MBA Journal: Conquering the 'Fear of Quant'

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Furthermore, there's just as much qualitative analysis and just as many written deliverables to grapple with, and that's where those of us well-versed in the "softer" skills can shine.

Fellow "artsies," you've got just as much value to bring to the table as the numerically inclined, and, rather than being perceived as the weak link in a group (as I had initially feared), your more math-happy teammates will welcome your contributions. Don't get me wrong, you may have to put in a few more hours getting comfortable with formulae that are second nature to many of your classmates, but it's certainly not insurmountable. In fact, I'd hazard a guess that nearly everyone coming into an MBA program—even those up to their earlobes in ego—is lacking confidence in one area or another. And that's the beauty of the MBA program. The cornucopia of backgrounds, experiences, interests, and skills offset each other nicely, and everyone benefits from a richer learning experience as a consequence. This mutual exchange has a confidence-bolstering effect on all who embrace it, and it may lead you to discover strengths you never knew you had.

Being in an MBA program sometimes feels like living in a bubble. As jarring as it was at the outset, the B-school student life has become my new routine, the people who were complete strangers only six months ago are now the friendly familiar faces that line the halls, and my Rotman knapsack has found a permanent home on my back (and formed a permanent groove on my shoulders, I'm afraid).

In just a few short weeks, though, the Rotman school will unleash a new crop of first-year MBA veterans on the world. Regardless of our summer plans, we'll no doubt all relish some time outside the confines of the bubble—getting caught up with neglected friends, being able to make spontaneous weeknight plans (except for those summering in investment banking roles, perhaps), and finally getting some much-needed exercise. Now, call me crazy, but I have a sneaking suspicion that, come late summer, we'll all be eagerly anticipating our return to Rotman, the place that's come to feel like a home-away-from-home for many of us, and looking forward to beginning the madness all over again.

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Despite her fears of quant, this former editor in book publishing was driven to earn an MBA when she realized she had nowhere else to go in her previous career. Living in Sydney, Australia, where Erb worked for the higher education division of McGraw-Hill, she longed for home. She returned to her native Canada and began the MBA program at University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management (Rotman Full-Time MBA Profile) in 2010. She said in an interview that she sees herself somewhere in marketing and hopes to use her creativity post MBA.