

As I write this, I’m midway through the third of four semesters in my MBA journey — a moment that invites both gratitude and introspection. On paper, I’ve completed more than 80% of the program. In practice, it feels like I’ve only just begun to understand the magnitude of the work I’m meant to do in this world.
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is the reason I chose MSU. At Burgess, students don’t have to wait until after graduation to start building. They are encouraged—and equipped—to test ideas, fail fast, iterate, and grow while still in school.
For some industries, recruiting starts even before orientation. Consulting firms and banks host “diversity weekends,” leadership summits, and networking events to identify talent early.
Coffee chats are often misunderstood. They aren’t interviews. They aren’t formal meetings. They’re conversations — 20 to 30 minutes of intentional curiosity.