Final exams: late nights with lots of caffeine and snacks

Final exams week is here. I feel this fall semester just flew by me...and here I am getting ready to take my first finals in the graduate program in just a matter of hours. Surprisingly I'm not too terribly nervous. After a long weekend of late nights, study group meetings with classmates, lots of caffeine, and many snacks and candy wrappers, I feel confident I can do very well on my exams.

Throughout this semester though, I noticed a difference between when I was an undergraduate student and now. While in undergraduate school, there was a lot of memorization involved and one could cram in a lot of information right before the exam and forget it as soon as the exam was over. In addition, it was a lot easier to get distracted and procrastinate. However, graduate school is different: graduate school work requires you to always stay on top of your studies. You need to constantly be prepared for class by reading the case studies and completing all assignments before class. The class discussions then are more insightful and help you better understand and retain the new information, so when midterms and final exams come around, you already have a solid foundation about the subject matter at hand. In graduate school, you learn how to think critically and apply the concepts - principles that stick around long after the final exams are done.

Now it's time for me to get ready for my first graduate school final. Good luck to all the students (graduate and undergraduate) who are taking their final exams this week! :)

Thanksgiving Holiday...a time to be grateful, rest, and study!

At last, Thanksgiving break is here. For some, this means lots of hectic traveling, amazing food, and great company. For others, it’s that time of the year when friends and families gather around the dinner table to celebrate an important tradition in the American society. But for everyone, it’s the time of the year when we stop from our busy lives to reflect on the year that is about to end (very soon!) and extend our gratitude about the good (and sometimes the bad) things that have happened in our lives.

As I am waiting for my next flight to go visit my family, I start to reflect on how blessed I've been all my life. I have so many things to be grateful for…I don’t even know where to begin: I’m thankful for my family who has supported me on every level throughout my entire life; I’m blessed to have a number of amazing friends who I can count on no matter what; I’m thankful for the people who have entered in my life at one point or another and who have shaped me into the person I am today; I’m thankful for having a healthy life; I’m thankful for the opportunities I was blessed with (the ability to play tennis and travel around the world doing something I so much enjoy; the opportunity to work under the leadership of some amazing people from whom I learned so much about business and life; the opportunity to attend not one, but two very distinct and respectful universities in the US and get an education that I will carry with me throughout my entire life); and I’m thankful for the challenges I had to face as they made me a better stronger person.

Although I look forward to this mini vacation and spending time with my family, life as a graduate student requires you to be engaged in your school work even during this time. As a graduate student you cannot get away from your studies not even for a few days. I’m sure my classmates can agree with me on this part. As this semester is coming to an end, all the semester-long projects and papers are coming due and the final exams are creeping around the corner. I know I will use these days off to try to catch up not only on my sleep but, in between the copious meals, also on my studies. 

What are your plans for this Thanksgiving break?

What I like about my MBA program so far...

In August, I embarked on a journey of professional and personal development by pursuing my MBA at UNCC. And where did the time go? Many hours were spend studying, reading, writing papers, and doing homework but I'm not complaining because I loved every second of it.

Almost three months into the program, I can say that I made the right decision by attending UNCC. I find the classes challenging but these are challenges that you can overcome through hard work. The professors are pushing you to overcome your own limitations by exploring new ideas and thoughts that further develop you not only as a manager but also as a leader in your organization as well as your personal life. One of the things I enjoy the most is that as students we can customize our papers and projects to fit the areas we are passionate about. For example, in my Organizational Behavior class I will write my research paper on the gender gap within the management of sports organizations, while in my Service Operations class, together with my group, we will be able to do an in-depth study and analysis of a sports franchise in the Charlotte area. These types of assignments no only allow you the opportunity to network with people in the field (by playing the student card) but also develop your knowledge base about the field you aspire to work in one day.

As I mentioned before in a previous blog, my classmates have a very diverse cultural and professional background. I have learned so much in these past three months through my classmates' experiences. Most of my classes are case based and we have open discussions about different topics. It is extremely eye-opening to see how people with diverse backgrounds think about the same subject matter. A financial analyst, an engineer, an artist, and a former plant manager - they all have different perspectives and insights. As someone who doesn't have a lot of work experience in the business world, I was also able to expand my knowledge and understandings by listening to my classmates.

