How do you create real-world learning opportunities in an MBA program? The Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business does this in various ways. One example is the Integrated Capstone course, where students leave the classroom and see first-hand how innovation is applied in organizations of all sizes.
The 27 MBA students in this Integrated Capstone course recently completed an immersive weekend. The students completed assignments before the weekend and then spent Friday, Saturday, and Sunday touring companies, attending panel discussions, working on their projects, and delivering presentations.
Connor Pardoe (MBA ‘25), spoke highly of the course and the immersive weekend format. “Exploring the greater Pittsburgh innovation scene in this class allows us to bond and understand each other’s unique strengths that we bring to the business ecosystem,” says Pardoe. “We left the weekend with a network of valuable contacts we can rely on now and in the future. This combination of focused learning and relationship building makes the immersive weekends incredibly rewarding.”
Students Gain Valuable Insights
Microsoft and Neighborhood 91 executives shared their business expertise with our MBA students.
At Microsoft, the group explored the evolution of the tech sector in Pittsburgh, noting past trends and exploring how partnerships with local universities will shape this area moving forward. The group also discussed Microsoft’s 2018 purchase of Avere Systems, a Pittsburgh-based provider of high-performance file-based storage. The conversation centered on innovation through acquisition and how a large organization can maintain a “start-up” mentality.
At Neighborhood 91—the world’s only end-to-end additive manufacturing campus—the students met with representatives from three companies exploring various aspects of 3D printing technology: U.S.HAMR Industries, Metal Power Works, and Cumberland Additive. The students saw the current work being done at these companies, highlighting how Pittsburgh is leading innovation in the manufacturing sector of the economy.
In addition to the company tours, the students gained insights from panel discussions with:
- Jim Kelly III, former Katz executive-in-residence and retired founder and CEO of multiple startups
- Rachel Mauer, president of the German American Chamber of Commerce
- Devlin Robinson, Pennsylvania state senator
The panelists discussed innovation trends in the region, with particular emphasis on venture capital, public-private collaborative investment and workforce development. This included highlighting the German apprenticeship model being brought to Southwestern Pennsylvania by the chamber.
Meeting with these executives helped Kyle Monceaux (MBA ‘25) with his capstone project. “My capstone project focuses on developing a trucking application for managing, scheduling, and real-time data analysis,” says Kyle. “The discussions brought in new insights to considerations I hadn’t made before. I liked how I was able to put together the framework and elevator pitch, then have the students evaluate and provide feedback, which helped me prepare for the final submission.”
Capstone Synthesizes Knowledge
All MBA students—whether they are enrolled in a full-time, part-time, or joint-degree program—engage in a capstone experience. This experiential learning course is intentionally taken during an MBA student’s final semester to complete the requirements for graduation.
“The Integrated MBA Capstone lives up to its name, whether providing students the opportunity to synthesize knowledge from their MBA core courses into an innovation project or introducing them to both emerging and established innovators in the Pittsburgh business community. Integrating knowledge, skills, and perspective is at the heart of the course, and students consistently laud it for that strength,” says Tom Davis, clinical assistant professor.
Accelerate Your Career
At Pitt Business, we help students find the MBA program that is best tailored to their individual academic and career goals to provide the highest possible return on investment. Options include a 12-month accelerated format, 18-month full-time format, flexible part-time format, or dual/joint MBA degree options. Click here for more details or request more information.