I think it's helpful sometimes to step away from the "inpsirational post" every so often and talk about the nuts and bolts of what it's like just being a student again, and some of the experiences around the workload. If you have any questions I haven't touched on, please feel free to comment those, and I'll be happy to wrap them into my next posting.
I have class on Tuesday night.
Something else you should know are my hours of operation at work. We have a special set of hours in that we work 7:30-5:30 Monday-Thursday and then Fridays, we wrap up our 40 hours with 8:00-12:00. Being that I'm in developement, these are merely lines in a coloring book, and to meet with donors or do presentations requires the flexibility to color outside of those lines, which can often mean lunches and before and after hour civic club presentations. I'd say my average work week is about 45 hours, plus or minus.
Back to my point...
By the time I get to class on Tuesday night at 6PM, I have generally already worked 20 hours, if I include lunch appointments. I usually get home on Tuesdays around 10:30, which makes for about a 15 hour day. So by time I reach Wednesday morning, I have already pushed 25 hours... I have 22 more hours of "operation" and I haven't even begun the homework associated with that week. Needless to say, when I arrive at 7:30am on Wednesday morning, often known as "hump day" for most work weeks, I feel like I've already climbed a mountain, only to realize it's not quite the peak.
It's a cruel joke on replay every Wednesday.
And every Wednesday I remind myself... you can do anything for 2 years...
Here, as there are only 13 more classes this semester, and 15 next... I'm beginning to think I haven't been inspirationally lying to myself... but this really is true-you really can do this. You can do anything for 2 years.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Bull's eye
A recent story was told to me about a man named Matt Emmons. For those of you who know Olympic trivia, you may be familiar with his name. It was the 2004 Olympics, and Matt was participating in the 50 meter, 3 position rifle event. He participated well, and he came up to the last target. All he needed to do was even hit the target and he would medal. A bull's eye guaranteed him the gold. With one shot, he hit the middle of the target. Only problem was he had hit the target held for the lane next to him... the result landed him in 8th place. He hit the bull's eye, but it was the wrong target.
As I look over the last 16 months, I can't help but feel a kinship with Matt's story. Greatness can be achieved, but if it's toward the wrong target or goal, it comes up short... it's a failure.
I love that the Concordia program has Leadership tied into its curriculum. I love that this is tied to servant leadership and real world application. It enabled me to dream about the leader God would call me to be, and to be honest, feel a sense of weight in the responsibilities it would carry. It seems for the last year I've been breathing leadership... anxiously awaiting my time to come. However, now I can't help but feel that I've had my eyes on the wrong target.
An Excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't really matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. Like anybody, I would like to live - a long life; longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. So I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
These words continue to echo in my head. That, compiled with songs like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfcDVIjGQQg), and reading books like Francis Chan's Crazy Love, and I'm compelled that the leadership I've sought is not the goal in itself for me. For me there's this new actualization of what I'm really called to be as a Christ-follower. I must remember the whole reason I'm getting my MBA was in preparation, not of a life full of comforts and safety, but rather to be equipped for the task Christ has ahead of me. This will mean a radical shift, but one I'll have to take a step at a time.
My eyes are shifting to the New Testament Church. How often have I passed them off or not taken them seriously. Assuming they had a fire to care for others that could not be sustained. And if I do begin to really consider their plight- can we really keep all our comforts, and love Christ passionately?
If I am to remain authentic in my growth throughout this program, I have to integrate all parts. I sought a Christian school for this purpose, and recognize for this reason, leadership and the practice of my MBA may be continually redefined as Christ lights our path and begins to reveal His plan for our talents, skills, abilities, resources... well- pretty much all of it. I may not know the ending location of this path, or the roles God will call me to along the way. My only responsibility is for what has been revealed and what I am currently entrusted with. I must keep my eyes set on the right target- and trust the Lord with details like leadership, careers and all these other things, that really do grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
As I look over the last 16 months, I can't help but feel a kinship with Matt's story. Greatness can be achieved, but if it's toward the wrong target or goal, it comes up short... it's a failure.
I love that the Concordia program has Leadership tied into its curriculum. I love that this is tied to servant leadership and real world application. It enabled me to dream about the leader God would call me to be, and to be honest, feel a sense of weight in the responsibilities it would carry. It seems for the last year I've been breathing leadership... anxiously awaiting my time to come. However, now I can't help but feel that I've had my eyes on the wrong target.
An Excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't really matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. Like anybody, I would like to live - a long life; longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. So I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
These words continue to echo in my head. That, compiled with songs like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfcDVIjGQQg), and reading books like Francis Chan's Crazy Love, and I'm compelled that the leadership I've sought is not the goal in itself for me. For me there's this new actualization of what I'm really called to be as a Christ-follower. I must remember the whole reason I'm getting my MBA was in preparation, not of a life full of comforts and safety, but rather to be equipped for the task Christ has ahead of me. This will mean a radical shift, but one I'll have to take a step at a time.
My eyes are shifting to the New Testament Church. How often have I passed them off or not taken them seriously. Assuming they had a fire to care for others that could not be sustained. And if I do begin to really consider their plight- can we really keep all our comforts, and love Christ passionately?
If I am to remain authentic in my growth throughout this program, I have to integrate all parts. I sought a Christian school for this purpose, and recognize for this reason, leadership and the practice of my MBA may be continually redefined as Christ lights our path and begins to reveal His plan for our talents, skills, abilities, resources... well- pretty much all of it. I may not know the ending location of this path, or the roles God will call me to along the way. My only responsibility is for what has been revealed and what I am currently entrusted with. I must keep my eyes set on the right target- and trust the Lord with details like leadership, careers and all these other things, that really do grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Semester 5: Into the looking glass
We start semester 5 today. For one reason or another, I'd been somewhat dreading this semester... whether it had been preconcieved ideas of the professors or just the sheer magnitude of what we just accomplished, I had found it a little difficult to exhert some enthusiasm about this semester.
Thankfully, for this semester there were no pre-assignments prior to the first class, which is a first, and a needed break. The only assignment was reading the first chapter of each text. I took time this weekend to do so, and my interest began to be piqued as I felt I could reconnect with the subject material. (Last semester focused largely on manufacturing, and I had zero experience, and my interest was somewhat limited (but I was glad for the experience)). As I began to put together my binders for class and read my printed syllabus, I'm actually feeling quite hopeful about this semeseter.
Our 10 week class is Business, Society and Public Policy. In the syllabus it talks about strategic collaborations between Government, the Corporate Sector and the Nonprofit Sector. I believe this is the first time Nonprofits were actually mentioned in the class syllabus, and so I'm really interested. I also have a nack for collaborations and partnerships for leveraging resources. These are specific reasons why I wanted to get my MBA- to leverage nonprofit resources to serve more. So I have to say I'm quite hopeful about this class.
The second class, also has me waiting for what might be coming. The class is called Decision Making and Strategy in Complex Situations. The syllabus specifically covers sustainability, multiculturalism, and social and community responsibility. All big topics for the nonprofit sector.
We all know a syllabus can say one thing and a class produce something else, but to my fellow humanitarians- stay tuned. There is the promise that this semester is for us!
I also wanted to give a quick "shout out" to Dr. Roy Steele from last semester. He was kind enough to invite students who were willing to complete what he calls an XT assessment. The XTgraded our tallents and personalities based on a mid-level manager position for a "widget" maker. Over the holiday break, Dr. Steele and I talked on the phone about what my results meant, and perhaps particular tendencies I need to be aware of. Being that I'm driven to care for others, and see myself in a humanitarian light, the XT picked up that I can be subjective and focus on these softer qualities instead of hard driven logic. While I consider myself a very reasoned person, as each thing I do has a reason behind it, those things are not always hard fact based (not always a negative). This, combined with my tendency to be a quick decision maker could leave room for error in that perhaps not all the facts have been given time for consideration. Dr. Steele brought this to my attention and really encouraged me to slow down, just a bit, to ensure I am considering all points of view. I bring all this up, because it gives me another reason to be interested in what I will learn this semester. I am hopeful that Business, Society and Public Policy will help expand my worldview and my process for considerations. Then I'm looking forward to what I will learn in Decision Making and Strategy in Complex Situations to really engage this tendency to make it more of a strength.
As it is the New Year, and we've discussed resolutions, I think about what I resolve to get out of these classes. My goal is to provide thought out and focused efforts for the assignments, and to leave with an expanded worldview and greater insight into collaborations and decision making. In 10-15 weeks, I'll check back (if I remember) to see if I've gotten out of these classes what I set out to do.
