The University of Miami School of Business recently welcomed its 2008-2009 full-time MBA class with an orientation designed to introduce students to fellow classmates, alumni, and faculty and to begin the adjustment to classroom life at the University of Miami.

Anuj Mehrotra, vice dean of graduate business programs, addressed the class, emphasizing the diversity in background and experience among the 75 new students. The class is comprised of students from business, engineering, arts and sciences, and fine arts backgrounds. Students have had work experience in such varied fields as public relations, banking, human resources, law, and medicine.

“Diverse as you are, I also think that there is one thing in common,” said Mehrotra. “You are all ambitious and have great promise.”

Thirty-three percent of the new class is international, representing 15 countries: Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, People’s Republic of China, Colombia, India, Japan, Kuwait, Republic of South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and Venezuela.

“I am here because Miami is an international city and I can get involved in more international business,” said Mu-Ching Chen, an incoming MBA student from Taiwan who is planning on concentrating her studies on sales and marketing.

Abdus Chowdhury of Bangladesh agreed, also citing the diversity of UM’s student body as a main draw of the MBA program.

Students concluded the first day of orientation with a welcome reception featuring remarks from the School’s dean, Barbara Kahn, and recent MBA alumni who spoke about their own experiences as MBA students and offered advice to the new class.

The orientation program led by Professor Jeff Kerr included several seminars and speakers as well as opportunities for students to network and gain an introduction to the MBA program’s case learning method of study through group team building sessions and case preparation and discussion. The Ziff Graduate Career Center hosted a seminar giving students an opportunity to hear advice from successful business school alumni.

The program, which included the participation of several faculty members, was coordinated by Lori Pryor, Associate Director of Advising.

Visit theUniversity of Miami School of Business profile to learn more and request information.