Embarking on my MBA journey as a Consortium Fellow was an experience filled with unexpected delights, particularly as I anticipated the annual Orientation Program & Career Forum. Joining The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management in March 2018 as a Class of 2020 fellow at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell, I soon discovered the profound impact of this organization. My time as a Consortium fellow has been incredibly enriching, providing unparalleled opportunities to expand my professional network with leading corporations and fellow students across diverse business schools. Beyond the career advantages, I’ve forged deep friendships that I know will endure far beyond business school.
From the outset of my involvement with The Consortium, I was struck by the caliber of individuals within this network. These weren’t just accomplished professionals; they were genuinely supportive and approachable individuals eager to contribute to your growth, both professionally and personally. This supportive ecosystem is a cornerstone of the Consortium experience, making events like the annual Orientation Program & Career Forum exceptionally valuable.
The Consortium: Championing Diversity and Inclusion
The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management stands as a leading force, strategically partnering with top-tier business schools and corporations to cultivate diverse leadership. Fueled by a robust and expansive alumni network, The Consortium is dedicated to a vital mission: to proactively enhance diversity and inclusion by addressing the underrepresentation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans within business education and corporate leadership roles. This commitment to diversity is powerfully realized through initiatives like the annual Orientation Program & Career Forum, a pivotal event for fellows and corporate partners alike.
Experiencing the Orientation Program & Career Forum: A Launchpad for Success
In June 2018, The Consortium hosted its 52nd annual Orientation Program & Career Forum in Orlando, Florida. This landmark event serves as a crucial meeting point for incoming fellows, alumni, and corporate partners, facilitating networking and career opportunities. From the moment I arrived at the event hotel, I sensed the transformative potential of this gathering. Looking ahead to the , I anticipate an even greater opportunity for new fellows to connect and launch their careers.
The atmosphere was immediately welcoming. Reconnecting with friends from various business schools was seamless, and introductions to my new Johnson classmates felt instantly comfortable. Lunches at local spots quickly turned into in-depth conversations, as if we were long-time friends. This sense of camaraderie was pervasive; every spare moment was spent sharing experiences and aspirations. Beyond socializing, Johnson’s faculty played an integral role, actively engaging with us, offering guidance, and preparing us for the intensive interview process ahead. The Orientation Program & Career Forum culminated in interviews between fellows and The Consortium’s impressive corporate partners, many of whom are Fortune 500 companies. As with previous years, attendees from Johnson and other business schools gained not only valuable new connections and expanded professional networks but also secured internships for the upcoming summer. The 53rd annual orientation program & career forum promises to build upon this legacy, offering even more opportunities for the incoming class of Consortium Fellows.
The Enduring Johnson-Consortium Family
Family often brings to mind immediate relatives, but the concept expands when you share deep, formative experiences with others. When you invest significant time with people, learning their stories and fostering genuine care, the bonds formed undeniably resemble family. My experience within the Johnson and Consortium communities has solidified this belief.
My Johnson classmates have become an integral part of my life. Johnson’s tight-knit community, nestled in Ithaca, New York, is a unique strength. You constantly encounter classmates – in Sage Hall, local establishments, grocery stores, or during recreational activities. Building a strong social network becomes natural within this environment, fostered by Johnson’s admissions process, which selects individuals who are not only academically strong but also intentionally seeking meaningful, lasting relationships alongside professional advancement.
This sense of family extends powerfully to my Consortium classmates. We consistently meet at Consortium events and maintain close ties with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, whose members act as mentors and extended family. I feel deeply connected to my Consortium cohort and the second-year MBA fellows; we support each other through challenges and celebrate each other’s successes. The Johnson-Consortium community has been transformative, providing a world-class education, access to premier career opportunities, and, most importantly, a network of people who have become like family. I eagerly anticipate supporting the next generation of leaders at the 53rd annual orientation program & career forum, further strengthening this incredible community.
About Jonnathan Navarrete, MBA Candidate
Jonnathan Navarrete is an MBA candidate at Johnson Graduate School of Management. Prior to pursuing his MBA, Jonnathan built a strong foundation in the financial services sector at Goldman Sachs. He is focused on leveraging his problem-solving and interpersonal skills, honed at Johnson, to make a significant impact within the investment banking industry. Outside of his professional pursuits, Jonnathan enjoys playing soccer, exploring hiking trails, and dining at Oishii Bowl in Ithaca.
