A Week of Growth, Connection, and Innovation
From September 30th to October 4th, Porto Business School hosted an inspiring MBA onboarding week. The MBA Orientation Week welcomed students from our three MBA programs: Executive MBA, Global Online MBA, and International MBA. This year, we are thrilled to welcome 147 students from 22 nationalities, including those enrolled in our Global Online MBA program, who joined us in person for this special week.
The week began with an institutional welcome from our dean, José Esteves, setting an inspiring tone for the days ahead. This onboarding period is crucial for fostering connections among students and familiarizing them with essential resources such as the International Department, Alumni network, and Careers Services. Highlights included compelling testimonials from current students of all three MBA programs, who shared insights starting with the words, “If I had started my MBA knowing what I experienced over the last 12 months…”
Throughout the week, we focused on themes central to the MBA journey, featuring insights from prominent experts. Joachim Goetz led a session on the entrepreneurship mindset and its value in business innovation encouraging students to think creatively and embrace challenges. Balvinder Powar guided students through the intricacies of influence and persuasion, emphasizing their importance as leadership skills. Ignacio Gaffo explored case study methodologies, helping students analyse real-world business scenarios effectively. Additionally, we highlighted the use of AI in their studies, emphasizing how technology can enhance the overall learning experience.
To help our international students acclimate to Porto and its vibrant culture, we organized tours, fostering camaraderie among peers while helping them settle into their new surroundings. We also provided a recap of pre-course materials to ensure everyone was aligned.
The week culminated in a social team-building event in partnership with Just a Change, reinforcing our commitment at PBS to developing leaders with a business focus and a dedication to making a positive societal impact.
This onboarding week truly laid the groundwork for a transformative MBA experience, fostering lasting connections and setting the stage for future success.
