I am an aerospace engineering student at the University of Florida graduating this spring. I participated in a 2017 cohort of HBX CORe because I wanted to gain business skills in addition to my engineering education and prepare for business school in the future.
Why HBX CORe
I found out about the program after searching for hours online for information on business master’s degrees and how they can benefit me. I decided to sign up for HBX because I was interested in supplementing my engineering curriculum with classes that teach me the fundamentals of business. I was always too busy at school with classes and student organizations, so a business minor was not feasible. Since HBX is offered in cohorts (some occurring in the summer), I had the flexibility to take it when classes weren't in session.
Balancing HBX and a full-time internship
I completed CORe during my first internship with Honeywell Aerospace where I was working as a flight test engineer in Phoenix. That summer I was working a technical job 40-45 hours a week. I was nervous that I would not be able to handle both work and HBX, but I went for it anyway. I figured that studying Monday through Friday after work, for the span of the program, would be more than enough to properly complete the accelerated cohort.
I worked on CORe every day after I left work. Being able to time manage was the most difficult part of the program (especially an accelerated cohort), and I found it challenging to go from an engineering job to business coursework every single day. They are two very different fields, but going back and forth between gave me insight on what it is like to have an MBA with a STEM background, which was what I wanted to experience that summer. I was able to time manage effectively, and every weekend during the program I still had the chance to hike and camp with fellow interns around Arizona.
What makes HBX unique
I enjoyed the online platform of HBX the most. I believe a strong graphical user interface makes the entire difference when offering an atmosphere of dynamic learning. Also, being able to interact with other students through discussions, questions, and comments made this group-oriented program more enjoyable and motivational.
What’s next
I am still beginning my career in a large engineering corporation, so I am currently focusing more on my engineering skills than my business skills. However, after experiencing HBX I can better understand corporate strategy and have insightful conversations with my business-oriented colleagues.
Additionally, I’ll be better prepared and qualified for an MBA program after I gain more experience in engineering. And with the thorough notes I took throughout the course, I’ll be able to dig up my HBX course content and refresh for the first day of my master's degree.