a spirit of community that cut over distances. This Friendsgiving event demonstrated what Katz stands for a top-notch university that actively celebrates the diversity of its students’ backgrounds in addition to acknowledging it. Everyone was able to proudly display their heritage in this environment, and they were also able to grow from the cultural insights of others.”
Abdoulai Jobe, University of Pittsburgh (Katz)

 

“My favourite MBA event would have to be our final formal event, the MBA Oath and Grad Dinner. Joining together with our faculty and staff to make the oath and appreciate the sum of our experience was profound. In saying the oath as a cohort, it captured the excitement of the bright future ahead of us, the change that we can propel in our careers, and the ethical responsibility that comes with great change. As our careers progress, I will continue to look back on that day and the oath fondly with the excitement and appreciation we had for the success within the program, and the endless opportunities.” ahead of us.”
Caitlin Ashley McGrath, Queen’s University (Smith)

 

 

“My most cherished MBA tradition at Rutgers Business school was undoubtedly the Manhattan Dinner & Networking Cruise. The cruise takes place before the first semester starts. It’s an introduction to the benefits of getting an MBA at RBS. We had the opportunity to network with Rutgers faculty, staff, and alumni, and they welcomed us and shared their poignant advice. Because the event is at the beginning of the MBA, it allowed us to foster meaningful connections early on. With its blend of leisure and networking, the cruise reflects the ethos of RBS which is creating an environment that values academic rigor as well as forming lasting connections and opportunities within the business community.”
Daphni Sawyer, Rutgers Business School

 

“I love our weekly MBA Community Coffee. Each Wednesday, we have a local coffee shop (shoutout Lucky Lab!) bring in coffee that’s free for all students and sponsored by the McCombs Student Experience team. It is co-hosted with a student organization publicizing for an upcoming event or general membership. It’s also in the common area of our MBA building, Rowling Hall, so it’s a great way to pause and catch up with your classmates. I’ve learned about and signed up for so many clubs and events through Community Coffee, and I’m so glad we have it in the middle of every week — no matter how busy I am, I pause and chat with the folks who are tabling and my friends who are in the area. From there, I go about the rest of my day.”
Meaghan Morgan, University of Texas  (McCombs)

 

“My most favorite tradition during my time at Texas A&M has to be Ring Day. Students who complete specific academic requirements are awarded their “Aggie Rings” at the Ring Day ceremony. The design of the ring itself is deep in symbolism and tradition. My personal favorite symbolism is the presence of an eagle on the top of the ring that stands for power and ambition. I received my ring on November 3, 2023 and it was an immensely gratifying experience to celebrate that milestone with my friends and faculty. According to a local legend, students who achieve financial success by earning their first million dollars commemorate that by adding a diamond to their ring. I aspire to achieve that one day.”
Geet Raval, Texas A&M (Mays)

 

“For the last two years, I’ve organized our class camping trip to Yosemite National Park called “Haasemite’. Five hundred students typically attend, many of whom have never gone camping before. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see these classmates brave the elements and ultimately thrive outside of their comfort zone. On our second night last year, I managed to fit 141 hot, extra-large pizzas into my truck for delivery to the campground—a personal record I will probably never break.”
Whitner Chase, UC Berkeley (Haas)

Next Page: Top traditions at Virginia Darden, Wharton School, Yale SOM, and more.