Although I might be a bit "biased," but I found the staff members in the Graduate Student Services office to go above and beyond to accommodate and help not only the current students but also any prospective students who are interested in attending the graduate programs in the Belk College of Business at UNCC. They are all very passionate about their work and understand that they are successful when their students succeed.

These are the things I like about my MBA program. What did/do you like most about yours?

Networking...with GBA

The Graduate Business Association (GBA) is a student-led organization within the Belk College of Business. Its main purpose is to provide networking and professional development opportunities to foster meaningful connections among master and doctoral candidates and the Charlotte business community. Although it is a fairly new organization, it started to gain ground among the Belk College of Business graduate students.

Yesterday evening, GBA hosted a networking event at Pisces Sushi Bar and Lounge. The event was a huge success. Over 35 graduate students and alumni came together to connect with each other, exchange ideas and thoughts, and enjoy the delicious food. I always enjoy attending these kinds of social networking events because it gives you the opportunity to meet new people, discover new interesting points of view, and open yourself to a whole new way of thinking. In addition to that, you build relationships and friendships that will become your "power ties."

When I first came for the MBA Preview Day last spring, I met Leticia Foster, the former GBA President. As she was talking to me about GBA, all I could think was: how can I join the organization? I learned from my undergraduate experience the importance and benefits of getting involved in different organizations, and I didn't hesitate at the opportunity to take part in GBA. And it was a great decision. I didn't know anyone in Charlotte before starting the MBA program. Attending the monthly GBA social networking events at Brixx and Pisces helped me get to know more people and feel more comfortable in the program. Less than two months in the program, and I already started to develop new friendships and professional connections with individuals interested in the same field of study as me. In addition, from the professional development networking seminar, I learned a lot of very useful lessons and tips, some of which I already shared in my previous blog entries.

I hope my experiences will inspire other graduate students to attend the GBA events and get involved. One of the great things about this organization is that it is student-led and any student can leave his/her mark on the organization by getting involved and taking the initiative to see an idea come to fruition. Needless to say, I look forward to participating in the upcoming events and workshops. :)

Fall Recess...

After two long stressful weeks of papers, presentations, and exams, it is time to enjoy a long fall break weekend. The Fall Recess provides the students with the opportunity to catch up on some much needed rest, get ahead on school work, and spend some time discovering the city and what all it has to offer.

As a newbie to the Charlotte area, this was the perfect opportunity to get in the car and explore Charlotte and the surrounding areas. After doing some research online, I found a list with 101 Things To Do in Charlotte. I'm an outdoor person so I didn't hesitate at the opportunity to visit the U.S. Whitewater Center first. Not only do they have a number of fun water activities but they also have great hiking and biking trails. My second outdoor adventure was visiting Lake Norman and the parks around it. The beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere became the perfect location for reading one of the books I have for school. My third outdoor adventure for the weekend was jogging along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. This trail provides an escape in the nature, without leaving the Uptown Charlotte limits. To satisfy my food curiosity, I visited the South End Food Truck Friday. This was my first encounter with food trucks and I must admit the delicious food made for an amazing experience.

Now that the weekend is over, it is back to the reality of being a full-time graduate student: finishing up homework assignments, reading articles and case studies, and studying the business fundamentals taught in class. Nonetheless, I look forward to being able to check off all 101 things to do in Charlotte by the time I graduate from the MBA program.

Making "Power Ties"

As international students, we are always focused on studying 24/7. In most cases, our cultural background influences us to follow down that path because we believe that is the ultimate way to land our dream job in the US. We are so blinded by this idea that we forget to step outside our "box" and build professional connection and relationships in our field of interest. In other words, we underestimate the power of networking.

The Graduate Student Services Office in collaboration with the Office of International Students and Scholars and the University Career Center put together an eye opening seminar about Finding Jobs in the USA for Students on Visas. A requirement to attending this seminar was reading Power Ties by Dan Beaudry. This book was written specifically for international students who are looking at obtaining a job in the US after graduation. Dan Beaudry highly encouraged everyone to start building professional relationships as early in their college/graduate life as possible. Although these "power ties" must be built through strategic outreach, they must be motivated by common interests and not money. This is the true key to networking.

