Isenberg Hits Record High in Graduate Enrollment

This fall, the Isenberg School of Management welcomed its largest-ever class of new graduate students. Approximately 100 new students joined the MS in Accounting program this fall, up from 70 new students last year. More than 200 students were admitted to the MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) program, and 37 students—a third of whom are international—entered the Master of Finance program. In total, Isenberg received more than 1,800 applications representing 21 countries. Isenberg graduate students now make up half of all graduate students enrolled at UMass Amherst.

STUDENT ORIENTATIONS

First-year MBA students attended their three-day orientation, culminating in the 11th annual David C. O'Leary MBA Leadership Orientation in Boston on August 28. This year’s incoming cohort hails from 9 countries and have backgrounds including engineering, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, non-profits, and technology.

This event equipped incoming MBA students with communication, teamwork, and leadership skills that will serve as a foundation to maximize their MBA experience and position them for successful careers. The orientation culminated with the MBA Keys to Success panel, featuring addresses by Nathaniel (Than) Finan ’18 MBA/MS Sport Management, Devon Long-Lytle ’07 MBA, and Kumaresan Manohar ’13 MBA.

(Click here for a gallery of photos.) 

“The orientation included a mix of professional development and career preparation workshops, focusing on emotional intelligence and personal introspection to help students reflect on how earning their MBA will influence their career paths,” said Lara Curtis, director of the On-Campus MBA. “By the end of the orientation, we want students to have built an ease and familiarity within their cohort and Isenberg as they begin to navigate their classes and studies.”

Students engaged in activities such as presentation skills, resume writing, and team-building exercises so they could be ready to network and develop their careers. Isenberg's Office of Career Success provided access to career coaches and IConnect, the online professional development platform. 

A highlight of the orientation was a “career trek” to the Reebok office in Boston, which was hosted by sport management alumnus and Reebok Senior Manager Kenneth Hanson ’14, and facilitated by Will Norton, graduate program director in the Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management at Isenberg. Students were given an office tour and attended a panel discussion with senior leaders, who answered students’ questions about industry and workforce trends.

“The students get to connect with an Isenberg alum who made this visit possible and explore career possibilities they might never consider,” said Trista Hevey, executive director of graduate employer relations and outreach at Isenberg. “For example, the attention given to consumer analytics and trend insights at Reebok is fascinating. There are jobs you would never know existed.”

One student noted that they really enjoyed getting to know their MBA cohort well at the beginning of the program. “Having these three days was enough to make a good rapport and relationship with each other, which I am sure will help us steam ahead of a busy MBA schedule. Also, having David (O’Leary) with us every step was a blessing, as he was able to add his experience with every discussion.”

CAREER SERVICES AND RESOURCES

In the MSBA virtual orientation, Office of Career Success coaches discussed resources and professional development opportunities available to students. The presentation focused on last-minute to-dos and tips for success before students had time to connect with their peers.

“Carey Baldwin, graduate faculty director for the MSBA program, talked about some of the content and projects students will learn in her classes,” said Angela Amato, associate director of graduate programs. “Rachel Snyder and the graduate career coaching team from the Office of Career Success did an amazing job of presenting career development resources and industry insights. Students seemed eager to get started, had good questions about degree planning and career resources, and appreciated the opportunity to connect with their peers.”

A Sept. 13 orientation for the Master of Finance students covered tips for career success and an overview of the program and campus resources. Students learned how to use the IConnect and Handshake career success platforms and heard a review of recruiting cycles. Presenting to students were Rachel Snyder, Alaina Kendrick, and Chelsea Connelly from the Office of Career Success, as well as Jeffrey Clark, MF academic program director.

The MS in Accounting students, who primarily study online, were welcomed via a Zoom orientation hosted by Priscilla Mayoussier, associate director of graduate programs, as well as advisors Heather Polson and Matt Connolly and MSA Faculty Director Jennifer Roy.

“This was a great way for the students to network and meet one another,” said Mayoussier. “Graduate students were impressed with the level of care and attention that their advisors show them. Though we have a large group of admitted students this fall, Heather and Matt have taken a lot of time to meet one-on-one with any student who asks to meet. They’ve helped these students craft a plan for academics, pathways to participating in career recruiting, and internship opportunities.”

Graduate students also responded well toward the Accounting Department’s efforts to host the Big 4 and other accounting firms at a Beta Alpha Psi panel and a barbeque the second week of the semester, noted Mayoussier.

“Students also thought that the Isenberg Career Fair was a huge success—there were tons of firms there,” she said.

In addition to the orientation sessions, Isenberg also hosted a Graduate Student Resource Fair featuring clubs from across campus.

Nikunj Kapadia, associate dean of graduate studies, encouraged students to take advantage of the range of resources and support at Isenberg.

“Isenberg has invested significant resources in support services for our students,” Kapadia said. “Your time at Isenberg will pass by quickly, and you want to get the absolute most from our world-class faculty and staff, as well as our top-notch resources.”