One aspect I really wanted from my MBA experience was real world application. I feel like for a MBA program to be relevant, it must include projects or classes that deal with current business issues. This gives each student the chance to problem solve outside of a textbook setting and an organization to gauge the talent in the specific MBA program. At Baylor, we call this class Focus Firm.

Each semester a new organization is selected in which the students are tasked with solving a pressing issue or issues.  We meet twice a week like any other class and are guided by both the firm and our faculty.    Teamwork and communication are key in this class.  You are typically broken up by issues so that each group can provide their own  innovative solution.

This semester our class was presented with a very fascinating Focus Firm project.  We are helping develop a strategic plan and solutions for the economic development team in North Bay, Canada.  While this may seem like an odd choice, it does have many perks.  This is true international experience for one.  Also when we are looking for jobs at firms after graduation, we could be involved in setting up new offices and having to work with an economic development team.  Having this experience will allow us to know what to look for and what questions to ask.  Finally, we are having with true politics and decisions that can make a huge impact on the community.

This type of experience does not come without a lot of legwork on Baylor’s behalf.  The faculty has done a great job of building up this class to really help the students succeed now and in the future.

Sic ‘Em Bears