Holding on for Dear Life

The last two weeks have been intense. I don't even know where to start, last week seems like a year ago and the week before (gala, etc. even longer!) Finals have been killer with the wrap up of my Tiffany & Co. brand valuation and recommendation, my market research analysis report, KIP presentation, Diesel brand valuation, CMA project work and an accounting final. Phew! Makes me tired to even write it out!

And it hasn't just been schoolwork tying me up; there has been volunteering, Kelley Women Speaker Series, Pilates, Yoga, Dinner with Friends, researching Japanese cooking at the Asian Cultural Center, Carnival, Kelley Women farewell dinner, blogging for school, and trying to have some semblance of a life (watching the Olympics with Charlton and the pets)

Both of us are really burnt out, was it possible to be more exhausted than when we were in Core?! Any 2nd year that said this would be easier was definitely lying.

So to try to make up for the torture of the last few weeks...I slept in (after having fallen asleep on the couch until 6 am), then I did a little research for CMA, made lunch, gave Addie a bath, did a little laundry, took Addie to the dog park and watched Public Enemies after picking up some Mexican food from La Torre.

I wish I could sit around all day tomorrow, but still have some laundry left to do and some reading for Academy Week 2 (ugh!) Can't wait for spring break in Israel.

Manic Monday

Day started at 6 when my Blackberry started chirping. *Time to get up!* I straightened my hair and then grabbed a few more minutes of sleep before stumbling out to the kitchen to feed Addie.

I grabbed my laptop and got to writing some emails while I watched the Golden Globes' Red Carpet (they were on Sunday?! Where have I been?!) I made a salad for lunch, packed it up and got a bunch of work done. Then off to school to start my marathon day.

Monday's are always packed, 3 classes my most all week. But on top of that I had 2 team meetings and an informational interview I did for a project. Kelley Women had a bunch going on today too, as our budget was due to MBAA and we are trying to update our website.

Tonight's KIP has been my favorite so far, we had a professor speak to us about the Israeli Special Forces and their selection process, so cool.

Didn't get home until 8ish or so and then it was time to catch up on emails and finish up a few projects. I have a bit more that I had wanted to get done but I am planning on getting up early again tomorrow...and the whole process starts all over again!

Weekend Recap

Friday: Was the kickoff of our CMA projects, mine is evaluating global entry for Kitchenaid brand. Very exciting stuff! My team had a little meet and greet to discuss questions we wanted asked and then we met with the other team working on the project to have a conference call with our project manager at Whirlpool. We have lots of information, and we can't wait to get started, too bad we have those pesky interviews in the way! After CMA I volunteered at the snack shack for the Kelley Women's Case Comp. I got to hang out with some classmates and attempt to do homework so not a bad gig. Although I didn't get to leave campus until 7, though. Then it was off to Target to get thank you notes for this week.

Saturday: All day spent studying and doing homework. At 5, headed to campus to watch Operation Thunderbolt with my KIP classmates. Then off to the IMU for the Case Comp awards dinner where Kelley took home 3rd and one classmate took home honorable mention for her part of the presentation! Good job ladies!

Sunday: More of the same, lots of accounting, lots of reading for our KIP. Also a little interview prep, but not too much as one of my favorite second years reminded me that I know what I am doing. Let's hope she is right. Charlton had a group project at 7, so I packed my bag and watched trashy tv and was in bed by 9:30.

