Joey Parker is an MBA graduate from the Class of 2021 at the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business, and an MBASchooled Ambassador. In our interview, Joey talks about taking classes during the pandemic, the most important lessons he learned in business school, and his favorite memory from the MBA experience.
MBASchooled: What’s it like to graduate right now?
It is certainly interesting to graduate right now. Because our classes have only ever been fully remote since the onset of the lockdowns, there wasn’t much of a sense of celebration as we wrapped up our final Zoom classes. At the same time, the overall positive sentiment building as we pull ourselves out of the pandemic is coalescing with this typically celebratory time for us. So in many ways, it feels like a new day. The job market is picking up, my peers are securing opportunities, and I think we’re all looking forward to this next chapter in our lives.
MBASchooled: What’s your favorite memory from business school that you are going to take with you?
My favorite memory is the night my student cohort – Oski – won the Cohort Olympics at the end of our first semester (there are four cohorts). There had been a series of challenges throughout the semester, including photo contests and service hour goals, and Oski had been behind the entire time. The last event was a talent show, and we put together an amazing set – a classical music composition, a comedy show, and a series of choreographed dances. It was such a beautiful night and when we won the Golden Egg the sense of elation was palpable!
MBASchooled: What’s a challenge you’ve faced, how did you overcome it and what did you learn from it?
The biggest challenge for me has been the long process of interviewing and recruiting, with all of its ups and downs. Prior to business school, I had worked at the same company for six years and barely applied to any jobs, in part because I was afraid. I could barely keep my composure in behavioral interviews, much less case-focused ones. But throughout these last two years, I constantly focused on improving my ability to pitch myself, maintain calm during challenging interviews, and remain persistent in the face of rejection. I went through consulting recruiting, then tech recruiting, and finally full-time recruiting – and through it all, I learned to never give up and always believe that the right opportunity will eventually come.
MBASchooled: Obviously, COVID-19 impacted all of us, and had us all thinking and working in new ways. What was something unexpected, but positive that came about as a result of COVID-19 for you?
In some ways, the bonds we built with each other as classmates are only stronger because of the strife of the past year. Though we had fewer opportunities to travel and interact this past year, I’m optimistic that we’ll spend even more time together over the coming years to make up for it.
MBASchooled: Since you started your MBA, what part of you has undergone the most transformation or change?
My self-confidence has really improved throughout my time here, as well as my ability to remain calm during stressful situations. The majority of the time, there was so much on my plate that I frankly didn’t have time to stress about it – I just needed to get it done. That, plus the work I put into effective interviewing, really helped me grow in this regard.
MBASchooled: Who is someone who has made an impact in your time in school, and why?
My good friend, Kelly Cure. She is an intensely hard worker and entrepreneur but always finds time for joy and fun in life. As someone who at times takes things too seriously, I often look to Kelly’s example to remind myself that there’s more to life than work. In terms of impact, she has always made me feel welcomed and appreciated – always checking in with me, inviting me to events, and encouraging me throughout the two years. This was so critically valuable, because at times you just feel swept around by the current in business school, struggling to connect with your peers or build deeper relationships. Kelly was always there for me.
MBASchooled: Is an MBA worth it?
As my strategy professor would regularly say, it depends! Personally, as someone looking to change careers, transition to the private sector from nonprofit, and improve my salary, I found great value out of the MBA. My classes helped me understand the ways in which the different parts of a company interact to achieve success, the relationships built expanded my network exponentially, and I had countless opportunities to engage in deep reflection, both personal and professional. You’re essentially given two years to reinvent yourself – it’s both challenging and supremely rewarding. I highly recommend it.
MBASchooled: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in business school?
Business school has really driven home the point that how you make a case is just as important as the content of your perspective. If you don’t communicate in a way that conveys confidence in your own point of view, your audience isn’t going to get there either. This lesson was key as I navigated numerous case interviews, presentations, and conversations related to topics that were new or unfamiliar to me. In the end, it was about believing in myself and speaking with conviction. Haas helped me get there.
MBASchooled: Any parting words?
What a wild ride! If you’re considering taking it yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out – I’m happy to talk about it.
Contributor: Julia Kryzan