Last week we had our first quiz of the quarter, we handed in our first case assignment, and now it is starting to pick up again. Its hard to believe that it is February, students are starting to plan for Spring break and its 30% of the way through the quarter. People are thinking about the summer, thinking about next year, curious about how the class selection process goes and how to get involved in next years student clubs. The funny thing is, we are all thinking about 4 and 8 months away, when we can't pay attention to today.
We have a great selection of classes, some more interesting than others, but so far, I have thought that Rotman sets the the bar high. My east favorite class, is pretty much better than most of the undergrad classes I ever took. But we still can't get motivated. Great professors, fun classes, and a much better foundation of friendship with your classmates. But that pretty much means that we are getting along, wanting to head out on Tipsy Tuesday (they make a stunning comeback in January after disappearing for the fall semester) and enjoying the odd night out on the weekend.
Here's to hoping that we get the energy going again and get back in the game! Its only four weeks til finals! (I swear the time goes so fast: its a coin toss between I have been here for only 5 months and I can't remember life before MBA school!)
Monday, February 1, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Econ & all that.
Turns out that macroeconomics, is still well, macroeconomics. In the past 3 months, prepping for finance interviews, reading the paper, trying to figure out what the heck happened in the past few years with the financial crisis, and what we hope is the early stages of global economic recovery.
Some of my friends and classmates will say "no way," or present logical arguments as to why we are looking at the second half of a "W." I still go with the too often used "cautiously optimistic" because it's the most well rounded story, and for the purpose of interviews, it matched my stock pitch.
BUT, in all of this, I was hoping that taking Macroeconomics would be exciting, interesting, digging into the heart of the Canadian economy, and the impact of interest rates, and commodity prices. While we have touched on some of that stuff, our text book is still computing the CPI using a basket of goods that includes hot dogs and hamburgers.
I completely understand the need to simplify some of the components to clearly explain. But any chance we could ask for something a little more realistic? Even if they simply switch to Sushi & Starbucks, its a little more indicative of what we are dealing with today. I suppose some folks would say "well starbucks wasn't around 20 years ago to make a real relevant comparison... and to them I think I say... embrace the chaos! Accept that there are changes! Today you need to include the cost of a computer in a typical consumers 'basket of goods' how do you account for the 1980 equivalent of that?
That is my Macroeconomics rant for the day. Perhaps it is because Q3 is very difficult to get motivated to do work. Students are in one of two boats right now. Either they have a job through highly competitive campus recruiting, or personal contacts they lined up on their own, or they are still looking for summer options. Either way it is very difficult to make class a number one priority. Nothing like a quiz to bring us back to reality....
Some of my friends and classmates will say "no way," or present logical arguments as to why we are looking at the second half of a "W." I still go with the too often used "cautiously optimistic" because it's the most well rounded story, and for the purpose of interviews, it matched my stock pitch.
BUT, in all of this, I was hoping that taking Macroeconomics would be exciting, interesting, digging into the heart of the Canadian economy, and the impact of interest rates, and commodity prices. While we have touched on some of that stuff, our text book is still computing the CPI using a basket of goods that includes hot dogs and hamburgers.
I completely understand the need to simplify some of the components to clearly explain. But any chance we could ask for something a little more realistic? Even if they simply switch to Sushi & Starbucks, its a little more indicative of what we are dealing with today. I suppose some folks would say "well starbucks wasn't around 20 years ago to make a real relevant comparison... and to them I think I say... embrace the chaos! Accept that there are changes! Today you need to include the cost of a computer in a typical consumers 'basket of goods' how do you account for the 1980 equivalent of that?
That is my Macroeconomics rant for the day. Perhaps it is because Q3 is very difficult to get motivated to do work. Students are in one of two boats right now. Either they have a job through highly competitive campus recruiting, or personal contacts they lined up on their own, or they are still looking for summer options. Either way it is very difficult to make class a number one priority. Nothing like a quiz to bring us back to reality....
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Weekend
I have this problem whereby I think my weekends are my own, and I haven't gotten any work done. Despite the fact that I have a paper due on Monday, and a good stack of readings for class that needs to be completed. But somehow, I reasoned that sleeping in, playing ultimate frisbee, making spaghetti and taking a nap were all necessary Saturday activities. I guess there is a theory that there is always tomorrow.
