ENGLISH STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: NYDIA
“I really like the flexibility, because being an MBA student during the recruiting season, I don’t have the most predictable schedule. I really like how my coach is able to accommodate my schedule! Also, I like the way my coach is able to adjust her teaching style for my needs. I remember how I asked specifically for her to ask me follow-up questions at the end of every behavioral question, and that’s what she did. That was able to help me prepare and form my story better.”
— NYDIA, ENGLISH STUDENT
Our Interview with Nydia
Nydia, what motivated or inspired you to undertake an MBA in the U.S.? I’ve spent the last 5 years in my home country of Indonesia working in corporate banking, and I’ve always wanted to learn about other industries. I thought getting an MBA would be a great career move. In terms of the US, I like that most MBA programs are for two years, giving me time to explore many things, and US MBA programs host students from all over the world, from different walks of life, so it’s a very diverse learning environment. I get to meet people who don’t think like me, so which helps me develop my own point of view.
What attracted you most to the program at Darden? This might be a bit cliche, but it’s the case method teaching that attracted me most. Coming from Asia, the learning style is lecture-based, so case method learning is really new. I have to talk in front of the class, and it’s a great way to push me out of my comfort zone. Also, you have case studies that let you learn about many different industries, like in finance class, so you get to kill two birds with one stone.
What prompted you to sign up for B-Speak! English coaching? I signed up to primarily prepare for recruiting during the winter break. Because Darden partners with B-Speak!, international students were encouraged by Darden to sign up and prepare for interviews and work on our storytelling.
What are your biggest communication challenges? I think it’s storytelling or explaining a hard concept; it’s hard for me to come to the point quickly while still making sure that other people understand my story. It’s like balancing between not explaining too much and not giving enough information. I think B-Speak! has been very helpful with this challenge.
How are your coaching sessions with MeiLan helping you in your MBA program and beyond (i.e. internship interviews)? In terms of my internship, we practiced a lot of storytelling and doing mock interviews. At the end of these lessons, I always got very helpful feedback I could apply to my upcoming interviews, and also the classroom.
I’m so glad your coaching has helped you in so many ways! Why don’t you tell me a little about your internship? It’s going to be a corporate finance role in the automotive industry with GE. I’ll be working on a summer project for two and a half months; at the end I’ll have to present my recommendations in front of executives, and make some written ones as well.
What do you enjoy most about your B-Speak! sessions? I really like the flexibility, because being an MBA student during the recruiting season, I don’t have the most predictable schedule. I really like how my coach is able to accommodate my schedule! Also, I like the way my coach is able to adjust her teaching style for my needs. I remember how I asked specifically for her to ask me follow-up questions at the end of every behavioral question, and that’s what she did. That was able to help me prepare and form my story better.
How would you describe B-Speak! to a friend or fellow international student? B-Speak! is an English course that is very relevant for MBA students looking to improve their communication or written skills for any business needs, whether it is for interviewing or school. I think there are a lot of English courses out there, but there are not many with coaches who understand the life of an MBA student, the challenges they are facing, and their priorities. I would say B-Speak! is one of those that can accommodate our needs exactly.
