One thing you should know about taking business classes is that in upper level classes, you rarely have to write final exams. I only have to write one final exam this semester and it is the first one in over a year!

I think it is great, because while friends are nervous and scrambling to study for their five or six exams, I can sit back after the last day of classes and not feel much stress. Of course, not having many exams usually means longer Christmas breaks and earlier summers.

Upper year BBA students spend much of their time doing group work.

Now, you’re probably thinking, “This is awesome, I hate writing exams. Business classes are easy”.

But this is only half of the story. I don’t want to give you the wrong impression, because it is really more of a blessing and a curse.

In exchange for not having final exams, business students have to complete lots of group projects. You are almost guaranteed to have at least one large group project in every class you take. This is actually part of the reason why business students have Fridays off, because it is a time for groups to get together and finish some of their work.

These projects require huge time commitments, lots of scheduling for meetings, hard work, and long presentations of your work. I spent my last three weeks finishing numerous papers and giving more presentations than I can even count.

A person’s preference for exams or projects is a matter of opinion. My personal belief is that projects are much more advantageous than just memorizing as much as you can for a three-hour exam. Completing a project may be a lot more work, but you get a better understanding of the material. Also, you have plenty of time to uncover and address any issues that may arise. Not to mention all of the teamwork, interpersonal, and time management skills you pick up from the group work.

As school winds down and you prepare for your exams, think about this question: Which do you prefer?

Have a Merry Christmas / Happy Hanukah / Happy Holidays everyone!

Good luck on your exams!