This is an interesting time at Rotman, the students break into groups according to their preferred career path, and then break into groups based on their level of success. I don't know what it is, or what part of human nature drives it but it's there. I hope that soon enough we'll all have amazing summer jobs lined up and be packing our bags for somewhere hot and sunny... or if the boys have their way, a ski trip. But in either event, I think a break is overdue and so trying to make up for a lot of work and very little play in the first two quarters at MBA school by going out for the 3rd... maybe 4th? Time this week!
Nothing but good times ahead & best of luck to everyone in recruiting mode!
This is an interesting time at Rotman, the students break into groups according to their preferred career path, and then break into groups based on their level of success. I don't know what it is, or what part of human nature drives it but it's there. I hope that soon enough we'll all have amazing summer jobs lined up and be packing our bags for somewhere hot and sunny... or if the boys have their way, a ski trip. But in either event, I think a break is overdue and so trying to make up for a lot of work and very little play in the first two quarters at MBA school by going out for the 3rd... maybe 4th? Time this week!
Nothing but good times ahead & best of luck to everyone in recruiting mode!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Recruiting week
So by now the 2nd years (next year that will be us) and the CCC have told us 100 times or more that there is no time to get prepared for interviews in January and you have to do it earlier. I am here to tell you that.... its true!
The one caveat is that you may spend a lot time preparing and not necessarily get an interview. BUT that is why this is a package deal. Prepare by working hard, keeping your grades up, (ESPECIALLY in your related classes) and network with people. Visibility is important. If they see you coming a mile away and they like you, your resume will simply be more likely to get looked at.
Also by this week when applications are due. Have all your documents ready and waiting. The truth is there isn't enough time to prepare, sleep, do documents etc.
They get 100 applicants and sometimes only interview 4 or 5. All depends on how many jobs they are posting for - often only 1 or 2.
This little rant is brought to you by Katie saying - people prepare!!! And if you are lucky enough to get an interview - don't complain about how much prep you have to do to get it done. There are 99 people waiting to take your interview slot.
Anyhow - that's all she wrote....
The one caveat is that you may spend a lot time preparing and not necessarily get an interview. BUT that is why this is a package deal. Prepare by working hard, keeping your grades up, (ESPECIALLY in your related classes) and network with people. Visibility is important. If they see you coming a mile away and they like you, your resume will simply be more likely to get looked at.
Also by this week when applications are due. Have all your documents ready and waiting. The truth is there isn't enough time to prepare, sleep, do documents etc.
They get 100 applicants and sometimes only interview 4 or 5. All depends on how many jobs they are posting for - often only 1 or 2.
This little rant is brought to you by Katie saying - people prepare!!! And if you are lucky enough to get an interview - don't complain about how much prep you have to do to get it done. There are 99 people waiting to take your interview slot.
Anyhow - that's all she wrote....
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
MBA Games
Now that we have had a full week intensive classes, on negotiations, an all around interesting course and good way to ease back into school after the holidays, a few members of our class decided to go to Quebec city to attend the MBA Games. This was the first time Rotman has attended in a few years, and I believe we put in a good showing. There is lots of room for improvement and hope that another contingent goes next year to build tradition.
The games consist of Academics, Athletics and Spirit components, with several events in each, and provide a fantastic bonding experience. While there is lots of opportunity to meet other students from different Canadian MBA Programs, I most enjoyed doing something that was all fun & games with my classmates.
The intensity and rigorous demands of the MBA Program at Rotman, mean that you will spend at lot of time at school and get to hang out with your classmates in the library, however this was a rare opportunity to spend a full 72 hours not focusing on school but rather on fun!
The one thing I recommend to future coordinators is to plan further ahead! A 9 hour bus drive is not fun, anyway you slice it!
This week is recruiting week and applications are mostly in, with interviews coming shortly! Will try to update more frequently once Q3 kicks off next week.
The games consist of Academics, Athletics and Spirit components, with several events in each, and provide a fantastic bonding experience. While there is lots of opportunity to meet other students from different Canadian MBA Programs, I most enjoyed doing something that was all fun & games with my classmates.
