What I Learned in My First Quarter at Leavey: Reflections from Graduate Students

Key Takeaways

• Students across all programs found that while the quarter system moves fast, the cohort and faculty support make it manageable.
• From Python scripts to leadership frameworks, students reported applying classroom concepts to their jobs within the first few weeks.
• Whether it’s decompressing after a tough quiz or connecting directly with university leadership, students found that Leavey’s close-knit environment fosters meaningful connections early on.
• The first quarter pushes you to elevate your work, helping you overcome imposter syndrome and realize your potential.

Starting graduate school is a major life transition. Whether you’re pivoting careers, upskilling for a promotion, or returning to the classroom after years in the workforce, the first few months often bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

At the Leavey School of Business, the first quarter tends to set the tone–not just academically, but personally and professionally. To better understand that transition, we asked students across our Evening MBA, STEM MBA, and master’s programs to reflect on what stood out during their first few months at Santa Clara University.

Key Themes from the First Quarter

The Pace is Real–But It’s Manageable

For many students, the biggest adjustment wasn’t the quarter system itself, but returning to school while balancing already full lives. Between work, family, and other responsibilities, adding graduate coursework into the mix raised understandable questions about bandwidth.

Evening MBA student Amanda Pease felt that uncertainty acutely. Stepping back into the classroom after nearly 20 years—while managing multiple jobs, volunteer commitments, and family life—required a mental shift. What stood out early on was how quickly structure and momentum began to replace doubt. Once she settled into a routine, the workload felt demanding but purposeful.

That experience was echoed across programs. STEM MBA student Uma Kaipa noted the key adjustment was less about academic difficulty and more about learning how to pace yourself. MS in Marketing student Jayden Sanders found that approaching the quarter with intention—taking things one week at a time and protecting time to recharge—made the experience sustainable. While the workload is real, students consistently shared that it becomes manageable once school stops feeling like an add-on and starts fitting into a rhythm.

Learning Feels Immediately Practical

Across programs, students were struck by how quickly classroom learning connected to real work. Rather than feeling theoretical, assignments and discussions pushed them to apply new concepts almost immediately—often within the first few weeks.

For MS in Finance and Analytics student Nicolas Godoy, that meant diving into Python for the first time. While the learning curve was steep, the emphasis on hands-on practice helped the material stick and made the relevance clear early on. MS in Business Analytics student Lizhong Wang described a similar experience, noting that working through real projects—rather than memorizing concepts—helped reinforce technical skills like SQL and Tableau.

The same practicality extended beyond technical coursework. In the Evening MBA program, Amanda Pease found herself applying leadership frameworks from class directly to her workplace, using them to improve collaboration and clarify roles within her team. Across disciplines, students shared that the value of the first quarter wasn’t just what they learned, but how quickly they were able to use it.

Community Forms Faster Than Expected

Many students entered the quarter focused on coursework, only to be surprised by how quickly relationships formed. Group projects, shared deadlines, and long evenings on campus created natural opportunities for connection—turning classmates into a support system sooner than expected.

For MS in Finance and Analytics student Shantik Azima-Taylor, that sense of community surfaced after a challenging early quiz, when classmates decided to step away from studying and decompress together. Moments like that helped set the tone for the rest of the quarter. MS in Marketing student Jayden Sanders shared a similar experience, describing how peers regularly checked in on one another during busy weeks, reinforcing the feeling that no one was navigating the experience alone.

Leavey’s accessibility extended beyond the classroom. When MS in Business Analytics student Lizhong Wang replied to a welcome message from University President Julie Sullivan, she was surprised to receive an invitation to continue the conversation in person. Experiences like these underscore how approachable the Leavey and Santa Clara University community can be, even early on.

The First Quarter Builds Confidence

While the transition back to school came with moments of self-doubt, many students found that the first quarter helped shift their perspective. The expectations were higher, the feedback more direct, and the pace demanding—but the combination pushed students to raise their own standards quickly.

MS in Finance and Analytics student Nicolas Godoy noted the level of work expected in graduate school felt markedly different from undergrad, requiring more discipline and intention from the start. For Evening MBA student Jason Gao, who brought two decades of professional experience in China, the first quarter served as a reminder not to underestimate his own capacity for growth. Updating his knowledge and engaging in rigorous coursework reinforced that his experience and potential were still evolving.

Rather than eliminating uncertainty altogether, the first quarter gave students something more lasting: evidence that they could meet the challenge. By the end of the term, many described feeling more grounded, capable, and confident moving forward.

Student Spotlights Coming Soon

These insights are just the beginning. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be featuring individual profiles of these students to dive deeper into their specific journeys. Stay tuned to the blog to hear more of their stories.

What These Reflections Mean for Prospective Students

If you’re feeling uncertain about the workload or the pace, you’re not alone. Every student we spoke with shared similar concerns before their first quarter began. What surprised them was how quickly structure, relevance, and peer support came together.

For many, the first quarter wasn’t just about adjusting to graduate school—it was about gaining clarity, confidence, and momentum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first quarter like in an MBA program?

The first quarter is generally a period of adjustment. You’ll focus on core classes that establish the fundamental frameworks for your degree. As Amanda Pease discovered, you're often thrown into team-based learning early, which helps build connections quickly. To see exactly what classes you might take, explore the Evening MBA curriculum.

How intense is the quarter system?

Santa Clara University operates on a quarter system, meaning classes typically run for 10 weeks. This is faster than a traditional semester, but students like Uma Kaipa find it manageable by staying organized. The fast pace mimics real-world business scenarios, helping you develop agility and time management skills that employers value.

Can you work full-time during an Evening MBA or MS program?

Absolutely. Many of our Evening MBA and MS students work full-time. Classes for these programs are scheduled in the evenings (or asynchronously for online options) specifically to accommodate 9-5 work schedules. As Jason Gao and Amanda Pease shared, applying what you learn in class to your job the next day is one of the biggest benefits of the program.