Your question might be: how do I build those "power ties?" One important aspect is that you have to have a proactive approach to not only networking but also your job search. Having a presence on LinkedIn and other professional social media sites increases your visibility and your chances to reach out to others who might have the same professional interest as you. In addition, joining and getting involved with professional organizations in the industry of your interest will allow you to connect with the people who are currently working in that field and from whom you might be able to learn insightful information. However, when making these connections try to not only focus on your job search but also on more personal common interests. These connections could become your future referrals from inside the industry and "hiring based on the trusted opinion of the others is not only the oldest recruiting solution, it is still the best solution" (direct quote from Power Ties).

Sometimes taking these steps might be counter cultural to the way we were raised, but we need to understand the nature of the job search market in the US. There are many ways to find a job. You could look and apply on company websites, job search engines and so on. However, over half of the jobs out there are not posted on job sites or even on the company website. These jobs are all referral based. Thus, it is crucial to get to know the right people. However, even if you do know the right people, what do they know about you? This is when developing a niche for yourself is so important (not just technical niche, but personal as well). What will motivate the employer to hire you is your ability to solve business issue as well as your credibility, likeability, and helpfulness. Thus, you have to be able (and feel comfortable) talking about your past performances and show your “soft skills.”

From personal experience all this works! A few weeks ago, I was asked to participate in a charity pro-am and silent action event. Committing to such an event meant losing a day of studying before one of the hardest weeks of graduate school: a group project, a paper, and two exams. But taking the career advisors’ advice, I said yes. I was not only able to contribute to a great cause (cystic fibrosis) but also have the opportunity to meet and connect with a professional that is currently holding my dream job. By talking to her about our common interest (tennis, family values, international travel), I was able to establish the connection Dan Beaudry and the rest of the career advisers so strongly emphasized. In addition, she was able to offer me powerful tips that would help me in further shaping my career path. I could've chose to study that Saturday and completely missed an opportunity of a lifetime.

Hope this information will help others just as it helped me. Enjoy building your "power ties!"

Branding yourself...

As a very practical person, Denise Altman from Altman Initiative Group, Inc. wasted no time: "What does Walmart, Kia, Mercedes, and Ritz Carlton have in common?" was one of the first question she asked the MBAD 6100 students. And the answer was quite obvious: all these companies have a strong brand recognition and a very well defined target market. But what does all this have to do with us as MBA students? Well, similar to how these companies created a strong brand around their products and services, we, as future employees, have to develop our own brand recognition to enhance our career opportunities. We need to strategically utilize our education and experience obtained in the MBA program to develop our branding.

What does it mean to have a brand and be recognized by it? Do I currently have a brand that I'm unaware of? When people see me or my name, what exactly do they think of? Are their assumptions correct and in accordance to what I want to portray? These were all questions that popped up in my head and needed to find an answer ASAP.

As I was listening to Denise speak, I realized I need a change in  the way I approach my job search. It was one of those "AHA" moments. Something that was in front of me all this time but never saw it. I realized that in order to achieve my career objectives I needed to start thinking, behaving, and dressing up as the person I want to be and not what I am right now. All this while staying true to myself and my passions.

In order to create my own brand recognition, I have to evaluate myself from a few different perspectives.
1. Market. Walmart provides everyday low prices. Their target market is known to be consumers who are interested in value rather than quality. What is MY potential employers' market? Who do I want to notice me? Better yet, who do I want to work for? These are all great questions that I haven't fully tackled in the past. I was mostly going with the flow. But not anymore.

2. Features and Benefit. Ritz Carlton is known for its outstanding customer service that definitely comes at a premium price. The hotel chain's employees are trained to basically go out of their way to accommodate any requests the hotel guests might have. Ritz Carlton clearly defines its features and benefits. But do I have a clear understanding of the features and benefits required for my dream job? What qualities would the perfect candidate for this job have? What kind and how much experience would the perfect candidate have?

