Ahead Of The Curve: Two Years At Harvard Business School (2005) - Plot & Excerpts
Amazing insight into a place where many corporate leaders and global elite are born. Also it's the place which defines "the right way" of running businesses and markets worldwide. A lot of graduates from author's class are the ones responsible for the recent economic crises and the book gives a good idea of what kind of people they are. Surprisingly, they are not all evil, greedy bastards - the problem lays in the mindset of the school and the whole approach to conducting business.The general feel of the book is rather critical of the school and its impact on today's world. But the critique is very well balanced; author really made sure to include multiple perspectives. Apart from the bad things he also learned a lot of interesting and useful stuff and met many great people. Author concludes that it was a really great and valuable experience overall.Broughton's has a nice and witty writing style which is easy to read and digest.I highly recommend this book! Intriguing story of a journalist's transition and journey through Harvard business school.I went through this book twice, first when I was in college and again recently several years later. I got a lot more insights from the author's memoir the second time around. This is a must-read for anyone considering business school (not just HBS). Basic notion of the book: HBS is a school not to learn entrepreneurship, but to to understand the language of business. HBS has a great brand and adds credibility, especially if you want to work outside the US.I found interesting the anxiety he experienced when trying to find a job toward the end of his time at HBS. Firms would easily hire folks who has two-years of IB or Management Consulting experience, but if you were out of the circle, it would take more effort and time. However, most of the folks he graduated with, left the first job out of school within the first year.What was most interesting was how all the execs that would come in and talk with the students, all said how they messed up their personal lives in the process of trying to achieve career success and to keep that part of their lives in order. But, students paid less attention to what they said and followed what they did, which was give priority to their careers above all else.Being a marketing professional, I think the idea of Kellogg school of business seems more appealing than HBS :P
What do You think about Ahead Of The Curve: Two Years At Harvard Business School (2005)?
Enjoyable memoir of a journalist who goes to Harvard Business School. Lots of anecdotes.
—Eve
For those people who are looking to do an MBA should definitely read this book!
—trierchick
Witty, charming, amusing. A must-read for business school student!
—tissskk
Opinions, experiences, pros/cons, etc... from his 2 years at HBS.
—saracoca
Reminded me of One-L by Scott Turow. Very interesting story.
—Dog
