When you select an MBA program, you are not just choosing your learning environment, but are also committing to becoming part of a community. Each Thursday, we offer a window into life “beyond the MBA classroom” at a top business school.
True to Kellogg’s reputation for fostering a robust community, its annual ski trip is typically attended by a remarkable 750 first- and second-year students. According to a second year we interviewed, “Kellogg’s ski trip was the first and remains the biggest of its kind. Like everything else at Kellogg the trip is student run … from logistics to marketing to sponsorship. … First- and second-year students work together to make it an unforgettable weeklong adventure.” For the 2010 trip, the participating students stayed at the Aspen Snowmass resort in Aspen, Colorado. Skiers can avail themselves of three-, four- or even five-day passes while nonskiers can enjoy activities such as cooking classes, snowshoe lessons and spa treatments (at reduced prices). The evenings feature theme parties, such as an ’80s party and a “shipwrecked” pirate party. “The entire event is a phenomenon,” said the second year we interviewed. “It’s a great break for everyone … as first years blow off steam from their hectic initial quarter, while second years immerse themselves in their final ski trip.” Although Evanston is quite a distance from the Rockies, we learned that skiing is nonetheless serious business at Kellogg.
For in-depth descriptions of social and community activities at Kellogg and 14 other top MBA programs, check out the mbaMission Insider’s Guides.