Long day

So I didn't get to leave campus today until 8, and I got there at 9:30...what a day! First, I trucked across campus to pick up my SPSS software for my Market Research class. Was very glad the rain decided to come later, that's for sure. Then back at Kelley, I attempted to read for class and didn't get very far as I was talking to my classmates who were preparing for their first interviews on campus. Next up, Market Research where we talked about the 2 hour focus group video we watched on diagnosing allergies. Then straight to a planning meeting for the International Dessert Potluck we are co-hosting with Asian & Latin MBA. After that, a meeting to talk about my experiences at Qualcomm with an Investment Management Academy student who plans on pitching the stock for the fund the academy manages. Then a little more studying and talk about interviews (the hot topic of every first year these days) and then there was an MBAA funding and planning meeting. Once that wrapped up, I got debriefed on volunteering for Kelley's first Women's Case Invitational that my friends are competing in. After the quick debrief, it was off to the kick off reception in the basement catered by Good Life Culinary, which was absolutely delicious! Once the girls were all settled in their break out room, I finally left school and went to Target to get my thank you notes for next week. Finally collapsed on the couch around 9 to watch Martha and the office and get a snack. I have spent the last hour reading Market Research stuff and can hardly keep my eyes open. Need to get to bed, I have a big day tomorrow...CMA team project kick-off and a conference call with my project coordinator at Whirlpool.

MIA

When we were immersed in the Core all we heard was it would get better second semester. Well, now I am not so sure. My time seems even limited, and I only have 4 classes. But now I have 2 class teams so far, 1 academy team and then Kelley Women Exec activities taking up my time. Oh and don't forget mock interviews! I had 4 mock interviews and then a GCS sponsored slam-a-thon in the span of 3 days. And their not even over yet, I have another one already lined up for next week, and maybe an interview if I played my cards right.

The atmosphere at school has changed a lot too. Can't say they didn't warn us, that things would change once preference lists for companies came out and I definitely feel it. More competitive, a little jealousy, and a lot of people who are torn between being excited and being depressed. It's a weird time: new classes, new attitudes and new commitments.

Closing in

on what has been the most intense 16 weeks of my life. And because I am days away from being doesn't mean I can slack, I think I scheduled more stuff today than I have had in awhile. First up, Finance final. Didn't leave crying, but I think the other finals have made me dead to getting worked up. Then picked up my Accounting final from the MBA office, not stellar but not the worst grade in the class, something I have really had to get used to this semester.

Then the fun began...MOCKS! I had arranged back-to-back mocks with 2 second years that have a lot of knowledge about one of my top companies so they could coach me and help me shape my answers better. They went better than expected, have I really gotten better over the last 16 weeks with that too? Wow! Just have a few minor ticks I have to work on and need to polish up a couple answers. Interview stream here I come!

Next up, my transition meeting for Kelley Women. I sat down with the former VP and talked about the role and some of the challenges and things I will need to handle. Then a major data dump onto my jump drive so I am all set for next semester. Going to have to fly on my own as soon as I get back from break as she won't be back to Kelley until after Spring Break, must be nice to study abroad in Switzerland!

And then because I was dead, we headed to Target and then walked around the mall before heading to Bucceto's to grab a pizza. Since then I have gotten some gifts together to some of my favorite second years who have helped me out a lot and NOTHING! A girl needs to recharge her batteries so I don't crash and burn before Friday. Studying is what Thursdays are for!

Another one bites the dust!

So accounting is done. It was a brutal exam, with full financials to analyze from Dow Chemical. Fun!

After feeling like we had been through a meat grinder, Charlton and I headed to the Irish Lion for dinner (delicious!) and then to BluBoy Chocolate (okay)

I have spent the rest of the evening going through applications for committee chair positions for Kelley Women. I am so impressed with the backgrounds of all classmates, we have some tough choices to make!

Planning to go bed early again tonight, we have an exec meeting early tomorrow to finalize our decisions. Then time to kick it into high gear for Operations!

Another Day Down

I am that much closer to being done with the Core. Not sure how I feel about that though, there is something very comforting to show up to the same seat everyday surrounded by the same people. I am excited for all of the new classes next semester but I am going to miss all my Core professors. Especially Management! We had one of the best sessions today (our case was on AirAsia) and to close Professor Semandi had one of the most moving speeches I have heard, I was getting a little teary by the end. The whole class was really moved and gave him a standing ovation on top of our typical Kelley clap.