Thankfully, for this semester there were no pre-assignments prior to the first class, which is a first, and a needed break. The only assignment was reading the first chapter of each text. I took time this weekend to do so, and my interest began to be piqued as I felt I could reconnect with the subject material. (Last semester focused largely on manufacturing, and I had zero experience, and my interest was somewhat limited (but I was glad for the experience)). As I began to put together my binders for class and read my printed syllabus, I'm actually feeling quite hopeful about this semeseter.
Our 10 week class is Business, Society and Public Policy. In the syllabus it talks about strategic collaborations between Government, the Corporate Sector and the Nonprofit Sector. I believe this is the first time Nonprofits were actually mentioned in the class syllabus, and so I'm really interested. I also have a nack for collaborations and partnerships for leveraging resources. These are specific reasons why I wanted to get my MBA- to leverage nonprofit resources to serve more. So I have to say I'm quite hopeful about this class.
The second class, also has me waiting for what might be coming. The class is called Decision Making and Strategy in Complex Situations. The syllabus specifically covers sustainability, multiculturalism, and social and community responsibility. All big topics for the nonprofit sector.
We all know a syllabus can say one thing and a class produce something else, but to my fellow humanitarians- stay tuned. There is the promise that this semester is for us!
I also wanted to give a quick "shout out" to Dr. Roy Steele from last semester. He was kind enough to invite students who were willing to complete what he calls an XT assessment. The XTgraded our tallents and personalities based on a mid-level manager position for a "widget" maker. Over the holiday break, Dr. Steele and I talked on the phone about what my results meant, and perhaps particular tendencies I need to be aware of. Being that I'm driven to care for others, and see myself in a humanitarian light, the XT picked up that I can be subjective and focus on these softer qualities instead of hard driven logic. While I consider myself a very reasoned person, as each thing I do has a reason behind it, those things are not always hard fact based (not always a negative). This, combined with my tendency to be a quick decision maker could leave room for error in that perhaps not all the facts have been given time for consideration. Dr. Steele brought this to my attention and really encouraged me to slow down, just a bit, to ensure I am considering all points of view. I bring all this up, because it gives me another reason to be interested in what I will learn this semester. I am hopeful that Business, Society and Public Policy will help expand my worldview and my process for considerations. Then I'm looking forward to what I will learn in Decision Making and Strategy in Complex Situations to really engage this tendency to make it more of a strength.
As it is the New Year, and we've discussed resolutions, I think about what I resolve to get out of these classes. My goal is to provide thought out and focused efforts for the assignments, and to leave with an expanded worldview and greater insight into collaborations and decision making. In 10-15 weeks, I'll check back (if I remember) to see if I've gotten out of these classes what I set out to do.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Taking A Leap of Faith- God Provides
July of 2010- I received my acceptance letter to the new Concordia MBA Program... and the first bill. Suddenly- going back to school became a reality, and that shifted late night conversations with my husband about the dreams of going back to school to the "hows" of making it happen. Working for a nonprofit has plenty of perks, but pay is generally not known to be one of them. Matt was also a full-time graduate student, and his upcoming practicum and internship would make getting a job pretty difficult. Resources were tight to say the least, and I specifically remember sitting on the couches in our living room, and we had just received the letter outlining the financial obligations of the program. Matt, the pragmatist in our relationship (in case you haven't already picked up that obvious trait), didn't see how we could make this happen without going further into debt. Already, we were having to do most of his schooling through student loans. The reality was we were going to be over $40,000 in debt by the end of these endeavors. And here I was- wanting to go back to school without any real clarity about how this would benefit my future.
It seemed a bit of a stretch to make sense of it; however, for about 3 years I had been playing with the idea of my MBA. After a Business Women's Luncheon with a local speaker talking about education and another local MBA Program, I just couldn't extinguish the thought. The fire was sparked, and to be honest, I really felt the Lord putting it on my heart in preparation for where He's taking me. I also through prayer, felt the Lord taking me to Concordia, in lieu of my contacts with the other program's Director. It was tough, because Concordia was about $6,000 more, but it's focus on nonprofits, the ability to spend more time at home and with my family, and the Lord's leading, in general, just made this the decision for me- and I didn't even apply to the other.
It was a long conversation that night, and my dreams and stubborn drive (in case you haven't already picked up that obvious trait) made the case, and Matt said he would support my decision.
