The IBD program is thrilled to have second year Full Time MBA student Nina Ho contribute to the spring 2020 FTMBA IBD program as our Graduate Student Instructor (GSI). Previously, Nina was a student Team Lead for the Makerere University project during the spring 2019 IBD program. This is the second year that a former IBD student Team Lead has held the GSI role: Libby Ananda MBA ‘20 was the first. The GSI role was created to benefit both IBD faculty and students. Recently we had the opportunity to talk with Nina about her IBD experience as a student in 2019, as well as her expectations as this year’s IBD program GSI, and we’d like to share her interview below.
Nina and her IBD team traveling and enjoying a safari
IBD Interviewer: Why did you want to be the IBD GSI?
Nina Ho: IBD was a unique experience: when you are pushed outside of what’s familiar, you learn more about yourself and those around you. Spending quality time with my amazing team, I learned tremendously from them, and we got so close. As a GSI, I wanted to pay it forward and facilitate an unforgettable experience for the next class. I also wanted to continue working with Whitney Hischier, who served as my Faculty Mentor last year. I respect her as a professional mentor and believe there’s a lot to gain from another year of working with her.
IBD Interviewer: Do you have any goals for your role as a GSI?
Nina Ho: Students come to IBD with different starting points. Some have consulting or leadership experience; others don’t. I see my role as helping to close that gap — get those students up to speed so they can accomplish their project goals. I look forward to acting as an intermediary with the faculty and help to inform decisions that support the students’ learning.
IBD Interviewer: You worked with IBD project client Makerere University in 2019. Were you proud of the work you did as an IBD Team?
Nina Ho: Throughout the course of IBD we were able not only to diagnose the root cause of their challenge, but also to devise a realistic implementation plan for the solution we recommended. I am proud of the breadth of work we completed and how we handled the client interaction to get to that point.
Nina talking to her 2019 IBD client – Makerere University
IBD Interviewer: Would you change anything about your IBD experience?
Nina Ho: Though A LOT of things didn’t go as planned, I wouldn’t change anything. Ironically, all the challenges we faced made us get closer as a team – we learned how to trust each other.
IBD Interviewer: Did the IBD experience help with your summer internship or after graduation career choices?
Nina Ho: IBD gave me the confidence to lead a consulting project ahead of my internship. Though I had a consulting background and understood how to do the work, I was looking for reps to lead a team in an ambiguous, non-straightforward setting.
IBD Interviewer: Are you focusing on anything over these next couple of months before you graduate?
Nina Ho: I am training for the AIDS Lifecycle charity ride from SF to LA and working on being a better skier — gotta work up to those black diamonds! I am also looking forward to spending as much time with my classmates before graduating.
IBD Interviewer: What is your favorite thing about Haas?
Nina Ho: Honestly, the community. I am consistently moved by the generosity of my classmates, staff and faculty and how people show up for each other. The spirit of Haas creates an inclusive space where I’ve been able to take more risks and find a place of belonging.
IBD Interviewer: You introduced us to your love of wearing headbands while traveling. Do you still wear headbands?
Nina Ho: Yes, and most recently in New Zealand — you really need that when you’re on a backpacking trip and can’t shower!
The IBD program staff and faculty are fortunate to have Nina as a member of our team, and we know she will contribute to the overall success of our students and the spring 2020 IBD program. Thank you Nina!