3. Competition. Since I am not the only one out there looking for a job, how does my competition look like? What are some of the buzzwords that everyone uses not only in their resumes but also in their interviews? When I present myself and my case, do I manage to stand out or do I fade in with the crowd? If I am unable to describe and understand my competition, then I won't be able to differentiate myself from it. To help us brainstorm some of our differentiation factors, Denise provided us with the following self-examining questions:
           1. What is/are your greatest accomplishment(s)?
           2. What is the best compliment your boss/supervisor said about your/your work?
           3. What is one word you would use to describe yourself?
           4. Fill-in the blank: "We can always count on (person in question) to _______"

4. Packaging. 7 seconds - that is all someone we just met needs to formulate an opinion about us. First impression is key when networking and meeting potential employers because it is easier to make a good first impression than have to alter someone's opinion of you later on. What is the first impression I currently make? Am I consistent in my behavior around others or do I send out mixed signals? Does my current "packaging" align with the specifics of my dream job? All great questions...but don't know the answer for all of them yet.

5. Distribution. In your current networking endeavors, are you participating in the right event/committees and/or reaching out to your actual target market? Is your target market noticing you? Denise provided the class with some great examples on how to get noticed without looking desperate: if you are currently looking for a job, you can join the professional associations affiliated with the industry you are interested in, or reach out to someone who is currently holding your dream job and ask them to grab a cup of coffee and find out what their job is all about, or, even better, ask someone to be your mentor; if you are currently holding a job, be proactive by joining different committees and/or volunteering for assignments you are interested in.

6. Pricing. We tend to associate Mercedes and Ritz Carlton with premium prices, while Walmart and Kia with value prices. Similarly, each of us has a price point associated with our brand: premium, value, average, discount. However, no one likes to think of themselves as having a price tag. I know I sure don't. But Denise made a great point: if you don't know your value and what you're worth, how will you be able to negotiate your future salary/promotion? When developing a personal brand, it's important to adjust your target price to match your own specific brand.

7. Tagline. Probably the most important aspect of them all because it has to be consistent with all the other aspects I just mentioned. In addition, it has to be concise and encompass what you are all about. Similar to an elevator speech, it has to describe you and provide a positive long lasting impression on the listener. Before I can even begin to think about my tagline, I need to figure out the answers to all those other questions above.

Having this class so early in my MBA program was an eye-opener. Before this course, I thought I knew myself pretty good but I definitely need to do some more soul searching and really define who I am first before I can develop a strong brand for myself.

Hopefully, this information provided to us by Denise Altman and my own reflections will help you enhance your personal branding and increase your marketability. Remember, everyone has a brand of their own. You too have that differentiation factor that will distinguish you from your job market competition. In the mean time, enjoy your self-discovery journey...I know I will enjoy mine!

First week of graduate school

The excitement of the first week of graduate school has built up for quite some time...and I was ready for my first classes to start. I registered for 4 classes and a seminar and, this being my first semester in graduate school, I didn't know what to expect. As I was going through the syllabus for each class, I noticed the amount of reading/homework we would have and that made me a little nervous that I would not be able to keep up with the program. However, as the first classes rolled around and I came prepared to class, my fears slowly faded away. I found the professors to be extremely versatile in their subjects and willing to work with the students in their learning curves to accomplish the course objectives. In all my classes, there is a great emphasis on group discussions and group projects. Learning how to work in teams is imperative in the current business world. In all my classes, we have case studies discussions and hands-on projects that will help me develop the mindset needed to perform in a managerial position.

Probably one thing I found striking was how diverse my classes were. Although I'm originally from Romania, I graduated from a school in Alabama where everyone had fairly similar backgrounds and experiences. All my current classmates come from a variety of professional backgrounds (from architects to financial analysts to former CEOs). In addition, everyone adds to the multicultural educational atmosphere with their own unique heritage and ethnical background. I have classmates who are from other parts of the US (California, Florida, Texas, Connecticut) while others come from all corners of the world (Denmark, Germany, India, Japan, China, and Mexico). In addition, many of my classmates either lived or studied abroad at one point in their lives. I look forward to learning more about and from my classmates. Their own experiences and perspectives will challenge and broaden my own views and make me a better person.

I look forward to see what the upcoming weeks bring...till then...I'm going back to my homework! :)
Wish everyone an exciting week!