In the following months, a contact I had made in the community approached me about a scholarship she knew of, and I received $1,000. It was just a portion of the total bill school would cost, but it was enough for God to demonstrate his provision, and for us to move forward. Then the school received a generous scholarship from a personal donor for the first MBA scholarship, and wouldn't you know- God again demonstrates His faithfulness. Then, Matt and I felt convicted that we really shouldn't go into anymore debt, and that whatever it took, we would try to pay for the semesters as we went. And then the freezes from salary increases at work was lifted. I crossed paths with a lady from a local association, and she remembered to include me in the request for applications for their scholarships, and God again has been faithful to provide. All in all, $12,500 has been provided in the means of scholarships. Concordia MBA offers $50 off per credit hour, because I work for a nonprofit. So far I have taken 24 credit hours, so this equals $1,200, adding up to a grand total of $13,700 in provision. I say this not that I may boast, but to demonstrate that when God guides your path- He provides. Now I had to be faithful in my part of applications, and even some declines in scholarships, but if we are steadfast and do our part, He will make a way.
I just wanted to write this as an encouragement to anyone who may have a God inspired dream- and also to give the Lord a shout-out. Wait on His timing. There were times I wanted to go back before that never really amounted to much, but once I really felt Him say go- it just really has been a time of provision... and all in His timing. Step by step, He is so faithful.
So here I am, ready to begin semester 5 out of 6 in the Concordia MBA. Through God's provision, its looking more and more like my actual expenses with the program will actually be the difference in cost between the two programs I had been considering, or less. I could not have seen that coming from that night of conversations on the couch, but I suppose that's why we leave our futures in His hands.
It seemed a bit of a stretch to make sense of it; however, for about 3 years I had been playing with the idea of my MBA. After a Business Women's Luncheon with a local speaker talking about education and another local MBA Program, I just couldn't extinguish the thought. The fire was sparked, and to be honest, I really felt the Lord putting it on my heart in preparation for where He's taking me. I also through prayer, felt the Lord taking me to Concordia, in lieu of my contacts with the other program's Director. It was tough, because Concordia was about $6,000 more, but it's focus on nonprofits, the ability to spend more time at home and with my family, and the Lord's leading, in general, just made this the decision for me- and I didn't even apply to the other.
It was a long conversation that night, and my dreams and stubborn drive (in case you haven't already picked up that obvious trait) made the case, and Matt said he would support my decision.
In the following months, a contact I had made in the community approached me about a scholarship she knew of, and I received $1,000. It was just a portion of the total bill school would cost, but it was enough for God to demonstrate his provision, and for us to move forward. Then the school received a generous scholarship from a personal donor for the first MBA scholarship, and wouldn't you know- God again demonstrates His faithfulness. Then, Matt and I felt convicted that we really shouldn't go into anymore debt, and that whatever it took, we would try to pay for the semesters as we went. And then the freezes from salary increases at work was lifted. I crossed paths with a lady from a local association, and she remembered to include me in the request for applications for their scholarships, and God again has been faithful to provide. All in all, $12,500 has been provided in the means of scholarships. Concordia MBA offers $50 off per credit hour, because I work for a nonprofit. So far I have taken 24 credit hours, so this equals $1,200, adding up to a grand total of $13,700 in provision. I say this not that I may boast, but to demonstrate that when God guides your path- He provides. Now I had to be faithful in my part of applications, and even some declines in scholarships, but if we are steadfast and do our part, He will make a way.
I just wanted to write this as an encouragement to anyone who may have a God inspired dream- and also to give the Lord a shout-out. Wait on His timing. There were times I wanted to go back before that never really amounted to much, but once I really felt Him say go- it just really has been a time of provision... and all in His timing. Step by step, He is so faithful.
So here I am, ready to begin semester 5 out of 6 in the Concordia MBA. Through God's provision, its looking more and more like my actual expenses with the program will actually be the difference in cost between the two programs I had been considering, or less. I could not have seen that coming from that night of conversations on the couch, but I suppose that's why we leave our futures in His hands.
2012 Isn't as Far Away as it Once Was (An Obvious Statement)
Its hard to believe that this really is the last week of 2011. This year just blew past me, and I'm thinking it may have something to do with the fact that I was in the MBA program for the full calendar year. Semesters can at times seem like a mountain, and 15 weeks can stretch on longer than you think. But as you jump from deadline to deadline and project to project, the weeks of the year really do seem to fly. I really remember like it was last week when I was writing with excitement about all I was learning in both Marketing and Economics. Graduation in 2012 seemed forever away. Yet here we are, about 7.5 months away from completion.
