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MBA Quest
During Quest, teams of first-year MBA students will encounter a series of 5-6 challenges, including removing a “radioactive isotope” (a coffee can) from a “toxic” site and depositing it into a “safe container” (a bucket). The task has to be completed before “meltdown” (a pre-set time limit) and without breaching the “contaminated” area, a 16-foot diameter circle around the can. Other tests included constructing a bridge to cross a swamp and moving through a giant “spider web” without touching the web.
The aim of the exercises, collectively called Quest (after the journeys of Arthurian legend), is to enable new students to “get to know one another in a fun and supportive atmosphere and to promote creative problem-solving and team-building skills,” says MBA Associate Director Barry O'Donnell.
“Quest challenges students to face risk and fear, trust their teammates, set goals, and learn positive ways to confront others and to accept criticism.” These issues are further explored in debriefing discussions following the exercises, O'Donnell says. “We want to get across the idea that an MBA is more than books, research papers, tests, and a diploma.”
O'Donnell organizes and leads the program and trained second-year MBA students to serve as facilitators during the debriefing sessions.
The program is scheduled for Saturday, August 18, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Pamplin courtyard or atrium (rain location). For more information, please contact Barry O'Donnell, (540) 231-6152.