After class I had a quick trek meeting to try to get everything straightened out with the rest of the trek leaders, then Charlton and I headed out for lunch and to the grocery store to stock up for finals week. At the Kroger I had a total geek out moment when I say the Joy of Cooking line in the freezer section, we had done a case on it with Jewel-Osco during CMA week so it was interesting to see what Kroger chose to stock and where they placed it. You know you are a CMA'er when you get super excited about that kind of stuff.

Back at the house it was time to study, eat dinner, send emails and have phone interviews. Oh and find out I will be VP of Internal Affairs for Kelley Women! We had some great candidates running and I am really honored that I was selected, so excited to help lead the organization next year.

Almost done, so hard to believe it!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Our first real snow! Although exciting, and kind of fun to wake up to a snow fallen Bloomington quickly the logistics associated with it start running through your head: Walk Addie in the snow? Are the streets going to be plowed? Will they be salted? What is the traffic going to be like? Addie didn't get her morning constitutional but did have a little fun running around in the grass with all the snow. We found out quickly that parking in the garage is "a good thing" but snowy/icy roads in Bloomington are not. We left at our normal time and got to school 5 minutes after class started, we definitely have room for improvement there.

After class got started on the Finance take home exam, watched a little Martha Stewart during lunch then practiced my presentation for VP elections a little. We headed over to our friends' place for dinner to celebrate a birthday (delicious!) and I then headed to Kelley for election presentations. I did the best I could and should find out the results tomorrow, there is definitely some stiff competition.

Only 3 more days of Core, can hardly believe it!

2 weeks and counting

Sunday is coming to a close. I didn't get half as much done as I wanted, but that is really something I have started to get used to. I read through my preliminary marketing notes and worked through the first accounting practice exam with Charlton (in a word brutal!). For a much needed study break we headed to College Mall and did a little shopping and got each other books for Christmas at Borders.
When we got back to the house it was time to get ready for our various evening activities. First up was the Business Marketing Academy's holiday party (Charlton's academy). I didn't get to stay long though as I head to head across Bloomington for an SAC dinner with some prospies, our biggest turnout yet! With a belly full of Nick's pizza it was time to head home to watch the Amazing Race finale.
Now it is a 11:30 and I really need to get to bed. Want to be on the top of my game tomorrow so I can get through class, study and hopefully knock the socks off the members of Kelley Women during my VP election speech. Wish me luck!

Weekend, What Weekend?

Friday has come and gone, it was pack full of CMA activities focusing on the dreaded case interview questions. It was a great session, but totally wore us all out as it went from 9am-4pm. That gave me just enough time to head home and catch up on my email before heading back to school for China night. The event put on by Asian MBA was fantastic and had excellent food and even better cultural performances put on by our classmates. After that it was off to Bluebird to celebrate our friend's birthday.


Staurday was a weird day. I felt like I got nothing done, and the day was broken up by trips to school so didn't allow for much of anything to get accomplished. I did, however, read all the cases for this week. Not huge but at least its something. We did have our first KIP Israel meeting as well, to get us all pumped for the trip! We got to have some tasty Israeli snacks as well, then it was time to hit the books again before heading off to the Kelley Women holiday party!

I got up at 8:30 today and have been slowly cleaning off my desk and sending the emails I had planned to send last night. Hope to get a little more done today than yesterday, although tonight are more holiday parties (BMA) and then the final SAC dinner of the semester. It will be a major test of my time management skills, that's for sure.

Celebrate!

Today it was back to the Core, after a long two week break. I think we were all trying to get into the swing of things today, I know I was! Not used to being out the door and ready to take notes at 8:15 in the morning anymore. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better and I won't be rushing in minutes before the professor starts again (Sorry Cattani!)

After class today, my team headed to Chow Bar to celebrate the end of case comp. We had hoped it would be a victory lunch, but we were all happy to be done and could celebrate our A- finish. After catching up and having some Chinese (had to incorporate where we thought Eaton should go!) we concluded our "team meeting".