Its the end of a year, so aptly I'm thinking about goals and what I will resolve to do. It's no easy task, but to say I'll complete my MBA seems like a given. To add anything above and beyond this task may get me in trouble with my husband, who tends to think I'm already a bit maxed out (foreshadowing about husband's wisdom comment in next paragraph). So I consider how to compliment this end goal, so that not only do I complete it, but I complete it well. For some that automatically means finishing strong in a GPA, and to this point I've been dedicated, but I recognize an MBA is not all about the grades.
This weekend we went to Arkansas to visit my husband's family for the holidays. (In case I have not mentioned it, I think my husband is just one of the wisest people out there). On our way to drive up to Fayetteville for a Razorback basketball game, we talked with his younger sister. Fresh out of college, she's just getting started in her adult life, and Matt and I took turns at trying to offer advice. Mine reflected getting focused, perhaps giving her time to volunteer (and all the benefits of volunteering) and having a busy schedule to help her structure her time and drive her to focus on what she wants to accomplish. My husband, who is alot like his sister, focused more on her making her the best she can be right now. He offered these three points. 1- Don't underestimate the value of sleep. Your body needs it, and you really can only be ready for the tasks of the day when you've had a routine fair share. 2- Value exercise. The endorphins your body gets puts you physically and mentally in a better position to face challenges and be the best person you can be. 3- Find a hobby. Something you can do to get away and just have that time to focus and enjoy something you love.
So I think I'll take a step back and try life from my husband's perspective. I think I'll make these my complimentary goals, and place a stronger emphasis on a routine bedtime. I'm not going to become Arnold Schwarzenegger, but I'll set a goal to exercise 3 times a week, and be ready to do the Diva Dash 5K in April and our National Park Hike to Glacier in the Fall. And as for my hobby... I'm debating on strengthening my Spanish skills, building a raised garden or learning how to paint. Spanish really could compliment my MBA, but takes brain power, and that's a limited resource as of right now. Gardening takes dedicated time, which I'm also running short on, and I don't have any painting supplies or know how, and I don't really have the funds to make that happen while paying for school. Perhaps I'll just keep this as a carrot to reward myself once I'm done with my MBA, and attempt to start one of these before January 2013, which, if next year goes anything like this one... will be here in no time.
Its the end of a year, so aptly I'm thinking about goals and what I will resolve to do. It's no easy task, but to say I'll complete my MBA seems like a given. To add anything above and beyond this task may get me in trouble with my husband, who tends to think I'm already a bit maxed out (foreshadowing about husband's wisdom comment in next paragraph). So I consider how to compliment this end goal, so that not only do I complete it, but I complete it well. For some that automatically means finishing strong in a GPA, and to this point I've been dedicated, but I recognize an MBA is not all about the grades.
This weekend we went to Arkansas to visit my husband's family for the holidays. (In case I have not mentioned it, I think my husband is just one of the wisest people out there). On our way to drive up to Fayetteville for a Razorback basketball game, we talked with his younger sister. Fresh out of college, she's just getting started in her adult life, and Matt and I took turns at trying to offer advice. Mine reflected getting focused, perhaps giving her time to volunteer (and all the benefits of volunteering) and having a busy schedule to help her structure her time and drive her to focus on what she wants to accomplish. My husband, who is alot like his sister, focused more on her making her the best she can be right now. He offered these three points. 1- Don't underestimate the value of sleep. Your body needs it, and you really can only be ready for the tasks of the day when you've had a routine fair share. 2- Value exercise. The endorphins your body gets puts you physically and mentally in a better position to face challenges and be the best person you can be. 3- Find a hobby. Something you can do to get away and just have that time to focus and enjoy something you love.
