NEW YORK – It was a fascinating scene to observe the black MBA graduates-to-be from NYU, Fordham and Columbia University in each other’s company. Even with the LeBron James-Miami Heat game blaring in the background, that contest seemed to pale in comparison to the excitement and nervous energy wafting off scores of soon-to-be African American MBA and doctoral graduates of metro New York City.
Barely anyone even turned their heads to catch the score of the game inside the Forum lounge. That’s because, in the game of life and in the classroom, these proud African Americans were too busy sharing their victories with each other.
They spilled into the Forum lounge to celebrate the fact that in a few weeks, all will have walked across the stage with advanced degree certificates in hand. The air was filled with the laughter of relief and stories of their journeys across the metaphorical finish line.
But now that they can bask in personal triumph, they are about to start another game — the game of real life. Many have already secured jobs with Fortune 500 companies. Others are interviewing with prestigious companies. And a few others are looking to work in places like London and Paris.
The National Black MBA Association is the next level.
Derrick Bryant, president of the National Black MBA Assoc. New York chapter, relives his own days of receiving his graduate degree and is living vicariously through the throng before him. He sees the NBMBAA being fortified with every graduating class.
“What people don’t realize is that, with the National Black MBA, our foundation comes from our students. Even our conferences are a good mix of students and veterans. We only grow when our students graduate and join our organization. Through the National Black MBA, we try to create opportunities. So we do events like this. We also have the We Visit Tomorrow initiative and go into high schools.
“You want to go to a company where you know you are going to be judged on your merits and where your skin color doesn’t get involved [in the decision process],” he says. “There are major companies that are particularly looking for diverse talent with skill sets. If you are a diverse candidate, and you have your MBA, and you’re trying to find opportunities, the National Black MBA Association is one of the best places you can go to.”
These MBA student grads-to-be have already learned that lesson and are bearing the fruits of their affiliation with this elite organization. –terry shropshire
Click on this link for a photo gallery of the event. //rollingout.com/photos/event-photos/national-black-mba-association-new-york-chapter-celebrates-new-graduates/attachment/img_4007/