MBA students taking notes during their first class meeting

Poverty Simulation Orientation Fall 2012

As part of the mandatory Belk College of Business graduate student orientation, the students registered for MBAD 6100 class had to participate in the Poverty Simulation program coordinated by Daniel Valdez, the Volunteer Manager for Crisis Assistance Ministry. Being a first year graduate student, I had to take part in this simulation exercise. And I must admit it was one of the most eye-opening experiences I have ever been through. The exercise, although funny at times, gave me a different perspective and outlook on life and how fast things can change in one’s life due to unforeseeable circumstances. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunities I had in life. My parents have been very conservative with their finances and, although we did not live in any luxury, they were able to provide for me everything I needed in order to succeed in my tennis endeavors and more recently in my education pursuit. However, in all this time, I never thought of scenarios where I would have to face poverty, living paycheck to paycheck and trying to make ends meet. We tend to think that if we have a bachelor's or, better yet, a master's degree we will be immune to any economic hardships; unfortunately, the reality is much different.

Within the Poverty Simulation, I was assigned the character of Ms. Chen, a working mother of three (ages 8, 10, and 16). My husband was laid off three months prior and our sixteen year old daughter was a few months pregnant with one of our neighbor’s son. We lived in a three bedroom/two bathroom house. Since my husband was laid off (he was an IT specialist), we have been paying for some of our expenses with our credit cards that were already maxed out, with no real way to pay them off. In addition, my paycheck was not enough to cover all our monthly expenses. Thus, we were stuck.

Throughout the entire simulation, I felt very helpless when it came to aiding my family. Although I had a job, my monthly paycheck was not enough to keep my family and me alive. I was only able to provide food for my family two out of four weeks and, at the end of the fourth week, we were kicked out of our house for not paying our mortgage. The community we lived in had only one bank and one grocery store for which the waiting lines were unbearable. The social services organizations were always packed and they were very limited in the amount of help they could provide. To top that, I did not get to spend one minute with my children. I felt very helpless when I would get home at the end of the week and the children would need money for field trips or different events they would want to participate in with their classmates at school, and I could not offer them that opportunity. This situation affected me the most because, in real life, I would be completely devastated if I would not be able to provide for my children and offer them experiences that would enrich their lives.

If you ever have the opportunity, I highly encourage you to participate in a Poverty Simulation. It will make you see the world through a different set of eyes!

My road trip to the MBA program at UNCC

About a year ago, I started exploring the idea of going to graduate school. There were many unknowns at the time but the two things I was sure about were that I wanted to stay in the US and I wanted to pursue a MBA with a concentration in the sports industry. One day, one of my former professors and mentors mentioned Charlotte, NC and UNCC as an option. I have to admit, I didn't know much about Charlotte nor UNCC. After researching the city and the graduate programs UNCC has to offer, I decided to go one step further and begin the application process. I didn't realize the impact my professor's advice had on my future until I came to Charlotte for the first time, for the MBA Preview Day. It was love at first sight: the program offered the degree I was looking, in a flexible format; the classes were taught downtown (in the business district) which offered numerous networking and internship opportunities; the administration staff, faculty, students, and alumni were extremely friendly and eager to help you succeed from the beginning; and, the city fit perfectly with my European life-style. I had a very easy decision to make and I was extremely happy to get accepted into the MBA program. After a few months of dealing with the international paperwork and looking for a place to live, I moved to Charlotte. I found the city to be better than expected and I look forward to discovering new things about it every day. In addition, I'm impatiently awaiting to begin my graduate student life and take my first graduate classes.

View of Uptown Charlotte from the UNCC Center City Building

Finals Week

Today marks the first day of finals for UNC Charlotte students. You will find students in the library, empty classrooms, and even on the lawn cramming a semester's worth of material into their brains.

Some tips I would like to share for Finals preparation are:

1. Eat well. Your body and brain in particular needs fuel to retain information.

2. Water. Drink plenty of water in the midst of your caffeine intake.

3. Make sure to take breaks in between studying. This gives your brain the opportunity to process the information.

4. Rest. 1-2 hours of sleep is not the minimum that your body needs to function properly. Granted, I do understand that 8 hours might be a tad bit unrealistic given the circumstances but make sure to rest.

