Stanford Graduate School of Business distinguishes itself in numerous ways, especially its dedication to innovation and inclusivity. Olga Chumanskaya, a recent Stanford MBA graduate, shares her experience emphasizing Stanford’s transgenerational network and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Stanford University holds a distinguished position among the top universities in the United States. However, for Olga Chumanskaya, a recent graduate, choosing the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) for her MBA was about more than the institution’s prestigious name.
Olga had dedicated seven years of her career to the automotive industry at Mercedes-Benz in Germany. But she realized that continuing down the predetermined corporate career path no longer resonated with her.
Reflecting on this early part of her career, Olga says that “the first steps in your career are oftentimes, somewhat inertial. You do stuff that other people consider to be cool, you rely on the opinions of your parents.” (02:00)
As she matured, however, Olga began to sense a growing independence in terms of shaping her future. With this newfound sense of self-determination, she decided it was time to explore an alternative career path.
But why did she choose Stanford GSB to pursue an MBA?
After applying to multiple MBA programs, Olga found herself in the enviable position of choosing between Harvard and Stanford. “What a privileged choice to have!” she says. (02:59).
While both Harvard and Stanford offered prestigious MBA programs, Olga was drawn to Stanford’s approach to business education. In the end, it also came down to the flexibility of Stanford’s curriculum and the smaller class size.
Plus, Olga, who hails from Russia, saw the prospect of studying in sunny California as an advantage.
Stanford GSB’s MBA program offers a two-year curriculum that is both flexible and experiential.
“In contrast to other schools in the US, it’s not just case studies here. This is also great because I’ve participated in lots of very experiential classes, like [a] simulation of the US Congress… It’s a completely different format.” Olga explains. (09:28)
While the core classes create a necessary foundation for prospective business leaders, electives connect that business knowledge to unique interests.
And while the dynamism of the MBA’s curriculum was a key aspect for Olga, it was the Stanford Alumni network that sealed the deal.
The strength of a network isn’t just in its size but in the closeness of its community. In this sense, Olga highlights the benefits of a small MBA class size. During her two-year MBA, she forged a robust support network by engaging with classmates from over 60 countries.
“I think many people underestimate the importance of a small class. People sometimes think it will mean fewer connections or less networking, a smaller Alumni network. But I found that the Stanford Alumni network is very tight for the size.” (03:49)
In addition to that, “Stanford alums know each other, and they’re very eager to help,” Olga notes. (04:17)
This willingness to support one another extends beyond graduation, providing a solid foundation for long-term personal and professional growth.
Stanford GSB stands out for many reasons, but perhaps none as prominently as its culture of diversity and inclusion.
Growing up in Russia and starting her career in a conventional corporate environment, Olga wasn’t fond of the culture where authority couldn’t be questioned.
“I grew up in a fairly conservative culture, and then, I spent seven years in a big corporation. [In these environments,] whoever is older is right. Whoever is older has the authority. But this was not my experience here in the U.S., and specifically at Stanford,” she reflects. (04:36)
Exposure to different views and cultures challenges opinions, sparks ideas, and advances education. Whether students are outgoing or reserved, all are encouraged to contribute. This inclusive learning environment, where individuals are welcomed as they are, regardless of their personality, age, or background, creates the foundation for a more enriching MBA journey.
Olga discovered an environment in which everyone, including those older and more experienced, is eager to listen to each other.
“The belief here is that future generations are the opinion-makers. This was such an empowering experience, especially for a girl. This was phenomenal. It completely changed my life and the way I carry myself. It boosted my confidence,” she explains. (05:05)
Since its early days, Stanford Graduate School of Business has cultivated an ecosystem where entrepreneurship sprouts naturally. An atmosphere of creativity and the array of resources Stanford offers don’t just facilitate entrepreneurship; they practically compel it.
“Everyone’s always working on some kind of idea, even if it’s for fun, as a side hustle. In our year, so many people ended up starting their own company, including me,” Olga shares. (10:39)
Olga even co-founded an investment fund focused on early-stage mining of minerals and raw materials necessary for the clean energy transition.
Start-up accelerators, access to capital, specialized entrepreneurship courses, and experiential courses such as Stanford’s start-up garage are just some of the support and resources Stanford GSB has for entrepreneurs. At Stanford GSB, “it’s very hard to resist starting your own company,” Olga concludes. (12:01)
From contemplating a career change to co-founding a pioneering investment fund in the mining sector Olga’s experience underscores the power of a holistic MBA.
Her story highlights that with the right environment and opportunities, one can pivot careers, challenge conventions, and carve out a path that aligns with their passion and purpose. Stanford GSB, with its commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders, proves that the right education can change lives.
