Finding My Place in Business

Brady Coffman & Mishant Jain

01-15-2026

Walking into my first business class at the Mitch Daniels School of Business, I remember feeling equal parts nervous and excited. I didn’t know exactly what to expect. As the semester unfolded, I started to see how everyone around me was building their own routines, how they were balancing classes, studying and having a social life in a way that made Purdue feel less overwhelming and more like home.

Academically, the experience was just as challenging as I expected. My first business courses pushed me to think more critically, communicate clearly and solve problems in new ways. One of the most significant adjustments was learning that much of the coursework happened outside of lectures. That shift forced me to rethink my study habits, especially to stop procrastinating.

What surprised me most was how clearly my professors set the tone from day one. They had expectations that were high, but so was the support. They made it clear that while the work wouldn’t be easy, the resources were there if I was willing to put in the effort.

A standout moment early on was participating in the Eli Lilly case competition through MGMT 110 during my first semester. Working with a team to solve real-world business problems and presenting our ideas to industry professionals made everything feel real. It wasn’t just theory anymore. I was actually stepping into the business world.

Being surrounded by ambitious first-year students only pushed me further. Their drive encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, get involved, join new clubs and expand my network. I found that the more I challenged myself, the more motivated I became to take full advantage of my time as a Boilermaker.

Now, looking back on those first classes, I can see how much they shaped my goals moving forward. They helped me build a foundation of discipline, curiosity and confidence that has carried into every part of my college experience. The Mitch Daniels School of Business didn’t just introduce me to business; it helped me become a well-rounded student ready to take on whatever comes next.

 

 

Walking into my first business class at Purdue, MGMT 291, I didn’t really know what to expect. I came into the Integrated Business and Engineering program, drawn to the idea of blending engineering with business. Even though the class had about 65 students, it felt surprisingly inclusive. Professor Dave Randich, who has real CEO experience, created an environment where I felt comfortable speaking up, valued and genuinely excited to learn about leadership, strategy and execution. It quickly became my favorite class and set the tone for how I began thinking about my future.

Inside the classroom, a few things surprised me. In MGMT 291, we completed a business simulation where our class split into teams with different roles. It gave us real-world experience in a way I wasn’t expecting. It also taught me that asking the right questions is often more valuable than trying to always have the right answers. ECON 251 had its own surprises, too. Once I started talking to upperclassmen, I saw how economics applies to fields like healthcare, consulting and operations in ways I’d never thought about.

What I’ve realized early on is that business school isn’t something you figure out in a single moment, and honestly, I haven’t fully figured it out yet. The degree teaches the core principles, but a huge part of the experience happens outside the classroom. You have to market yourself, decide how you study and be intentional about the effort you put in. Talking to upperclassmen opened my eyes to opportunities I hadn’t even considered, like the intersection of healthcare and business or what consulting actually looks like. Those conversations pushed me to keep exploring and never close any doors.

I didn’t come into Purdue with specific expectations about the business school, which ended up being a strength. Each professor has a different teaching style, and I’ve learned to adapt. I go to office hours and ask questions about both class and life outside it. One of my accounting professors shared his entire career journey with me, and I learned more from that conversation than I ever could have from just reading a chapter.

Transitioning from a boarding school environment, one of the obstacles I faced early on was finding my people. I’m picky about who I surround myself with, so it took time and effort to build meaningful relationships. Joining organizations like Consult Your Community, Project Management, Business Ambassadors, the School of Business Council and the Larsen Leaders Academy helped me find like-minded peers. Those friendships, both professional and personal, have become some of the most valuable parts of my Purdue experience so far.

Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to step into a management role where I can lead operations and understand both the people and the processes behind the work. My first business classes have shown me how important the basics are: management, economics, accounting and strategy. These fundamentals are becoming the foundation I’ll rely on no matter where I end up. And throughout my time at Purdue, I’ve learned that the most valuable conversations aren’t about having all the answers. They’re about being curious, asking questions and learning from the journeys of the people around me.