As I’ve watched the COVID-19 situation unfold, like many of you, I’ve been fearful for the future of the economy and the well-being of individuals around the world. Quite honestly, however, during the first few weeks of the crisis I hadn’t focused on how it would impact my own situation or how it would disrupt our campus and the current job market. With my school loans able to last me until I start with L.E.K. on July 13th, I was excited to take advantage of the last few months of school. Additionally, at the beginning of March, our school was on track to start Q4 classes as normal and no material impacts to the program had been announced.
On March 6th, we began Spring Break. It was unclear at the time how our school would react. There were rumors that we might switch to online classes, probably just for the first week or two after Spring Break or in the worst case for the entire quarter (Of course, the entire quarter seemed highly unlikely!).
Not long after, we received the message that all classes would take place online. What did this imply for the rest of our quarter? Events of all kinds were planned, guests were scheduled to visit, and students looked forward to further networking before graduation. What about the classroom experience? Darden is known for the case study method and the engagement of its’ students in class. It was unclear how a virtual classroom would change this highly interactive approach.
Then on Monday, March 23rd, I received a call from our HR team that the start date for my job with L.E.K. had been pushed back to October 5th.
It was quite a shock. I was thankful my offer wasn’t rescinded; however, it didn’t keep my mind from wandering to a worse-case scenario. And it didn’t stop me from scouring the web to better understand consulting firm decision-making during previous recessions. From my basic research, I learned that companies had made an array of decisions from pushing start dates back to offering stipends to cancelling positions. In some cases the companies rescinded offers altogether.
Today, many of you have most likely felt the impact through a variety of these company measures. As things have calmed down, I feel safe that I’ll begin on my new start date, but I remain cautious as the situation continues to unfold. My thoughts, however, go out to those who are not in as fortunate of a position.
In the remainder of this post, I will walk you through the MBA experience during COVID-19 and reflect on Darden’s response to the health crisis.
What was the MBA Experience Like During COVID-19?
Without taking much time to breathe, campus was officially shut down and only accessible by administrative staff with necessary tasks to carry out. Group gatherings of more than 10 people were prohibited and 1-on-1 interactions outside of your immediate homes were advised against. Graduation was cancelled and, as of today, has not been officially re-scheduled. Global MBA Trips, something students had already invested in and looked forward to, were cancelled indefinitely. Final quarter grades became pass or fail with no impact to your previous GPA, with the option for students to choose a letter grade up until the final day of class. Students were also unsure whether to return to Charlottesville or be with their loved ones.
In my opinion, there is no alternative to the on-campus experience. Call it the MBA experience or call it a “social bubble”, but the opportunity to interact closely with so many smart and talented individuals is what makes full-time MBA programs worth it. Walking by students in the hallway, dropping in on Professor’s open office hours, or finding out in the moment there’s an interesting school event happening can’t be replaced.
Online, distractions are also much easier to come by. In the classroom, it would be difficult to multitask; my phone was never on, I tended to have my laptop down unless needed for notes or homework, and the fear of being cold called without paying attention was high. I now found myself drawn to my phone or browsing online, sometimes drifting in and out of the classroom discussion. Although I could blame “senioritis”, these temptations weren’t prevalent in the classroom and I feel that many of my classmates were similarly affected by the distractions that online learning facilitates.
Coincidentally, there have been some positive outcomes as well. Personally, I chose to live with my girlfriend to deepen our relationship. I believe many others have also seized the opportunity to spend more time with their significant others and family without the pressure of needing to take full advantage of the on-campus experience. Students have found ways to interact virtually via group Zoom sessions and through creative online events. Online classes, although different in nature, still allow you to learn and hear from other students. Preparation was the same, Professors quickly adapted to the technological change, and curriculums adjusted only slightly. The biggest component of the Darden classroom is class contribution, and this remained intact.
Darden’s Response to COVID-19
Darden continued to adapt to an online environment and I’m proud to be a part of such a fantastic institution.
Within the first week, our school addressed the COVID-19 impact thoroughly and effectively. In just the first few days, I attended three impromptu virtual meetings with top stakeholders of our university. We had a UVA EMBA pathogen specialist, who is currently working at the UVA Hospital, discuss the challenges facing front-line medical workers and answer questions about the virus. We had our past dean and two economists discuss potential economic scenarios resulting from the viral threat. And of course, we were virtually greeted by our Dean and university leadership team on day one to talk through what this means to our class and Darden as a whole. Darden continued to provide informative sessions with school leaders and affiliated guests throughout the quarter.
The student body also actively worked to replicate social events through creative virtual meetings. Virtual Jeopardy, online cooking classes, trivia nights, workout sessions, and social hours all quickly became the new norm for students. MBA programs are filled with enthusiastic, engaged, and creative individuals who find ways to adapt. There are few other social groups that could act and adapt so quickly and energetically in such dire circumstances.
Final Thoughts
My purpose for writing this article was to share insights into the MBA experience that past, current, and former students may not have access to. I also believe there will be alterations to the MBA experience as a result of this global event. High tuition costs will be questioned, online classes may proliferate, and MBA applicants will weigh whether this is the right time to enroll.
I want to end this article with a reminder that this is my particular viewpoint, and does not reflect the opinion of others or the changes or decisions that other MBA programs made or considered. Throughout my two years at Darden, I was constantly surprised by the drastically varying interpretations of events and world views from my fellow students.
I have no doubt that some students may feel that school leaders inadequately adapted to the COVID-19 threat or that online classes should be the new norm for business programs. I believe the school leaders addressed the COVID-19 impact as best as possible, where others may feel they failed to stay on top of changes. Although it’s somewhat surprising to find out that my perspective is just one of many, it’s heartening to know that the MBA program is full of diverse, thoughtful individuals who bring unique perspectives to the decision-making process.
My advice for those considering whether to apply for an MBA is that each student will have a different experience. From my perspective, the students who undoubtedly knew why an MBA program was important to them came away with the greatest experience. However, every student came away with an enhanced perspective on business, an unmatched alumni community, and new relationships both personal and professional.
Cameron Hector is a bay area native soon to be dedicated consultant at L.E.K.’s Chicago office. Former semi-professional soccer player turned competitive long distance athlete.
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