Field Hockey and an MBA A Unique Goal for One Smith Student

A few weeks into the first semester, and every incoming Smith MBA student is struck by the tremendous talent and the wide range of experiences that her classmates bring to the program. This time is no different. And among this group of talented MBA students is Berber Rischen, a field hockey player who plays mid-field for the top-ranked Maryland field hockey team.

I chose Maryland to do my MBA because it offered the perfect combination of a top-ranked MBA program and a top-ranked field hockey team, says Berber Rischen. A native of Holland, Berber came to the United States three years ago and played field hockey for Kent State. I wanted to play field hockey for another year, but at the same time I also wanted to keep moving on academically. I also chose to come to Maryland because my sister is a freshman here and is on the field hockey team.

Although admitting she is still in the early days yet, Berber said that so far she has been able to balance both coursework and hockey. My undergraduate major was finance and my minor was accounting. Fortunately both are core courses this semester, so that makes it a little bit easier. Also, being a top-ranked team, we play a lot of home games and that helps, too.

However, pursuing an intensive degree such as the MBA and playing for the top-ranked team in the country is not easy and Berber is extremely aware of that. I am missing two hockey practices a week. I am also missing out on all the MBA social events. But the hockey season ends in the fall. So the way I see it, if I can manage both school and hockey for three more months, starting next semester I can concentrate on my MBA studies without worrying about the hockey.

Berber is also a little concerned about the upcoming MBA team projects. I think given my hockey schedule that will be challenging, especially because I really want to be involved and do as much work as everybody else on the team. Having said that, I am also really looking forward to it because it will give me an opportunity to learn from my classmates.

When asked about her career plans, Berber said that at this point she is open to all ideas but is slightly more inclined towards a finance career in Holland. An ideal job would be one that allows her to pursue her passion for hockey and leave her time for a career as well.

However, she quickly adds, going by past experience, my plans can change. I initially planned to stay in the U.S. only for a year and now it has been three years. Also, once I take some of the other courses such as marketing and supply chain and human capital, maybe I will change my mind about finance.

And how do her hockey teammates feel about having an MBA candidate in their midst? I think it is very interesting for them because it certainly is something that they have never experienced before. And although it probably is annoying that I have to miss practice twice a week, they are happy that I give a 100 percent while I am there. I think they respect the reasons I have for missing practice and I really appreciate that.

Finally when asked whether she saw any similarities between the world of field hockey and business, without any hesitation Berber replied, They are both very competitive. I knew athletics was competitive, but I am finding out that the world of business is also very tough.

▓ Sachin Agarwal, MBA Candidate 2007, Smith Media Group