Destination Johnson Reflections:
Destination Johnson (DJ) isn’t just an event; it’s a reflective anniversary for current MBA students. A year after DJ, students fondly recall building friendships and setting the stage for their MBA experience.
Student-Led Community:
Johnson’s strength lies in being “student-led,” where student choices shape the business school experience. Admitted students arriving in August face the pivotal decision of how actively they will participate in shaping Johnson’s future.
Involvement at Johnson:
Personal involvement at Johnson revolves around classes, career decisions, Johnson events, and external experiences. The author uses a divergent-convergent approach, exploring broadly initially and then focusing on impactful and joyful activities.
Critical Thinking Skill Development:
Johnson’s MBA journey enhances critical thinking skills, particularly convergent thinking. Exposure to decision-making frameworks and strategic thinking classes contributes to the development of this essential skill set.
Supporting Admitted Students:
As a second-year student, the author aims to support admitted students by reducing informational uncertainty. He encourages a balanced approach—thinking big while being prepared to prioritize—for new students as they embark on their Johnson journey.
Anticipating New Perspectives:
Looking ahead, the author is excited about the new perspectives and skills the incoming cohort will bring. As a second-year student, he is ready to adapt his involvement, contribute to the community, and embrace the changes.
About John Van Orden, MBA ’24:
John Van Orden, a second-year MBA candidate at Johnson, brings a diverse background in global scientific publishing. With experiences in data-driven insights and corporate affairs, he is poised to continue evolving his involvement at Johnson while supporting the incoming cohort.
Read more here.