Well those are my 4 tips! Have a great weekend and good luck with finals!

Sixteen Days!

Sixteen days until graduation! It is something that I truly cannot believe. It is a day that I'm looking forward to but I must say I've enjoyed every day leading up my MBA program's culmination. What matters is not how long it took me to complete the program but how did I take advantage of this time. How did I network with colleagues to nurture relationships to extend post graduation? How did I leverage my classroom knowledge in my internship? My answer: Maximized every second of the day.

See to me it is more than just the degree. It is about what you have truly gained from the program beyond just book knowledge. Of course, The Belk College armed me with the crucial marketing tools for my chosen career path. I have gained an extra level of confidence with this knowledge to be successful in upcoming career projects.

Also, The Belk College of Business has allowed me to push myself to "new" limits in a professional manner. I was once the individual who did not like networking events. However through encouragement and several meetings, I realized that my success depends on networking. Most importantly, I learned that comfort with networking comes with time and practice. So that is what I set out to accomplish. Now I am new born believer in networking!

Just a little snapshot as I reflect on the past two years.   Happy weekend!

Congratulations GBA!

This week, UNC Charlotte's student organizations office announced the nominees for the excellence awards. The Student Organizations Excellence awards recognizes the accomplishments of student organizations, leaders, and advisers at UNC Charlotte.  For the first time, the Graduate Business Association was nominated for outstanding graduate organization.

The Graduate Business Association experienced a phenomenal year in the last ten months. One can see and feel the strength of the Belk College of Business' internal network across graduate programs. Through their monthly networking events, the GBA has created a brand among colleagues, faculty, and alumni. As the school year comes to a close and new officers transition, GBA's energy and enthusiasm continues among the student body. This is such a great accomplishment and achievement for not only the GBA members but to the entire Belk College of Business Community.

We wish the GBA good luck at the upcoming awards ceremony which will be held on Monday, April 23 @ 5pm.

Have a great week. :-)

Finding Your People

The Graduate Business Association is a growing student organization under the Belk College of Business. The student organization boasts over 50 active members. The GBA's membership base includes students from our MBA, MACC, MAFI programs; however participants represent all graduate programs within the BCOB. The organization is a great way for students to develop their skills professionally but also to increase the bond of our internal graduate community. This past weekend, the GBA announced the 2012-2013 leadership. The leadership team includes individuals from a very diverse background which marries perfectly with the organization's goals and objectives. 

The Graduate Business Association is yet just one of many professional organizations throughout the Charlotte community. As a graduate business student, membership in one or multiple organizations of interest is crucial to maintain a diverse network. Membership is not just something to list on your resume but can also be a talking point or a link to an executive or a company of interest. As Robin Boswell, Director of Graduate Career Development, says. "Find Your People."

"Finding Your People" allows an individual to develop their resource foundation. Your network is not only resourceful for job connections but also general career advice. I use my network to navigate my way through management. I constantly relay my thoughts and ideas to gain criticism, feedback, and insight. The objective conversations help me to mold a "model" that works best for my work style.

Remember "Finding Your People" is an organic process. Start small and it will grow. Have a great weekend!

Fall Registration

UNC Charlotte Computer Classroom/Lab

As the week nears an end, students begin to make final adjustments to their Fall 2012 schedules. This is a moment of nostalgia for me. I remember the concern of being at the computer at exactly 11am to furiously type in the course codes. Most importantly, who can forget the moment when we all "held our breaths" after hitting the submit button hoping that we do not see the infamous RED error message.

As I approach the end of my UNC Charlotte's MBA program, I take a moment to reflect on my program's course schedule. My    two-year program went by quickly but was filled with numerous educational, professional, and personal experiences. Taking the time to meet with Jeremiah Nelson, Director of Graduate Business Programs, was critical to my success here in the MBA program. I was able to map out my education foundation and pair my courses with my career aspirations. Of course, this foundation changed and evolved of course as the months progressed due to time conflicts and  perquisite requirements, however the groundwork was set.

