Spring Break
A "Student Entrepreneur" Experience at HBS
Scott Belsky, Contributing Writer
Issue date: 5/5/08 Section: News
The Behance Network was designed to be the most powerful online platform for creative professionals around the world to present and disseminate their work to peers and potential clients (think a content-centric LinkedIn, but open for all to explore). Our goal was to help the creative community organize itself. Launched in September 2007, the site has quickly grown to nearly a million visitors per month and over 10,000 active members (and has received recognition from the Webby Awards and the SXSW Festival).
Of course, as I reflected upon the launch and marketing of the Behance Network (so conveniently timed just a couple weeks before EC classes began), I remembered dozens of frenetic conference calls, all-night testing marathons, and the looming demands of my second year at HBS. However, the second year proved remarkably doable, largely due to three realizations:
Despite what they say about needing a balance of X/Y classes, you can maneuver an X (or Y)-only schedule through the use of evening seminars and the sacred "field studies."
"Field Studies" are not only great for their flexibility, but also for the "discounted consulting" you can garner for your start-up business from the world's leading experts on the HBS faculty. Yes, I did the math, and tuition is still cheaper than the amount Behance would have to pay for the guidance I received.
The relevant work I did with Professors and fellow students helped me justify my time in Boston to my team at Behance. It was always difficult to be away from the team, but they recognized the value-add from my time at HBS.
I spent about two days per week in Boston, and the remainder of my time in New York with my team (now eight people). My classes during EC year were all highly relevant, and I believe that my days in Boston provided the big-picture "consider your business differently" time that every entrepreneur needs but seldom takes. I was able to secure a Rock Fellowship grant. I also met with many of my classmates that were interested in the digital media space, and they have taught me much and I've been able to leverage some of the lessons I learned the hard way.
Of course, as I reflected upon the launch and marketing of the Behance Network (so conveniently timed just a couple weeks before EC classes began), I remembered dozens of frenetic conference calls, all-night testing marathons, and the looming demands of my second year at HBS. However, the second year proved remarkably doable, largely due to three realizations:
Despite what they say about needing a balance of X/Y classes, you can maneuver an X (or Y)-only schedule through the use of evening seminars and the sacred "field studies."
"Field Studies" are not only great for their flexibility, but also for the "discounted consulting" you can garner for your start-up business from the world's leading experts on the HBS faculty. Yes, I did the math, and tuition is still cheaper than the amount Behance would have to pay for the guidance I received.
The relevant work I did with Professors and fellow students helped me justify my time in Boston to my team at Behance. It was always difficult to be away from the team, but they recognized the value-add from my time at HBS.
I spent about two days per week in Boston, and the remainder of my time in New York with my team (now eight people). My classes during EC year were all highly relevant, and I believe that my days in Boston provided the big-picture "consider your business differently" time that every entrepreneur needs but seldom takes. I was able to secure a Rock Fellowship grant. I also met with many of my classmates that were interested in the digital media space, and they have taught me much and I've been able to leverage some of the lessons I learned the hard way.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
GauravSharma_India
Gaurav Sharma
posted 7/08/08 @ 10:38 AM EST
Inspiring!.... for a prospective MBA student with heavier 'right brain'.
cheers!
Gloria Capel
posted 3/11/09 @ 4:19 AM EST
Nice review! Thanks!
Justine Clowes
posted 3/15/09 @ 3:30 AM EST
Good scene, interesting post, thanks.
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