Student Ambassador Spotlight: Mitchell Bork, MBA Candidate 2013

• Concentration(s): Entrepreneurship, Finance
• Industry/Field of work: Tech/ Biotech/ Dental/Medical
• Undergraduate degree in: Biological Sciences/ Chemistry
• Undergraduate School: University of Pittsburgh
• Career Goal: Help develop truly innovative products
• Organizations involved with: MBAA, Net Impact, UIC Liautaud Graduate Assistant
• Linkedin Profile: Mitchell Bork

What prompted you to return to school to achieve your MBA?

I previously worked in a dental office (with designs on becoming a dentist) and realized that I was quite interested in the business aspect of dentistry.  There was only so much that I could learn and understand on my own, so I decided to pursue an MBA to sharpen my business skills.

What was the most important factor for you in choosing an MBA program (or factors you considered)?

I wanted a program at a university that also had health care facilities because that is the field that I hope to get into.  I also looked for a program that was both socially and environmentally conscious.

Why did you choose UIC Liautaud for your MBA?

I chose UIC Liautaud Graduate School of Business because of its commitment to innovation and new ideas. From the state-of-the-art (and environmentally-friendly) Douglas Hall, to the tech-ventures program, to the student body itself, UIC seemed like a breath of fresh air in the business world. The students that I met prior to entering class were all excited about what they were doing, and all the opportunities that the school was providing. Now that I am a student, I too know what that excitement feels like.

We all know that people pursue the MBA to increase their business knowledge, but since you have started the program, what has been the most unexpected gain the MBA has given you?

The connections to other students are an invaluable asset that I could not have anticipated. The collaboration that takes place in the classroom is a great way to share ideas and to pick up new ones too. The classroom environment is not a competition between students, but rather a collective effort that ends with everyone excelling.

The UIC Liautaud MBA professors are continuously involved in researching new business trends and innovations. How have you felt the professors have been able to integrate their theoretical knowledge into practical applications?

Up to this point, I have been taking “core” courses that provide a wide breadth of business knowledge. I was tempted to call these courses “basic” at first, but they are anything but basic. Because the professors are doing research and are informed on current events, these courses cover cutting edge material, without expanding beyond the focus of the course.

Which class/professor has been your favorite thus far and why?

I have truly enjoyed my Introduction to Accounting class with Professor Brian Leventhal. Professor Leventhal started each class with current events and personal anecdotes that were relevant to the topic being covered in class that day. He wove course materials into real world examples so well that you could take core accounting principals learned in class and effectively use them the next day. This class was never a “monologue” style lecture, but rather a discussion that everyone took part in. This interactive method of teaching made learning the material easy and enjoyable.

What is your favorite aspect of the UIC campus and why?

One of my favorite aspects of the campus is the beautiful view of downtown that I get from the classroom windows in Douglas Hall.

How would you define the Liautaud student?

The Liautaud student is an innovator and a “do-er”. The Liautaud student is hard-working and willing to learn. He or she realizes that they do not have all the answers, but is resourceful in searching for those answers. Finally, the Liautaud student is collaborative and respectful: Collaborative in the sense that we all work together to improve each student’s education, and respectful not only to the people around them, but the world in which we live. I have experienced a level of social and intellectual engagement at Liautaud that I have not experienced anywhere else.

What advice would you provide to incoming UIC Liautaud MBA students?

Do not be afraid to pursue a master’s degree in business even if it is not your background. My background is in the natural sciences, and my business education is teaching me to transform that into a real world application.

To contact Mitchell to learn more, click here.