Critical Junctures in the Life of an MBA Student
&
How the Life of Faith can be Developed

Originally developed by Tony Chen (Kellogg 03)

1Q (“Hey, where ya from?”)

Becoming a student again – can I handle the work? Especially since everyone seems to be so outgoing and smart and sharp. Trying to prioritize different academic interests.
Finding an “inner circle” of friends again – Christian and non-Christian. Looking back now, people are most open to new friendships in the beginning. Everyone is in the same boat – everyone is new and in need of connecting with people quickly.
Stewardship – evaluating numerous demands and desires, wisely saying “no” to many good things to focus on the very best and most productive opportunities. Trying to prioritize academic interests with personal, vocational, and relational interests!
Calling – Most Christians going into business school have a deep sense of calling. Some may question that calling during first quarter because of all the new doors that seem to be opening (based on conversations of people from many different professions)
Looking for a new church – Even though I’ll only be here for 2 years, I know I have to get into the local body of believers.

2Q (“Wow, you got on the closed list for McKinsey??)

Summer internship Stress – Getting to know the whole “points” systems for interviewing, watching everyone else stress out, not getting caught up in the “herd” mentality (“Wow! You got an closed interview with McKinsey?”), asking introspective questions about what internships would be the best positions, preparing for interviews / resumes / cocktail receptions
The theology of Business School Teaching – At some point (usually 2Q, I think), Christians may begin to question some of the teachings they receive from business school. Without embracing the “maximize your own pie no matter what” worldview, how can God use this new training that I have to advance the kingdom?
Money – My summer internship offer was the most lucrative offer I’ve ever received by far. How will I respond?
God-centeredness & Identity Issues – Trying to be God-centered despite the internal need to perform well and to win the approval of others. Everything in business school is about “creating value.” How much value can I provide to others in my groups, in my social interactions, in my job, etc? Trying not to confuse the world’s definition of value of God’s definition of value. Coming to grips that God doesn’t love me any more if I get 5 offers and God doesn’t love me any less if I don’t get any offers.

3Q (“How can we get their votes?”)

Student organization leadership – should I step up? Where? What should I run for? (what leadership experience will perfectly complement the other experience on my resume)
Burnout – Some experience a bit of burnout after an intense year of academics, job-hunting, and relationship building. That manifests itself in different ways: easier class schedules, slight withdrawal from commitments, more time spent on hobbies, etc.

4Q (“How was your summer?” translation: “did you get an offer from your summer?”)

Full-time job search stress – even for those who received offers from their summers, the full-time job search can be quite stressful. Many of the same faith / identity issues will resurface here as during the summer internship quarter (2Q).
Praying for wisdom & discernment– to know which path to take. Those jobs that will obviously consume most of my time – how will it affect my family life and my spiritual life?
Leading / Mentoring the 1st years – Opportunities abound to help 1st years get acquainted, avoid common pitfalls, etc.

5Q (“Are you ready to party?”)

Celebration - Those who have jobs breathe a sigh of relief and want to celebrate! Being thankful to God for providing for me.
Academic focusing - While many have lost motivation to do well in classes, people tend to sign up for classes that are most relevant to their new position.
Job Stress – For those still looking for a job, we may question God’s provision and become impatient as others slack off, celebrate, and move on.
Solidifying half-baked relationships – there are some relationships that were on the edge – they could become upgraded to lifelong friendships or degrade into acquaintances. This is when I wanted to focus a bit and invest more heavily in a few people.

6Q (“Did you close on the house?”)

Slacking off - Most folks are ready to finish, sick of classes, and want to start their new life
Transition Time – People’s hearts are already elsewhere even though they are stuck in class. They will be undergoing their 2nd major transition in two years and they will face again all the restlessness, anxiety, and excitement associated with the move.

Reflection Time – What did I really take away from business school about: business, people, God, and myself?