So I think I'll take a step back and try life from my husband's perspective. I think I'll make these my complimentary goals, and place a stronger emphasis on a routine bedtime. I'm not going to become Arnold Schwarzenegger, but I'll set a goal to exercise 3 times a week, and be ready to do the Diva Dash 5K in April and our National Park Hike to Glacier in the Fall. And as for my hobby... I'm debating on strengthening my Spanish skills, building a raised garden or learning how to paint. Spanish really could compliment my MBA, but takes brain power, and that's a limited resource as of right now. Gardening takes dedicated time, which I'm also running short on, and I don't have any painting supplies or know how, and I don't really have the funds to make that happen while paying for school. Perhaps I'll just keep this as a carrot to reward myself once I'm done with my MBA, and attempt to start one of these before January 2013, which, if next year goes anything like this one... will be here in no time.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Finishing Four
This semester has come to a close, so I thought I would create a highlights reel. This semester we had our first ever class blocking with two 15 week classes. Prior to this there was always one class that was only 10 weeks paired with a 5 week class. I will tell you, this makes the semesters feel longer. This also doesn't mean they will take that 10 weeks worth of class and stretch it into 15 weeks. This is certainly 15 weeks worth of material to cover. The classes were Economics, Marketing and Competitive Strategy(EMCS) with Dr. Roy Steele and Managing Operations and Technology(MOT) with Dr. David Cameron. The top theme of the semester was Strategy. What I heard the most from my fellow students- this is the semester we felt we "earned" our MBA. This is the first semester that the work matched our expectations of what we would have to put in to get our MBA. Now that's not just a reflection of "out of class hours" spent. The quality of those hours spent, were spent with a higher level of expertise demanded from us. There have been many semesters in which I've spent 10-20 hours outside of class to complete homework, and if I am honest- that first semester really felt like busy work. This semester was not busy work. Prepare yourself future cohorts. Here's what you get to look forward to-
Each class weekly assigns a chapter of reading to cover. For EMCS, those chapters are easy 40-60 pages of reading, and I think MOT's were about the same, but this text was a bit dryer, with no pictures or handy summaries down the margins. Then EMCS divided the teams to the professor's own liking (the University didn't convey we were already divided up, and when asked about it, he was told to continue in this direction if we wanted to). What this meant was we were managing two groups. One for a major project due at the end of the semester in EMCS, and the other for weekly assignments in MOT plus the group project. Each class had a weekly Case Study on top of the projects and reading. The case studies were handled a little differently in each class. For EMCS this was a weekly Executive Summary. For me these averaged a weekly 6-8 page paper. For MOT these were handled within the groups. So each group had to come together weekly to write a Case Summary identifying the Business Operations Issue and Salient Issue, Complications, Market Implications, Recommendations and more. This was about an 8 page paper written weekly by the group. In the last 5 weeks of class this become more about a presentation, and we gave a weekly slide show presentation over the case and our Group's Analysis.
Of course, what is a semester without a semester long project due at the end?
In MOT you are to identify a public company and find a Salient Issue, and each member has to write a section of the paper. Which is graded individually throughout the semester. Then a collaborative paper is written, and the last week of class this is turned into a presentation in front of the class.
In EMCS you work with your group to identify a company without a business plan or an outdated business plan. By the end of the semester, you are to write a business plan for that company and present to the class. The structure for this project changed a bit throughout the class, so ,by the end, 2 out of the 4 groups ended up presenting on established companies, which probably have a strong business plan and the other two worked with start-ups actually in the Austin area to give them some direction. We were of the later groups, and this actually was more of a challenge, but I feel our group got more out of the project.
For our project, we worked with a company that will export and import from Morocco. It has just recently been founded, and will likely take off January 2012. We had dinner with the founders, and got to hear their ideas and direction. Being that they are so new, we got to do a lot of market research and helped in building support for the direction of the product lines they will work within. When it came down to the presentation, ours was much more rudimentary; however, I feel we actually went through the process of what it takes to get a business off the ground. I felt that our work was important as it would actually be used by the business. Its was like a mini-capstone, and I really enjoyed it.
I encourage groups out there, when it comes to this project, take on the start-up. You already know how to do research and build a presentation around it. Challenge yourselves to really work with a company that will benefit from your efforts- even if it does make the project a little more "hairy". As we all learned in our MBA Launch, life is messy, and I really feel like this project is a "safe haven" to try your hand at entrepreneurship and making some real world change for the business of your choosing.
Our cohort was really exhausted coming from semester 3, and semester 4 offers no rest for the weary... but the challenge makes you pull yourself up by your bootstraps, and get on with it. Now- we find ourselves 2/3 of the way done. Next semester is the last one with just classes. The last semester sandwiches class with the capstone project. Before we know it, August will be here, and this will end just as quickly as it launched.
This week, my core group will meet over dinner. We'll celebrate our successes, and discuss what we hope to accomplish through our MBA's on a personal level over the next semester, and hopefully find strength in our team members to accomplish those goals. I really love the Cohort format, and am glad we can have this sense of companionship, challenge and camaraderie within this learning experience. Course, we have self named our team "Team Awesome", so I may be just a bit biased...
:)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All!
