Chocolate. Everywhere. On Sunday night, the MSBA crew headed to Max Brenner in the heart of Manhattan for some valuable bonding time among friends and colleagues. For those that don’t know, Max Brenner is the real-life equivalent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with pipes through the ceiling oozing chocolate and everything from chocolate waffle fries and martinis to stuffed crepes and fondue. It was what all chocolate dreams are made of. But beyond the chocolate overload, it was great to spend some time with what has become a family at MSBA. It offered us a chance to reminisce on the summer so far (three weeks already?!) and what an invaluable experience we have all had.
“MSBA has provided me with an opportunity of professional growth that I do not take for granted – being from the DR, I know not to be so naïve with regards to that. The experiences, the Office Field Trips, and the Speakers are all beyond anything I could have expected, and it would have never been possible had I not said yes.”
Being from the Dominican Republic, opportunities like this just aren’t openly available. Over the past few weeks, we have been exposed to so many industry professionals who have offered great advice on how we should comport and manage ourselves in what is a small but competitive business. Among all of the advice we have gotten, perhaps the one that has sat with me the most is to say yes to everything. I must admit that I am not one to leave my comfort zone too often; once I get into a routine it is hard for me to break away from and risk losing the practicality of it. However, in an industry dominated by rapid change and a constant flux of ideas, it is necessary to embrace this change and be willing to say yes to things you normally would not.
Saying yes will open opportunities that otherwise would not present themselves. As another one of our speakers put it, “Make it easy for people to help you.” Saying yes aids in this effort. Whether it’s as simple as grabbing coffee, or as important as sitting in for a major meeting with US Open sponsors (I’m interning with the United States Tennis Association), you must be willing to step out of that comfort zone, say yes, and embrace the challenge. MSBA has provided me with an opportunity of professional growth that I do not take for granted – being from the DR, I know not to be so naïve with regards to that. The experiences, the Office Field Trips, and the Speakers are all beyond anything I could have expected, and it would have never been possible had I not said yes.