On Friday I participated in the infamous MB107 Executive Presentation, the terrifying culmination of a semester-long endeavor to create a business strategy with four complete strangers.
As an English major, I was hesitant to take what is called one of the most difficult classes at Skidmore, in a department that I knew nothing about. I had seen my roommate go through months of stress and late-night meetings the previous year as she tackled MB107, and yet was somehow undeterred from taking the class. I had been told by friends that it would be worth it, that the life skills I would get out of it negated the near-constant stress I would feel for weeks, and now that my own presentation is over, I am beginning to form my own opinions.
Firstly, it is impossible to describe the intensity of this presentation to someone who has not been through it. The combination of being forced to come up with inventive new ideas, a perfect set of financials, a bulletproof marketing scheme, and a visually appealing presentation is incredibly challenging and often overwhelming.
Secondly, the success of this project largely depends on the people with which you are randomly grouped. Therefore everyone’s MB107 experience has the potential to be radically different, even as the goals of the project are the same.
The process of completing this presentation was frustrating, confusing, and time consuming, but ultimately rewarding. I learned more than I have in any other college class thus far, and gained the kinds of interpersonal skills that could help me in a future career, no matter what that may be.
Here are 10 tips for anyone who may be in MB107 or considering taking it in the future.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
2. Make an effort to bond with your team.
3. Respond to group messages ASAP.
4. Set the next meeting date before you leave the present meeting.
5. Divide up responsibilities but collaborate.
6. Don’t wait to address issues until the last minute.
7. Be open to everyone’s ideas.
8. Get as much sleep as possible the night before the EP.
9. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
10. Make the best of what you have to work with.