MBA Student Profile: Jean Michel Coutu, Babson College

Jean Michel Coutu shares his MBA experiences from his course at Babson College.

Prior to pursuing an MBA, I worked for a chain of retail pharmacies. Initially, I worked as a Community Pharmacist at the store level and eventually took on additional responsibilities within the corporate Pharmacy Operations department. Specifically, I helped initiate a pharmacy inventory optimization program and worked closely with the MIS department in order to enhance the company's inventory management system.  Additionally, I was on the board of the Rhode Island Pharmacy Association.     

I had a strong scientific background but as I assumed more operational and managerial responsibilities I quickly realized that I needed additional business knowledge to reach my career objectives. I knew that my professional education and work experience complemented with an MBA could be a powerful combination, especially if it was the right MBA.     

At first, I used business journals and on-line forums. Once I had narrowed my selection, I requested catalogues from the schools. At this point, I visited the schools and talked to some of the current students.

Throughout the application process, I sought the following characteristics:
- dynamic student body,
- school size
- entrepreneurship/creativity

First of all, in an environment that stresses teamwork, the student body plays a critical role in the learning process. I wanted a program with dynamic students who brought a wide array of professional and cultural experiences.

Secondly, the school size was very important because I felt it would be directly correlated with professors commitment to the students learning.

Thirdly, I wanted a program that would force me to think "outside the box" (sorry for the clich). Babson emphasized an integrated program and a focus on entrepreneurship; clearly a unique and powerful combination.