2nd year MBA

We’re about a month into the semester, but I could tell the first week of class this year is completely different. The main difference is our classes. Last year, our cohort was together for 15+ hrs per week because we were in every single class together. Only small exception was second semester, we were able to choose a concentration class. This semester we are all together for about 3 hours a week.

Another huge difference is the group structure. Over half the groups from first year have split up or lost a few people which will change the entire dynamic of the group. We also worked with the same group the entire year, and this year I have 4 different groups. Working with 4 completely different groups is a very different experience. In the same group, we would have standing meetings every week and go over multiple projects and classes. Now, I have to work around 15 different schedules.

 This semester is also very concentration specific. I’m in 3 marketing classes, and only 1 core class. All the core classes are extremely important and provide us a basic knowledge of the subject. However, this semester is a little more interesting because its directly related to the field where I’d like to work.

 

Some would argue this as good or bad, but I also only have 1 exam this semester. And its next week. Every class has a huge project, but no final exams to study for. I know I'll be glad when I don't have to spend 20+ hours studying for 3-4 exams in December!

Week 2 Down!

After 2 weeks of class, I can already tell this semester is going to be insanely hectic! Going with the motto Work Hard, Play Hard, we have a lot of fun things planned in between the madness: a long weekend in Miami, Spring Break CRUISE to the Bahamas, a few beach trips and Beach Music Festival just to name a few!

We have 5 pretty intense classes this semester: Management of Technology, Managerial Finance, Marketing, Product & Brand Management and Operations & Supply Chain. It’s similar to first semester in that most of the classes and times are set for us. We do have one elective to start our individual concentrations and since my concentration is Marketing, I picked Product & Brand Management. My ultimate goal is to be a Brand Manager for a luxury or consumer product company, so I’m really excited for this class. We have to build a marketing plan in this class, so I’m excited to start working on that.

So far, Marketing is probably my favorite class. Now I say that before we’ve really had many assignments to turn in, but I’ve really enjoyed the class discussions and material we’ve gone over. I’m actually getting ready to start our first assignment...shows I actually took my own advice to get work done on Fridays!

The big new thing this semester is CASE STUDIES. We have a lot of them. As in roughly 25...mainly in Marketing and Brand Management, so that in itself will keep me super busy. Then there’s Finance. Not my favorite class in undergrad, so I’m hoping this time around it’ll be a little better! So far I really like our professor, and she really seems to want us to learn and understand the material. The basis of our Technology class is a HUGE project where we start with a raw technology and come up with a business plan to develop it into an actual product. Finally we have Supply Chain. I have a feeling I’ll have to work a little harder in this class because I’m way more of a creative person, then analytical/see how something works kinda person. But that’s what business school is about-pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and broadening your horizons to make yourself more well rounded and successful in the business world!

Registering for Classes

Class registration started this week on Tuesday @ 8am. Registering this semester was a breeze compared to undergrad for numerous reasons. The obvious being of our 6 classes, 5 were already chosen for us. All we had to do was pick 1 elective to add to the set schedule. Per the 2^nd years’ advice, I signed up for Product Brand Management class on T/Th. I was told it was a good class to mix in with the hectic second semester, and it sounds like an interesting class. Our class will be split up for the elective, but I know a lot of us chose the Brand Management class!

The new registration system was new to me. Now, we can register for a “wish list” before the actual registration starts. So on the day of registration, you’re not scrambling around entering class numbers and trying to find the time that you originally wanted.

Undergrad was a whole different ballgame. We used to wake up at 7:30 to make sure we signed in right when the clock turned to 8:00. A limited number of people could log in at once, and we didn’t want to wait in line. None of our classes were selected for us so it was a fight to get into the class you wanted at the best times.

The wish list would have made my life so much easier trying to register for classes in undergrad! Next semester, I will have more control over my schedule/times so the wish list will be a great tool to help me keep everything straight before registration.