Orientation - What to Expect

Most of you have already started to count the days until your MBA program begins, and that’s a good thing. But with each passing day and “X” on the calendar, you’re also probably a little more anxious. What classes should I take? Which clubs should I join? And of course, what will the Orientation process be like?

Orientation is your first major interaction with Pepperdine – and your fellow classmates – and almost certainly you have some questions about it. This article is designed to give you a brief overview of what activities make up Orientation, and it’ll point you in the right direction should have any questions left unanswered.

Orientation is made up of several events that span the course of about 10 days. It begins with a full day of information and speeches in mid-August (for International students, there is a separate day called Splash that takes place a day before).  On that day, you’ll be welcomed by the Associate Dean, get information about the program, and hear about all of the exciting clubs, amongst other things. 

The following day is run by Career Services. A full slate of speakers and panels will present you with early networking tips and give advice on how to best kick-start your MBA. Aside from speeches and panels, it is during these two days that you’ll handle a few administrative duties like taking your class photo and getting your student ID.

These initial two days are followed by Communications Workshop, a three day course that helps develop your leadership and team-building skills. It is during this workshop that you’ll really begin to make strong bonds with some of your fellow classmates. Several second years will be at the workshop and there will be some social activities sprinkled in along with the coursework.

After the Communications Workshop, you’re only a weekend away from starting your MBA! So make sure to get some rest in those last two days and be prepared to hit the ground running as you start the next chapter of your life!

If you have any further questions about orientation, please email Gene Miller at etmiller@pepperdine.edu or Jordan Herley at Jordan.Herley@pepperdine.edu.