The business of words
My family has been in the business of delivering words to the world for generations. My grandfather was a mailman for 35 years. My father started his career at The Philadelphia Inquirer, spent most of his working years leading his own advertising agency, and is heading into retirement as a freelance golf writer. I arrived at Harvard Business School with two words in my head: my turn.
But I also came from a traditional path – like roughly 10% of the Class of 2024, I worked at McKinsey & Company. Until last summer, it was the only place I’d worked since graduating from college. So while I didn’t know exactly how to make a meaningful career as a business leader in the world of news, I knew where I wanted to start. Right here.
After years as a consultant, I was itching to return to my English-major-roots and write again. It has been the greatest gift to do so under the Harbus masthead, first as a writer and now as its Editor-in-Chief. Working alongside one of my dear friends has made this experience all the more meaningful. Edgard, thanks for being the best partner-in-crime. It’s been a whirlwind year, and I can’t imagine having led the Harbus without you.
I’m excited to share that we leave the paper in good hands. Tim Ford, current Politics Editor, will take over as Editor-in-Chief starting in January. Edouard Lyndt, our Community Editor, will restore the Chief Executive Officer role after a yearlong vacancy.
In this issue, you’ll find a unique assortment of reporting and features. Take a copy with you as you jet off on your winter break trek or head back for the holidays. That’s what I’ll be doing – letting these stories carry me home, one last time. Thanks for reading in 2023, and see you in 2024!
Rory Finnegan (MBA ’24) has been an avid reader and writer all her life. She pursued these interests all the way through college, graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in poetry writing. After taking a couple years off from her literary passions to work at McKinsey & Company, Rory has been delighted to pick up the pen again by writing for the Harbus.