Each class weekly assigns a chapter of reading to cover. For EMCS, those chapters are easy 40-60 pages of reading, and I think MOT's were about the same, but this text was a bit dryer, with no pictures or handy summaries down the margins. Then EMCS divided the teams to the professor's own liking (the University didn't convey we were already divided up, and when asked about it, he was told to continue in this direction if we wanted to). What this meant was we were managing two groups. One for a major project due at the end of the semester in EMCS, and the other for weekly assignments in MOT plus the group project. Each class had a weekly Case Study on top of the projects and reading. The case studies were handled a little differently in each class. For EMCS this was a weekly Executive Summary. For me these averaged a weekly 6-8 page paper. For MOT these were handled within the groups. So each group had to come together weekly to write a Case Summary identifying the Business Operations Issue and Salient Issue, Complications, Market Implications, Recommendations and more. This was about an 8 page paper written weekly by the group. In the last 5 weeks of class this become more about a presentation, and we gave a weekly slide show presentation over the case and our Group's Analysis.
Of course, what is a semester without a semester long project due at the end?
In MOT you are to identify a public company and find a Salient Issue, and each member has to write a section of the paper. Which is graded individually throughout the semester. Then a collaborative paper is written, and the last week of class this is turned into a presentation in front of the class.
In EMCS you work with your group to identify a company without a business plan or an outdated business plan. By the end of the semester, you are to write a business plan for that company and present to the class. The structure for this project changed a bit throughout the class, so ,by the end, 2 out of the 4 groups ended up presenting on established companies, which probably have a strong business plan and the other two worked with start-ups actually in the Austin area to give them some direction. We were of the later groups, and this actually was more of a challenge, but I feel our group got more out of the project.
For our project, we worked with a company that will export and import from Morocco. It has just recently been founded, and will likely take off January 2012. We had dinner with the founders, and got to hear their ideas and direction. Being that they are so new, we got to do a lot of market research and helped in building support for the direction of the product lines they will work within. When it came down to the presentation, ours was much more rudimentary; however, I feel we actually went through the process of what it takes to get a business off the ground. I felt that our work was important as it would actually be used by the business. Its was like a mini-capstone, and I really enjoyed it.
I encourage groups out there, when it comes to this project, take on the start-up. You already know how to do research and build a presentation around it. Challenge yourselves to really work with a company that will benefit from your efforts- even if it does make the project a little more "hairy". As we all learned in our MBA Launch, life is messy, and I really feel like this project is a "safe haven" to try your hand at entrepreneurship and making some real world change for the business of your choosing.
Our cohort was really exhausted coming from semester 3, and semester 4 offers no rest for the weary... but the challenge makes you pull yourself up by your bootstraps, and get on with it. Now- we find ourselves 2/3 of the way done. Next semester is the last one with just classes. The last semester sandwiches class with the capstone project. Before we know it, August will be here, and this will end just as quickly as it launched.
This week, my core group will meet over dinner. We'll celebrate our successes, and discuss what we hope to accomplish through our MBA's on a personal level over the next semester, and hopefully find strength in our team members to accomplish those goals. I really love the Cohort format, and am glad we can have this sense of companionship, challenge and camaraderie within this learning experience. Course, we have self named our team "Team Awesome", so I may be just a bit biased...
:)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
I never said I did it alone.
Since beginning the young professional development program for the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, I have found a new value to the word 'Mentor'. Now in my third year, I have developed relationships with three individuals who have brought such value into my life. My first official mentor was Teri Hill. An amazing coach, who does this full time. I felt so blessed that she would just partner with me to help me become the young professional I should be. She brought to me practical applications to deal with real issues. There were times she would take out of her day, just to talk me through opportunities, or next steps. I'm so very proud to have had Teri as my first mentor. I tell ya- she's worth every penny!
My second mentor was Dr. Edna Rehbein. She's the Director of the Texas State University campus in Round Rock. As I began to understand more of what leadership looks like as a woman, she tutored me, and continues to provide excellent guidance and counsel. Thanks to her, I have found valuable ways to give of my time, including my service on the Round Rock Chamber Board. I'm learning so much still from the directions she has helped point me, and I am so thankful for the trailblazer she is.
I had lunch with my third mentor today. A departure from the realm of females, Scott Alarcon is a dynamic leader, and his engaging mentorship is really challenging me to new levels. Each time Scott and I meet we review the "homework" from our previous meeting. Assignments have included a 3-5 year plan and measurable goals, reading The Complete Idiot's Guide to Robert's Rules of Order in preparation of my first Chamber Board experience, and more. He's taught me the value of assertiveness, and our brains just operate in a systems and relational strategy.
