Helped Incoming McCombs MBA Students Connect and Gain Confidence through a Multi-day Adventure Retreat
The Challenge
Every MBA class starts with a whirlwind of new faces and places, high expectations, and a desire to impress. The McCombs Adventure Program at UT Austin wanted to offer an outdoor trip for incoming students that helped students connect, gain confidence, and build a strong foundation for the two years ahead.
Our Approach
StepOutside designed a 4-day experience grounded in adventure, challenge, accessibility, and connection.
Participants rotated through activities like hiking, paddling, mountain biking, and a team adventure challenge at 8,000 feet elevation. Each evening, participants engaged in small-group conversations about purpose, personal values, and how to navigate the uncertainty, pace, and excitement of the next two years.
To make the trip accessible, we partnered with Valley Adaptive Sports (VAS) to design an itinerary that would allow everyone to fully participate in each activity. To give back to VAS for all of their support, MBA teams spent the final leg of their adventure challenge pitching Nate on to grow Valley Adaptive Sports in and around Teton Valley.
Participant Recap
One of our trip participants shared this summary of his trip:
“When I signed up for the StepOutside trip, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I figured it would be a fun way to meet a few classmates and enjoy some time outdoors before the chaos of business school kicks off. What I didn’t realize was how quickly the experience would go beyond surface-level bonding and turn into something that challenged me, energized me, and gave me real perspective on what to look forward to within the next two years at McCombs.
Between hiking, canoeing, and downhill mountain biking, there were definitely moments that pushed me physically, but what stood out most were the conversations I had with my fellow Class of 2027 MBA Longhorns. Everyone came with their own story and their own reason for being here, and it created an environment of trust that you don’t always get so early in a journey like this.
One of my favorite moments was working with my team to design a community event centered on inclusion and accessibility. It sparked some powerful conversations around empathy and leadership, and reminded me why I’m excited about this next chapter in life.
I left the trip feeling more grounded, more connected, and more confident about what lies ahead. The MBA is going to be intense, but knowing I’m stepping into it with this kind of community surrounding me makes all the difference.”
Outcomes
Participants reported stronger connections, clarity, and confidence entering their MBA journey
They offered high praise for the “rigor + meaning” recipe. Many shared that the trip exceeded expectations
Outdoor challenges created lasting peer bonds and opened up honest conversations about leadership and identity
Built-in service and inclusion elements highlighted the group’s purpose from day one
“This wasn’t just a fun trip. It was a reset. The space to be challenged, reflect, and connect, especially before a big life change, was invaluable.”
Want to Get Your Team Outside?
If you’re ready to provide an unforgettable experience, we’d love to help.
