Written by: Sangwoon Jeong, MBA ’24
Whether or not you were an undergraduate business major, the two-year UB MBA program offers students invaluable opportunities to immerse themselves in real-world business scenarios and explore the social impacts of business decisions in the liberal economy market.
In courses like Business Strategy, led by Professor Ptak, students engage with numerous case studies focused on S&P 500 companies. These case studies provide students with the chance to develop critical thinking skills by analyzing the harmony between shareholders’ interests and CEOs’ short-term business decisions while considering their long-term societal implications. This experience serves as a pivotal moment for students to evolve into responsible business leaders.
The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows topics from one class to intersect with those from others. For instance, I encountered the concept of cultivated meats in Professor Yoon’s Consumer Behavior class last semester. Our discussions opened my eyes to the potential of sustainable food options from a marketing perspective. Recently, I came across an exciting news article on CNN about the development of innovative beef rice by South Korean researchers.[1] Additionally, I am now studying Sustainable Operations led by Professor Vedantam, which has given me opportunities to investigate business decisions with regard to the company’s sustainable economy policies.
Understanding another example of innovation in the form of beef-coated rice, which promises to reduce carbon footprints and promote economic sustainability, has made me take this issue more seriously than ever before. This discovery reinforces the relevance of topics covered in UB MBA courses and highlights the program’s commitment to preparing students for the challenges of the real business world.
As I approach graduation, I am confident that the business theories and critical thinking skills I’ve acquired will guide me in making informed decisions and driving positive change in my future endeavors. These examples are just a glimpse of the diverse skills, insight and experience students can gain from the program, and I am confident that each semester offers opportunities for growth as future leaders in the dynamic world of business.
Thank you, UB MBA!
[1] “Move over, plant-based beef: Hello, beef-infused rice” (CNN, Feb 15, 2024)
Bio: Sangwoon Jeong is from Seoul, South Korea. In May of 2024, he graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Management with an MBA program.