
CLASS OF 2002 GRADUATE COMMENTS
As HBS says, it truly was a transformational experience. It would probably be impossible to assemble such intellectual horsepower in one place anywhere else in the world. The case method is absolutely outstanding and I cannot imagine anyone teaching an MBA program otherwise. -- Anonymous
Much attention is paid to Harvard's brand name and its network of alumni. Both are incredibly powerful and have already helped me in a number of ways. I am still shocked by how many business executives, including CEOs, returned my calls when I was looking for help completing class assignments! But to focus only on these two aspects of the Harvard MBA would be to neglect the powerful learning that takes place here. The education is truly outstanding. -- Venture Capital/Private Equity
There are a lot of great business schools where one can get an outstanding business education that will be well respected in the business world. Most of my friends, however, have interest in a wide array of areas. I have found that the Harvard degree is transferable and lends credibility in a number of fields outside of business. -- Investment Banking
While any MBA will provide useful skills, I believe that a Harvard MBA is truly unique. The relationships that are cultivated, the alumni network, and the unique sense of personal and social responsibility combine to create something very special to the individual and society at large. -- Finance
An MBA from HBS is so valuable because of the people that you meet and interact with day-to-day. Never again will I be surround by so many dynamic, young, diverse people. This is 50% of the value of an HBS degree that other schools can’t replicate because of the HBS brand. -- Finance
As of graduation, the experience was already worth the money and time, not to mention the value as an alumni. There are many things that only an HBS degree can provide, and I believe it is the best MBA option for most people. -- Entrepreneurship
I was looking for something non-traditional, and Harvard certainly delivered. I did not go back to B-school for the greatest NPV, I went to be empowered to do something I enjoy and/or get more involved in politics and my community. Harvard's emphasis is on leadership and not strictly on hard skills like Accounting and Finance. Also, there is incredible benefit from being required to take all courses instead of testing out, like in some other programs. -- Entrepreneurship
The HBS experience is tremendous. I have learned much about business, business leaders, and the world we live in. For two years I have been surrounded by incredibly smart and accomplished peers and faculty. Plus, the two years were a lot of fun. -- Marketing
Certainly worth taking the time to prepare for a long career in business. It's a marathon, not a sprint!! -- Venture Capital/Private Equity
The HBS MBA program gave me the capability to have major impact on the world and opened up limitless opportunities. The program exceeded all my expectations and catapulted me from a destiny of middle management and seeking out a career, to having the ability to lead at a high level and have immediate impact. I would recommend the program to anyone, even someone with no plans to enter the business world. The program fundamentally changed me, enhanced my ability to think, to understand the world, and to lead in any arena. -- Entrepreneurship
Although no business school is perfect, HBS provides the ultimate in valuable tools for a future business career: fundamental skills, the most powerful business network in the world, and access to the freshest academic business research and knowledge infrastructure. On top of it all, it is a lot of fun. -- Finance
Exposure to the cases and to a group of exceptional peers created a much richer learning experiences than I had anticipated from class studies alone. The HBS experience changed my perspective on not only my career ambitions, but what I feel, contribute to, and get out of life. It was an incredibly rewarding period of my life. -- Finance
HBS is a business student's candy store. You learn from amazing professors, fascinating students, and unbelievable guests. During my time at HBS we had Jack Welch, Warren Buffet, Meg Whitman, the former CEO of Andersen, the CEO of McKinsey, Gerald Levin, Rupert Murdoch and many others have come to speak at HBS. We had a case on Enron and Jeff Skilling visited our class the same month he was on the cover of Fortune as the most innovative CEO in America. Attending HBS is the business equivalent of getting tickets to a Beatles concert. -- Information Technology
I would encourage others to attend HBS's MBA program because I improved both personally and professionally. On a personal level, I pushed myself beyond my capabilities and thus gained confidence. On a professional level, I discovered my career "passions". Thus, I now feel like I have developed a road map for my future. I think anyone who is looking to crystallize his or her professional aspirations would benefit from the HBS MBA program. -- Marketing
The power of the Harvard MBA program is the incredible combination of expanded skills and knowledge (a truly first rate learning experience) and access to an influential network of alumni. If I had learned nothing, identifying myself as a Harvard MBA would still open doors. But with the skills and knowledge gained here I am confident to walk through those open doors. -- Venture Capital/Private Equity
I think the economic down-turn has highlighted how many people didn't really think about what they want from business school. Two years tuition does not "buy" the guarantee of a job - rather, it buys a learning experience and help with presenting yourself to potential employers. -- Finance
HBS' academics are outstanding, but it is the extra-curricular and proactive nature of the student body, which truly makes this place unique. There is always something fun and exciting going on. Students are passionate and driven. This is a wonderful two years. -- Business Development
The best 18 months of my life. Everyone should really visit HBS to get a taste of the experience, and most importantly, meet people to dispel any myths you might have about the place. What a wonderful place to weather the job market storm -- great facilities, classmates, and curriculum! -- Marketing

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