Spencer Copeland
Home Region

Chicago, IL

Undergrad Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Previous Experience

Netflix, Inc.; Microsoft Corporation

HBS Activities

Director of Social for AASU

“I've been introduced to resources and a community that will help me achieve whatever I put my mind to”

Coming to HBS is like...

Embarking on a journey around the world, where each classmate brings a different destination to the table, enriching the voyage with diverse perspectives and cultural insights.

What is your most memorable classroom moment?

My most memorable classroom moment was the Section J Finance-1 (FIN1) roast for Professor Sudol. While most of the skit was all laughs, the ending was heartwarming and brought many of us to tears. We grew to love Professor Sudol. She's an exceptional teacher, an active parent, and a world-class professional. She showed us what it means to find balance and happiness in life.

What is one thing you brought with you to campus, and one thing you'll be leaving with?

I came to campus with high expectations for this stage of my life. I knew that HBS could be a place for me to grow professionally and as a woman. Leaving HBS, I will have even higher expectations for the next stage because I've learned to dream even bigger. While here, I've been introduced to resources and a community that will help me achieve whatever I put my mind to. I'm not scared of failure and view future challenges as learning opportunities.

How have diverse perspective in your section contributed to your understanding of business concepts, leadership, and/or problem solving?

The diversity within the classroom is what makes HBS so special. The diversity especially shines in our Business, Government, and the International Economy (BGIE) discussions. This class examines various countries' history, politics, and macroeconomic environment. We often hear closing remarks from section mates who grew up or worked extensively in the country. Hearing their firsthand experiences makes the case takeaways feel more tangible.

If you could give one piece of advice to prospective students, what would it be?

Be authentic and embrace the journey! HBS is a space for personal growth, lifelong connections, and discovering your potential. The semesters go by too quickly, but the products of the two years last a lifetime.