Manderson
MBA Launch

August 11-14

Register for Launch
Congratulations and Welcome to the Manderson Graduate School of Business-Week of Launch!
 
Launch/Orientation marks the start of an exciting journey, and we are thrilled to begin this experience with such a high-achieving and accomplished group of students. 

What is MBA Launch?

Manderson Launch is the orientation for incoming first-year MBA students. It’s designed to get you fully ready for the pace, expectations, and professional culture of the Manderson MBA—through professional development, networking, and team-building.

Launch is intentionally immersive, as it establishes the tone and expectations of the Manderson Standard from the very beginning.
 
The Manderson Standard reflects the school’s expectation that students demonstrate excellence, ethics, professionalism, intentional personal development, and career readiness both in and beyond the classroom.
 

Who participates?

  • Incoming first year traditional MBA students
  • STEM/CREATE MBA students who are coming into their full-time MBA year

What you’ll do during the week

Expect a structured, high-engagement schedule built around:

Professional
Development

Sessions about communication, career readiness behaviors, program expectations

Networking

Spend time getting to know classmates, faculty, and program partners.

Team-building

Participate in activities to accelerate cohort connection and collaboration.

Launch Case Competition

Analyze an assigned company/problem and present a strategic recommendation.

How to prepare

  • Make sure seating fee is paid
  • Watch for official communications on times, rooms, and daily expectations (Launch runs in multiple Hewson Spaces)
  • Bring what you need for long days: laptop, notebook, water bottle
  • Check website for updates
  • Communicate early if there’s an issue – If you anticipate being late, absent or need accommodations, notify Student Services as soon as possible
  • Complete Career Preparedness
  • Be ready to participate all 4 days – Launch is built on active engagement (teams + sessions)
  • Treat it like your first week on the job: show up early, be prepared, follow directions, and support your team
  • Arrive on time and plan to stay all day
  • Professional attire: Business casual (no jeans or shorts)

Need help?

A professional headshot of a woman in an outdoor setting.

Beth Jenkins Simpson

Student Services Program Manager, MBA Program

abjenkins@ua.edu

Paige Perry

Academic Advisor

pperry4@ua.edu

Contact the Manderson team