Developing a Personal Strategy: The Alumni Reunion

Abstract

This case describes the thoughts and reflections of five MBA alumni on their way back to their alma mater for a 20-year reunion event. As invited speakers, they will advise the upcoming graduating class on what to expect after graduation. The case provides a brief background on the career trajectories and family circumstances of each of the five protagonists as well as their personal reflections on their accomplishments and their regrets. The case is an excellent starting point for thought and discussion on the goals and motivations of MBA students, and what they expected to achieve and how they would measure success over the medium to long term.This case would be appropriate either alone or in conjunction with the technical note “Are You Ready? Devising a Personal Strategy for Life after Business School” (UVA-S-0342) as an effective reinforcement exercise. Excerpt Jun. 10, 2021 Developing a Personal Strategy: The Alumni Reunion Alumni Reunion Weekend It was a beautiful spring weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business was bustling with activities. It was the weekend of the annual alumni reunion. Former Darden students had arrived, families in tow, from all corners of the world for a much-anticipated pilgrimage back to their alma mater. Over Flagler Court an enormous white tent stood in contrast against the stately red brick of Saunders Hall. Beyond the customary eating, drinking, and retelling of old stories, five alumni had been asked to share with the graduating class their perspectives on life and career after Darden. It promised to be a thought-provoking session, offering deep insight and wisdom based on the alums' 20 years of experiences since bidding farewell to the Darden grounds for far-flung jobs and ventures. . . .