Guest blog by Anindita Yadavalli
At Booth, trips and treks are more than just a chance to explore new destinations—they’re an integral part of the MBA experience. Among these experiences, Random Walks stand out as some of the most cherished memories for many students, including myself. From attending my first Random Walk during my first year to leading one this past September, these trips have been some of the most enriching and rewarding aspects of my time at Booth.
Why Random Walks Matter
For me, an MBA was about two things: advancing my career and building a community of peers who would enrich both my personal and professional life. The Random Walks at Booth do exactly that. These trips give you the unique opportunity to travel with a group of fellow students you might not otherwise get to know. As a 1Y on my first Random Walk, I traveled with a group of 19 people I had only briefly met before the journey began, which only added to the excitement. The idea of traveling with near-strangers may seem daunting, but it quickly became one of the highlights of my experience. The fun of navigating a new country together, building relationships from the ground up, and experiencing everything through the lens of the group made the trips memorable and transformative.
The Magic of Leading a Random Walk
In September 2024, I had the privilege of leading a Random Walk, and it was an even more rewarding experience. Along with three friends (and co-leads), I was able to help foster new connections and facilitate shared experiences for the group. The sense of community we built over the course of the trip was incredible. Watching a group of 1Ys bond so quickly, forming lasting friendships and deepening connections, made me feel like we had successfully accomplished our mission as trip leaders. By the end of the journey, not only had we created lasting memories, but we had also built 16 new friendships. Leading this trip was an opportunity to pay it forward to the Booth community in a way that was deeply fulfilling.
Beyond Random Walks: Booth’s Travel Opportunities
While Random Walks are a standout experience, they are by no means the only way to travel and connect at Booth. The school offers countless opportunities to explore new states, countries, and cultures while staying involved in the Booth community. One experience that stands out in my memory is the Colombia Spring Break trip. This trip, like others, was more than just a vacation—it was an opportunity to bond with friends I had already established relationships with, while also meeting new people from other cohorts and clubs.
Booth can sometimes feel like a small world—everyone seems to know everyone—but with over 600 students in each class, there are always pockets of people you haven’t yet met. Traveling outside of the classroom setting through trips like the Colombia Spring Break trip allowed me to form connections I never would have had the chance to make otherwise. It was one of those rare opportunities to engage with Boothies from different corners of the community, strengthening the ties that bind us and expanding our network in meaningful ways.
Advice for Future Boothies
As I reflect on these incredible experiences, there’s one piece of advice I always share with prospective Boothies: take full advantage of the unique opportunities that this school gives you, and do a Random Walk!
These trips are more than just a way to see the world; they’re a chance to immerse yourself in the Booth community in a way that is unlike any classroom or club activity. Whether you’re exploring new destinations or forging deeper connections with fellow students, these experiences shape your time at Booth in ways that will last long after you’ve graduated.
So, if you’re looking to make the most of your Booth journey, don’t miss out on a Random Walk or a similar trek. It might just be the highlight of your MBA experience, and one that creates friendships and memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
