Stanford MBA Program

Maria Lambert, MBA 2012

Favorite memories of my first year:

• Getting to know my classmates on my China and Israel Global Study trips.
• Taking a d.school course called Design Garage - we got to basically start a company over the course of six months. Our team, Project Amplify, was working on a cloud-based platform that would make it easier for DJs and amateur music listeners to come together and create great music. The project didn't ultimately move forward, but I learned a lot from the experience.
• Realizing that I have an identity outside of being a consultant. I've really enjoyed exploring my more artistic side and have spent a considerable amount of my free time at the GSB related to artistic endeavors - photography, music, art. It's something I know I'll want to include as a part of my career long term.

Favorite memories of my second year so far:

• Managing Growing Enterprises with Professor Grousbeck - we learn practical tips on how to run new companies from GSB alums. It's a must-take class at the GSB.
• I've enjoyed getting to know people better by hosting dinners and going on hikes. One of my favorite places to go hiking is Russian Ridge - just 30 minutes from campus and you get incredible views of the Bay, the ocean, and Stanford.
• My favorite experience so far has been Treasure Island Music Festival. I went last year and got to help organize this year. We had at least 50 people attend, and caught a full day of music.
• Leadership Perspectives class is really encouraging me to take stock in who I am and who I want to be as a leader. The speakers are fantastic, and I love that we can discuss in a small group (our Values in Management - VIM group).

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Spencer Smith, MBA 2009

"Having been a Stanford undergrad, my plan was to go somewhere other than Stanford for my MBA. Yet, the more schools I visited, the more Stanford made sense for me. As I talked with alumni and current students, I found myself thinking that they would be great peers to study with. Stanford's smaller community meant I'd be able to get to know my class and the professors. I was also excited by Stanford's strong international ties, and its location in Silicon Valley.

The two years at the GSB challenged me academically and socially. It is such a supportive community, I always had a friend who was ready to listen to my worries or tutor me in a subject I didn't understand.

Being part Native American, I have been actively involved with the Stanford Native community. I also hope to use my MBA to further Native issues and help out the tribes along the Northwest Coast with whom I spend time each summer."

Spencer lives in Oregon, USA, and is a Senior Manager of Client Services at BlueKai.

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