Being a first born, I've often had to just figure things out for myself, but having someone like these mentors really helps pave the way to know what to expect and the best roads to travel. Pairing mentorship with my MBA is like the 1-2 punch. I'm learning business strategy, learning how to manage operations and technology, but then there's this guide to help you know how to really use this material in the everyday world. Given that I'm highly relational, take this with a grain of salt, but I really see mentorship as the catalyst to an MBA education. You always hear- its all about "who you know"... But I find its really so much more than this. In the cases of my three mentors, I feel I could call them up at anytime, if need be, but when you work in tandem to the success of one another- that's where the magic happens.
So for those wondering how to start this whole mentoring deal, this is my advice:
A word of caution- Your mentor does have a busy life, like all of us. I would suggest keeping communication to the scheduling of your appointments and within your appointments. There have been occasions that something of a game changer was coming into play for me, and then I would just email my mentor for their advice. Keep these to a minimum as to not become a burden.
One of the things I most look forward to is my graduation, and how I will plan to incorporate my mentors into that special day. A successful life is certainly not a fully independent life, but one that reflects the conjoined efforts of a small community. To my husband, my mentors and my family I dedicate this final homestretch of my MBA.
My second mentor was Dr. Edna Rehbein. She's the Director of the Texas State University campus in Round Rock. As I began to understand more of what leadership looks like as a woman, she tutored me, and continues to provide excellent guidance and counsel. Thanks to her, I have found valuable ways to give of my time, including my service on the Round Rock Chamber Board. I'm learning so much still from the directions she has helped point me, and I am so thankful for the trailblazer she is.
I had lunch with my third mentor today. A departure from the realm of females, Scott Alarcon is a dynamic leader, and his engaging mentorship is really challenging me to new levels. Each time Scott and I meet we review the "homework" from our previous meeting. Assignments have included a 3-5 year plan and measurable goals, reading The Complete Idiot's Guide to Robert's Rules of Order in preparation of my first Chamber Board experience, and more. He's taught me the value of assertiveness, and our brains just operate in a systems and relational strategy.
Being a first born, I've often had to just figure things out for myself, but having someone like these mentors really helps pave the way to know what to expect and the best roads to travel. Pairing mentorship with my MBA is like the 1-2 punch. I'm learning business strategy, learning how to manage operations and technology, but then there's this guide to help you know how to really use this material in the everyday world. Given that I'm highly relational, take this with a grain of salt, but I really see mentorship as the catalyst to an MBA education. You always hear- its all about "who you know"... But I find its really so much more than this. In the cases of my three mentors, I feel I could call them up at anytime, if need be, but when you work in tandem to the success of one another- that's where the magic happens.
So for those wondering how to start this whole mentoring deal, this is my advice:
- Determine where you are, and where you need to go
- Find someone in your life that has that type of specialty (ie. my first year, I needed practical guidance, so I brought on a Life Coach, the second year, I faced my first issues with a glass ceiling, and so I sought a successful woman in a traditional men's business, this last year- well there's just something I identified in how purposeful my third mentor is, and I knew I needed his sharpening to become the person God's calling me to be)
- Approach your mentor by email with the idea, so they really have time to carefully consider the opportunity
- In your email- outline what you are looking for in a mentor, how often you would like to meet, and for what duration. My current mentor and I meet generally once a month for about an hour and a half, and we are slated to maintain our current schedule through the finish of my MBA.
- State that the onus of scheduling the meetings will be your responsibility, if they will just make an effort to make it happen
- You can also let them know, that should they agree, you will provide them with greater details. You kinda already need to let them know what your goal is, but when you follow up, you can provide info like top 3 strengths and weaknesses, and top areas you would like to develop.
A word of caution- Your mentor does have a busy life, like all of us. I would suggest keeping communication to the scheduling of your appointments and within your appointments. There have been occasions that something of a game changer was coming into play for me, and then I would just email my mentor for their advice. Keep these to a minimum as to not become a burden.
One of the things I most look forward to is my graduation, and how I will plan to incorporate my mentors into that special day. A successful life is certainly not a fully independent life, but one that reflects the conjoined efforts of a small community. To my husband, my mentors and my family I dedicate this final homestretch of my MBA.
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