 Remember the faculty and professors are here to not only teach but to support. Reach out. Discuss your objectives. Then listen to the BCOB's feedback.

Good luck students on Monday! Happy Weekend!

Let the Games Begin

Today at noon, the NCAA community said "Let the Games Begin." For those not familiar with NCAA sports, today marks the first day of the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball tournaments. The excitement is in the air for current students, alumni, and the general community to rally behind their schools and favorite Division I leagues.

Even though UNC Charlotte was not chosen on Selection Sunday,March 11, the excitement is still in the air. UNC Charlotte has officially signed its 26th signee for inaugural football class and hired three to its staff. (To learn more visit. UNC Charlotte 49er Football ).  In addition to the growing team and respective coaching staff, the construction of our 15,000 seat stadium  remains "full speed ahead." To see live coverage of construction Click Here.

May the best team win. Have a great week!

Spring Break Rejuvenation

Spring is in the air. Tomorrow marks the beginning of Spring Break for Belk College of Business graduate students. Spring Break is the time to reflect on the first half of the semester.  The week-long vacation signals the midpoint of the semester and the final lap for those graduating in the Spring.

For those graduating student, spring break is a time to reflect on the his/her respective graduate program, academic accomplishments and achievements made throughout the year. Also it is a time to assess the relationships forged among students and business professionals in the Charlotte area. For others it might be ideal to fine-tune their resume, elevator speech, and/or networking skills to land that post-graduate job.

The key to Spring Break is rest and relaxation. It is important that we rest and take care of our mind and body. I will admit at times I forget to adopt this behavior myself; however taking the time to take care of your body is the rejuvenation needed to excel for the remainder of the semester. Especially given the fact that students have completed numerous project deadlines as well as midterms  in the last two weeks. Whether you take a day off, read a book, or enjoy your favorite hobby...make sure you REST!!! 

Happy Break!

MY Top 10

This week, I decided to try a different format for my blog. I wanted to share with you all  my top 10 reasons I am proud of my MBA program at UNC Charlotte.

1. Faculty and staff's dedication to students. Professors are truly invested in Belk College of Business students' success.
2. Students' drive.  Students are not inhibited to fill a "need". They feel the support of the Belk College of Business to pursue various endevaors and potential opportunities.
3. Belk College of Business brand.
4. Diversity of Student body (i.e. education, career experience, and demographics)
5. Socratic in-classe discussions.
6. Application based learning.
7. Value of degree exceeds the financial sacrifice to complete program.
8. Leadership opportunities.
9. The Graduate Business Association
10. Last but not least the degree!!!

Have a great weekend!

The Next Steps

Last week, I shared some strategies in regards to preparation for the job search. Now that you have the interview...what is next? How do you prepare for the 60-minute conversation? Check out my thoughts below:

1. Research: Your knowledge of the company is critical to the success of the interview. Prior to interviews, I try to read at minimum a year's worth of company press releases and other related published material. If you know the name of your interviewers, it is a good idea to research their profiles on Linkedin. Make sure to research within your network. You may have a contact that can be a resource on the company of interest.
2. Appearance: First impressions are lasting impressions. The first 10 seconds of an introduction can set the stage for the remaining 60 minutes of your interview. Remember to dress business professional. Business Attire Suggestions
3. Portfolio: It may sound trivial but make sure you have several copies of your resume. From my experience, it has been helpful to bring copies of class projects as an example of my skill sets to present to my interviewers.
4. Questions: The rule of thumb is to have at least 3 questions that you feel cannot be answered via the website or through additional secondary research. I use this opportunity to probe about company culture, obtain a better understanding of day-to-day operations and use the information to pair along with my personal company objectives.
5. Follow -Up: It is critical to remind your potential employer why you are the best candidate within 24 hours of the interview. Remind the interviewer(s) why you chose the company, job position and how your skill set can be more than just an asset to the company but to the bottom line. The lasting impression is not just in the interview itself but in the follow-up correspondence. (In my opinion, it is a display of one's character). 

I hope you find these tips helpful. Until next week...Have a great weekend!

