Broad-ly Speaking: Real MBA Stories. Real Outcomes

Broad MBA Programs

What really is an MBA? Broad-ly Speaking is where the Broad MBA experience comes to life. Through authentic conversations with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners, we feature topics about growth, pivots, and the moments that shape our future leaders. Discover what sets us apart and empower your next move!

  1. 18h ago ·  Video

    From the Military to an MBA: What Transfers?

    What does the transition from military service to business school actually look like? In this episode of Broad-ly Speaking, second-year Full-Time MBA student and former Army officer Eric Colen shares the path that brought him from the military to Michigan State University's Broad College of Business. Eric reflects on his time as an infantry and military intelligence officer, including the leadership experiences, discipline, and adaptability he developed throughout his Army career. After an unexpected medical retirement forced him to rethink what came next, a search for top MBA and supply chain programs eventually brought him to Broad. The conversation explores which military skills translated naturally into the MBA, what required adjustment, and how working with classmates from different professional and cultural backgrounds challenged Eric to rethink his approach to leadership and teamwork. He also discusses how an initial interest in supply chain evolved into a passion for Human Resources and labor relations, and why he now sees value in being able to understand both people and operations. Eric also shares what he has learned about returning to the classroom, finding a new sense of purpose after the military, and why veterans considering business school should be willing to take a leap into something unfamiliar.   About Eric Colen  Eric Colen is an MBA candidate at Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business with concentrations in Supply Chain Management and Human Resource Management. He brings nearly a decade of leadership experience as a U.S. Army Captain, where he led complex operations, advised senior leaders, managed multi-million-dollar resources, and worked in high-pressure environments. More recently, Eric strengthened his expertise in labor and employee relations through Medline Industries, where he developed workforce risk intelligence solutions, supported enterprise-wide employee relations initiatives, and partnered with HR and Operations leaders across 71 U.S. locations. His experience spans leadership, labor relations, supply chain, human capital, and cross-functional collaboration, with a focus on improving organizational performance and building high-performing teams.   Considering what your own next step could look like after military service? Learn more about Michigan State University's Broad MBA programs and how an MBA can help professionals from a wide range of backgrounds translate their experience into new career opportunities. Explore Broad MBA Programs: https://broad.msu.edu/masters/mba-portfolio/ Full-Time MBA Admissions: https://broad.msu.edu/masters/mba/admissions/   CONNECT WITH BROAD MBA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/broad-mba/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broadmba/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@broadmba YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MSUBroadCollege/podcasts

  2. Oct 20 ·  Video

    If You Already Have a Career, Why Get an MBA?

    What can going back to school add when your career is already moving forward? In Episode 3 of Broad-ly Speaking, Kylie Mount joins us to discuss her experience pursuing Michigan State University's Executive MBA while continuing to build her professional career. Kylie shares what motivated her to return to the classroom, how learning through an Executive MBA differs from learning solely through experience on the job, and what it's like to be surrounded by professionals bringing perspectives from different roles and industries. She also discusses how the experience has influenced the way she thinks about business, leadership, and her own career development. The conversation offers a look at what makes the Executive MBA experience different from a traditional full-time MBA and what graduate business education can offer someone who is already established professionally. Whether you're considering going back to school, looking for your next opportunity to grow, or wondering what an MBA could add to an existing career, Kylie offers a firsthand perspective on continuing to invest in your development.   About Kylie Mount Kylie Mount is the Director of Sales, Business Development, and Customer Service at FloraCraft, the world's leading floral and crafting foam manufacturer. Her work includes managing and growing key account relationships with Walmart and Dollar Tree, shaping customer-focused strategies, and pursuing opportunities that expand FloraCraft's reach within the industry. A former college athlete and Michigan State University Broad MBA graduate, Kylie brings a competitive, strategic, and solutions-oriented mindset to her work, along with a strong commitment to continuous improvement and developing future leaders.   Already established in your career and wondering what an MBA could add? Explore Michigan State University's Broad MBA programs and learn more about the options designed for professionals at different stages of their careers. Explore Broad MBA Programs: https://broad.msu.edu/masters/mba-portfolio/  Full-Time MBA Admissions: https://broad.msu.edu/masters/mba/admissions/    CONNECT WITH BROAD MBA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/broad-mba/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broadmba/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@broadmba YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MSUBroadCollege/podcasts

  3. Oct 6 ·  Video

    Why Would a Doctor Need an MBA?

