After holding the position of undergraduate liaison on the executive board last academic year, I was given the incredible opportunity to lead the society as president during my final year at Quinnipiac. As someone who is a part of the 3+1 accelerated dual-degree program, the MBA Society has provided me immense value in bridging the gap between undergraduate and graduate students, preparing me academically for my MBA, and helping me plan for my professional future. Guest speaker events, etiquette dinners, interview and resume workshops, and networking opportunities all hosted by the MBA Society provide undergraduate students and MBA candidates the opportunity to develop vital skills necessary for success.

As the leader of the organization, I have faced multiple challenges. The most prominent issue the executive board and I faced in the beginning of the fall semester was deciding what events to hold that would provide our members with the greatest value. We found that the most efficient way to solve this problem was to ask our members what they wanted to get out of the organization. Our members expressed that they wanted to improve their resumes and interviewing skills, hear from professionals in different industries, and above all else, network with alumni and other society members. Our executive board took this information and tailored our events for this past fall semester to meet the desires of our members. This included a conversation with a recent 3+1 business alumna from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, a resume review and advice workshop with the career development office, and networking with professors and society members over coffee.

Throughout the past semester, I have learned a significant amount about leadership and teamwork in my role as president of MBA Society. Serving as both the face of the organization and leader of the executive team, I have been exposed to new responsibilities and unique challenges that have provided me with an opportunity to grow. I have been taught that proper communication and organizational skills are key to running successful meetings and events. In addition, knowing how to hold meetings, how far in advance to reserve spaces, and understanding how to be an effective role model has all been a learning experience. However, I would not have seen the success I have had without the executive team. The success of any leader is dependent on the performance of those they lead. I have been fortunate to hold the position of President of MBA Society, and I have learned a lot about what it takes to do so, but understanding the value of working as a collective team is the most paramount piece of advice I would share with any aspiring leaders.