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.
Booth Partners is an official school club at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with more than 130 members (25% with kids and 40% international) that, according to the school’s Web site, is “designed to provide support throughout the Chicago Booth experience by hosting social events, offering advice about moving to and living in Chicago, and providing a networking resource for members who plan to work and volunteer while in Chicago.” During the admit weekend, sessions are run by current partners to inform admitted Chicago Booth students and their significant others about life at the school, showing, said a Booth partner with whom we spoke, “that the partner is recognized as an important part of the decision-making process.” She added, “Upon acceptance to Booth, not only does the student receive a letter, the partner does as well!”
Partners, with or without children, who move with their students to Chicago Booth can take advantage of what the group has to offer by paying a $100 membership fee for the duration of the two-year MBA program. Membership benefits include invitations to partner parties; a weekly email newsletter called The Voice; and inclusion in sub-clubs, such as a Book Club, a Wine Club, etc. Events take place on average one to two times a week. The Booth Partners Web site offers information on moving to Chicago with links to descriptions of area neighborhoods and apartment buildings as well as specific resources for international students and their partners. In addition, the club is reportedly creating a guidebook to life in Chicago that will include additional housing information as well as grocery shopping tips and other pointers.
Within the Booth Partners club is Partners of Little Ones (POLO), a resource targeted for students/partners with children. Information on weekly POLO play dates and other child-friendly activities are announced in The Voice. Said the Booth partner with whom we spoke, “There are lots of resources available to make everyone that is special to a Booth student feel welcomed and cared for! As a Chicago Booth Partner, I have found the Booth Partners club to be an excellent organization in which to meet new people and participate in fun, interesting activities.”
For in-depth descriptions of social and community activities at Chicago Booth and 15 other top MBA programs, check out the mbaMission Insider’s Guides.