    Why Would a doctor need an MBA? In Episode 2 of Broad-ly Speaking, we sit down with joint MD/MBA student Adetola Ojo to explore what happens when medical training meets business education. After completing two years of medical school, Adetola stepped into a very different learning environment as a first-year MBA student. She shares what led her to pursue both degrees, how the MBA classroom compares with medical school, and some of the biggest surprises she encountered while transitioning into business education. The conversation also explores how studying alongside classmates from different professional backgrounds has expanded the way she thinks about problem-solving, leadership, and healthcare. Adetola reflects on what business school can add to medical training and how understanding both medicine and business could influence the kind of physician and healthcare leader she hopes to become. Whether you're interested in healthcare, considering a joint degree, or simply wondering what an MBA can add to a career outside of traditional business, this episode offers a firsthand look at the intersection of medicine and management.   Interested in exploring how an MBA could fit into your own career path? Learn more about Michigan State University's Broad MBA programs and find the option that fits your goals. If you're ready to take the next step, explore the Full-Time MBA admissions process, requirements, and application information below. Explore Broad MBA Programs: https://broad.msu.edu/masters/mba-portfolio/  Full-Time MBA Admissions: https://broad.msu.edu/masters/mba/admissions/    CONNECT WITH BROAD MBA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/broad-mba/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broadmba/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@broadmba YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MSUBroadCollege/podcasts    Connect with Adetola Ojo on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adetolaojo/

  4. Sep 22 ·  Video

    What Nobody Warned Me About an MBA

    How hard is an MBA, really?   In the premiere episode of Broad-ly Speaking, we sit down with second-year Broad MBA student and MBA Association President Neal Shea for an honest conversation about what makes the MBA experience challenging – and why the hardest parts don't always happen inside the classroom.   Neal reflects on what he expected before starting the program, how the MBA differed from his undergrad experience, and what it was like balancing academics alongside recruiting, networking, student organizations, leadership responsibilities, and life outside of school.   We also talk about moments when everything felt overwhelming, the habits Neal developed to better manage his time, and the role classmates and the Broad MBA community played in helping him navigate his first year.   Now with a year of experience behind him, Neal shares what he would approach differently, what he stressed about that ultimately wasn't worth worrying about, and what he would tell someone who is interested in pursuing an MBA but isn't sure they're ready for the challenge.   Whether you're considering an MBA or preparing to begin one, this episode offers an honest look at the workload, adjustment, growth, and community behind the experience.

  5. Apr 23

    MBA Class of 2026 Recap: Lessons, Growth & What's Next

    In our final episode of the year, we sit down with three graduating MBA students from the Class of 2026 to reflect on their journey. From their first days in the program to where they are now, they share honest insights on what challenged them, what shaped them, and what they wish they knew starting out. This conversation is all about growth, lessons learned, and what's next after graduation.

  6. Mar 19

    Life After the MBA: with Kwame Brifo

    What really stays with you after an MBA? In this episode, Kwame Brifo reflects on his time at Michigan State and how those experiences translated into his career. From overlooked lessons that later became critical, to unexpected challenges in his first year after graduating, Kwame shares an honest look at the transition from student to professional. He also discusses how his expectations compared to reality, what he would do differently, and how current MBA students can better prepare for what's ahead. This episode is all about growth, perspective, and learning beyond the classroom.

  7. Feb 19

    From Brazil to the U.S. : Growing a Business During an MBA With Bianca

    In this episode, we sit down with first-year MBA student Bianca to talk about what it really takes to move a company from Brazil to the U.S. while pursuing an MBA. She shares the challenges of navigating a new market, balancing academics with entrepreneurship, and adapting to cultural and business differences. We also discuss her transition from practicing law in Brazil to shifting into business and marketing, and what that career pivot has taught her along the way.

  8. Feb 12

    Thriving in a Tough Job Market with Marla McGraw

    In this episode, we sit down with Marla McGraw, Assistant Dean of Career Management at the Palmer Center, to talk about how the center is actively supporting students during a challenging job market. We discuss current hiring realities, career resources available to students, and practical strategies the Palmer Center is using to help students stay competitive and confident.

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What really is an MBA? Broad-ly Speaking is where the Broad MBA experience comes to life. Through authentic conversations with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners, we feature topics about growth, pivots, and the moments that shape our future leaders. Discover what sets us apart and empower your next move!

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