The intensity and rigorous demands of the MBA Program at Rotman, mean that you will spend at lot of time at school and get to hang out with your classmates in the library, however this was a rare opportunity to spend a full 72 hours not focusing on school but rather on fun!
The one thing I recommend to future coordinators is to plan further ahead! A 9 hour bus drive is not fun, anyway you slice it!
This week is recruiting week and applications are mostly in, with interviews coming shortly! Will try to update more frequently once Q3 kicks off next week.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Onward and Upward
Today I went up the CN Tower. What a spectacle! It was fantastic. Well, in as much as feeling vertigo and being reminded of my fear of heights and hate for all things out of my control are concerned. I mention this because it is the holidays, and I took a nice little vacation from the 16th to the 27th, and have since been easing myself back into work, when my family called to say they had a stopover in Toronto and would I like to join them for lunch I said "yes". Despite what everyone says, you cannot be too prepared, study study study over the holiday break, and get completely up to speed on everything! It is simply not possible to do it all, and it is the holidays so spend some time with family if you are lucky enough for them to be in town! Please!
Now, this will go back to my previous preachings on preparedness, which is front load, front load, front load! If you have been accepted into the school of your choice and have access to their vault guides, start reading now! Well at least next summer, cause by this time next year you will be up to your nose in vault guide and recruiting material and "have you done enough practice interviews" type prep work that will be ten times easier if you already know the vault guide inside out. You can of course make it work, but your life will be ten times easier if you are not reading the vault guide for the first time over the winter break.
Also - if you are a prospective Rotman student and plan to come here next year, please keep up all the involvement! We have reveled in an energized class that is going to the MBA Games in Quebec city for the first time in a few years, and I hope the incoming class, whomever they are are as interested and enthusiastic as my classmates have been.
With that I bid you farewell and a Happy New Year.
Recruiting week approaches soon, and I hope to be giving semi- regular updates here as to the activities and excitement that we see unfold as we vie for interviews and positions at our desired firms, companies and banks over the coming weeks. Wish me luck! And good luck to all my fellow candidates!
Now, this will go back to my previous preachings on preparedness, which is front load, front load, front load! If you have been accepted into the school of your choice and have access to their vault guides, start reading now! Well at least next summer, cause by this time next year you will be up to your nose in vault guide and recruiting material and "have you done enough practice interviews" type prep work that will be ten times easier if you already know the vault guide inside out. You can of course make it work, but your life will be ten times easier if you are not reading the vault guide for the first time over the winter break.
Also - if you are a prospective Rotman student and plan to come here next year, please keep up all the involvement! We have reveled in an energized class that is going to the MBA Games in Quebec city for the first time in a few years, and I hope the incoming class, whomever they are are as interested and enthusiastic as my classmates have been.
With that I bid you farewell and a Happy New Year.
Recruiting week approaches soon, and I hope to be giving semi- regular updates here as to the activities and excitement that we see unfold as we vie for interviews and positions at our desired firms, companies and banks over the coming weeks. Wish me luck! And good luck to all my fellow candidates!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Class & finals
Finals are upon us. We have 3 down and 2 to go. One thing I learned this week, is that nothing is at it seems, and you don't have to out run the bear. Meaning that if you think you didn't do well on an exam, and everyone else agrees, you can rest a little easier. So don't let an upset on one exam, muck-up your ability to study for the next exam.
I believe that the last 10 minutes of our finance class should be immortalized as well. I won't spoil it, because I think everyone should hear it straight from the horses mouth. But our esteem professor, Kent Womack, wrapped up class with some life lessons, advice and well wishes that were profound but not preachy, interesting but not obscure and most importantly heartfelt. Relevant by default of coming from a teacher with years of industry experience.
The social aspect of school will be back in full force this Friday as the first years and second years (and hopefully some of the part time students) all head out for a night on the town to celebrate the end of the term.
I believe that the last 10 minutes of our finance class should be immortalized as well. I won't spoil it, because I think everyone should hear it straight from the horses mouth. But our esteem professor, Kent Womack, wrapped up class with some life lessons, advice and well wishes that were profound but not preachy, interesting but not obscure and most importantly heartfelt. Relevant by default of coming from a teacher with years of industry experience.
The social aspect of school will be back in full force this Friday as the first years and second years (and hopefully some of the part time students) all head out for a night on the town to celebrate the end of the term.
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