The Internship/Job Maze

It is that time of the year, where students begin to ponder summer plans. Will I study abroad and hone in on a particular business skill or will I use this opportunity to hone my skill through an internship? It is one of the "hot" questions here at the Belk College of Business. Students begin to polish and dust the cobwebs from their resume and cover letters to attract interest from their company list.

As a second year MBA student, I would love to share some advice in getting your foot in the door.

1.  Start early: Do not... I repeat DO NOT wait until the end of March to begin your search. It is imperative given the increased competition and current state of the job market, to plan early!
2. Research: Create a list of five industries of interest. From this, write a list of pros and cons of why this industry interests you. This list will become the foundation in regards a company list.
3. Network: Talk to professors in regards to your career interests. Listen to his/herfeedback and inquire about contacts he/she may have that can assist in your job search. Talk to friends and family. You never know who he/she may  know as well. If you are on Linkedin, research the company(s) of interest to see if you have know any current contacts.  This step is important to learn more about the company and position. This can also assist with eliminating and/or elevating a position(s).
4. Polish: In the meantime, make sure you polish your resume. Feel free to submit your resume to your career coach or to UNC Charlotte's Director of Graduate Professional Development, Robin Boswell. Robin gives EXCELLENT and candid feedback.
5. Practice: Practice your 30 second elevator speech. What do you want people to remember that is not explained in your resume. If you do have an interview, schedule a mock interview with UNC Charlotte's Career Center.

These are just some thoughts and ideas. Good luck! Have a great week!

An Eye Opener!

Monday, the U.S. paid homage to the leader of the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King. Across the country, numerous non-profit organizations hosted volunteer opportunities for their citizens to give back to the communitym Charlotte included. This Monday, Hands On Charlotte, a local non profit organization hosted its 2nd annual MLK forum. The forum introduced the Charlotte community to a handful of local non profit's and health professionals from Carolinas Healthcare System.

In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King's efforts and diligence towards civil rights, the Belk College of Business Graduate Business Association volunteered with the Poverty Simulation. The Poverty Simulation conducted by the Crisis Assistance Ministry located in Uptown Charlotte.  The simulation allows participants to act as a service provider or a family. It is crucial that I repeat that this was a simulation not a game. The simulation forces individuals to become cognizant and sensitive to those in poverty needs. My role in the simulation was a banker. It was difficult at first to assume the role but quickly I began to "fill" my position. I began to feel the families' frustration who simply wanted to cash their checks in order to pay necessary bills and feed their families. I felt the frustration of the families who received less from their checks due to outstanding loans and fees.

My take-away from the experience was that you do not have to be unemployed to face poverty. One can have a steady job and income but face challenges to provide the basic necessities for his/her family.

Courtnee Spence, a first year MBA student and participant, summarizes "The poverty simulation was truly a rewarding experience. Prior to the simulation, I assumed education was the only factor that contributed to poverty. This experience made me aware of a number of factors that make poverty cyclical within families. I learned so much about the struggles that both working and unemployed people face to provide the basic needs for their families. I believe all students can gain valuable life lessons from this program."

Click the link to read more: MLK Forum-Poverty Simulation Feedback

If you organization would like to participate in this event, please contact Crisis Assistance Ministry.

Have a great weekend!

Welcome to 2012!

As Winter Break began to wind down, The Graduate Business Programs office worked steadily to prepare for the upcoming Spring 2012 Orientation. This past Friday, the Center City Building opened its doors to a wave of new students across the four programs. Approximately, 60 students participated in the orientation, speaker event, and orientation. The three hour event consisted of a brief orientation acclimated students to the Belk College of Business.

This semester's speak was John Owens, CEO of Ameritrust. John Owens is a fellow UNC Charlotte alum and entrepreneur based here in the Charlotte area.
Culture was the theme for this semester's orientation. John explained through numerous personal and business examples the importance of culture on success. Culture is a shared belief system that drives a company's value system. It is a notion that at times, I forget is the foundation of a company beyond profitability.

As as second year student, it was refreshing to hear the importance of integrity. I believe that integrity at times is a characteristic that "flies" under the radar. Yet it is a characteristic that allows individuals to rise above failure and reinforce the importance of a personal value system as well. John Owens delivered great insight to our incoming Spring 2012 class.

Welcome Back Students!!!!