Welcome TMMBA Class 16!

Class 16 students showing their UW pride

Last Thursday evening marked TMMBA Class 16’s first official gathering as a cohort for the Welcome Reception at the UW Burke Museum.  Excitement was in the air as students mixed, mingled and met TMMBA faculty and staff who they’ll be working with over the course of their 18-month journey. The “grand reveal” of the TMMBA study groups was a major highlight of the evening – students learned which five other students they’ll partner with for the first three quarters of studies for projects, case discussions and countless hours of studying. A powerful bonding experience to say the least!

The students also heard words of encouragement from TMMBA Program Director, Tracy Gojdics, and TMMBA Professor of Management, Bruce Avolio, as well as some sage advice from current student, Brian Ames, a Senior Manager at the Boeing Company. One year ago (nearly to the date) Brian stood in the same spot as the new students found themselves in – ready to embark on an educational experience of a lifetime. He’s now just over two quarters away from graduation. He broke his advice down into 12 important (yet simple!) takeaways for students to tuck in their back pocket to help them navigate the TMMBA Program:

School:

1. Get to know your study group on a personal level – invest heavily in this early as you will be spending a lot of time together
2. Go to all of the social events – take any opportunity you can to get to know the people outside of your study groups and section
3. Go on the tours career services lines up – you don’t get these opportunities in normal life
4. Take advantage of all the University has to offer – free bus, cheap football tickets, driving range

Class:

5. Pay attention in class – sometimes it’s hard after a long day of work but the professors are excellent and then you will have less to do outside of class
6. Stay organized – exams are typically open-book, open-note and that format rewards those who are organized so create your system early
7. Do as much as you can and play your own game – don’t feel bad if you have different study habits than your classmates, do what works for you
8. Take a day off of work every once in a while to get ahead – set that expectation early with your manager and co-workers and don’t feel bad about it!

Personal Life:

9.  Cut a hobby that takes a significant amount of time – like golfing, pick it back up after you graduate
10. Take at least one night off of school work per week – try consolidating your work into a few evenings so you have time to spend with your family and friends
11. Find a good daily stress reliever – exercise and clear your mind
12. Take advantage of your time off – take time off of work during school breaks and take a vacation

So, who are the students that make up Class 16? We have a diverse and experienced group of professionals that we’re excited to introduce to the TMMBA community …

61 Students

• 70% Male, 30 % Female
• 35 Companies Represented (Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, Ericsson and many more!)
• 6 Countries Represented (US, India, China, Thailand, Ukraine, Turkey)
• Average GMAT Score = 590
• 21% with advanced degrees (masters, doctoral)

These 61 students are now one milestone down. The next milestone awaits just after the Thanksgiving holiday – the TMMBA Program Immersion. The Immersion is a 7-day orientation/immersive experience that will surely help the cohort get back into the student groove. More to come!