I headed home where I wrote some emails, brainstormed and decompressed. Charlton and I made quick turkey sandwiches (thankfully our last!) and then headed to school for various election activities. Me to Marketing Club, Kelley Women faculty auction debrief meeting and Kelley Women's presidential elections; Charlton to work on his Asian MBA slate. It wasn't until 10:30 we left the Godfrey Center, giving me just enough time to catch up on my emails, vote and throw my hat into the ring for Kelley Women VP elections. The next few weeks look like they will be interesting!

Although I am sure to people outside of the MBA program, my life everyday looks a lot like Taz tearing through a scene, today seemed to be the epitome of it.

Classes started late for me today, so I dropped Charlton off and grabbed my dry cleaning from NAWMBA so I would be ready for the case comp this week. Then I read and wrote some emails before jumping right into the econ case on Brazil. When my brain couldn’t take in any more information on inflation and interest rates we escaped from 1050 to go play the “beer game” simulation for ops.

Everyone had a role in a 4 stage supply chain of a beer manufacturer. I ended up with the Distributor role, and after 6 simulated weeks thought I was doing fantastically, and then a monster order came in and killed my inventory. I had such a huge backlog by the end of the session I had to actually use a calculator to get my numbers! Although, we didn’t end up in last place so we weaseled out of having to tidy, but as we didn’t win no cash prize for us! And what better way to understand the bullwhip effect than to see it happen in person, over pocket change instead of in the real world when you have customers screaming at you.

I had just enough time for a quick bite to eat before I had 3 informational interviews with second years regarding their internship searches and their roles in Kelley Women. Finally at about 4:45 I got to head home and prep for another informational interview. By the time 7 rolled around I had to unbury myself from all the emails I got over the day and try to get a handle on whats ahead. Still getting there, is it really only Monday?

After my meeting with the SBA director, it was home for a walk with Addie and some more reading. Then at 6ish, I headed off to Scholar’s Inn for the Kelley Women Leadership Info Meeting. They set it up like round tables and all the current executive members sat at their own table and we moved around to learn more information. I had already decided what I planned to run for, but it was great to get some more information and some ideas on what to do going forward. I came home and set up loads of meeting with the chairs below the position, a current MBAA officer and the MBA office to find out more about how the role interfaces with them. Should be helpful in showcasing my interest and allowing me to show how I understand the role and goals for it going forward. It’s going to be a busy, but good week.

But to really celebrate the completion of another class…it was time for Women’s Weekend! First up, was a wonderful cocktail party at Tallent. We had a wonderful turnout of second and first years who could mingle with all the great Kelley prospectives. Then it was off to the Bluebird for the highlight of our week, the Faculty Auction! Most of our professors donated events and experiences, ranging from dinner, wine tastings, laser tag, basketball and even 10 hours of cabana boy duties. We had a great turnout and I was able to get in on a couple events: Superbowl party with our future statistic modeling professor, BBQ with one of the accounting professors, dinner with the director of student services and a knitting lesson with my buddy. Can’t wait to collect on all my prizes, will be a great way to celebrate the end of the core!

Although I can’t wait until the spring to watch my fellow first years dominate my Accounting professor and his team of professors at Assembly Hall. Go Class of ‘11!

Women's Weekend

This weekend is the first ever Kelley Women's Weekend! An opportunity for the current Kelley Women to showcase the school and what makes Kelley special to about 30 prospectives. We have some great alumni visiting and a lot of great sessions planned for the attendees, should be a fantastic event!

I wish it were that easy! This week marks the start of the real prep outside the classroom to the conference room. I have my first mock interview (on my own tomorrow) and then Academy Slam session on Friday. ugh! Really need to get pumped about this, just hard to focus on me when there is so much other stuff going on.

Today was jam packed with class, emails, CARs, and then review sessions and professional development seminar. Throw in some time working on our Operations simulation and some ad creation and tool analysis of our marketing case and you have my day in a nutshell.

And its only Monday! Gotta work in some studying time, and some more interview prep…Friday can’t get here soon enough

Getting my networking on, watch out NAWMBA here I come!

Matchmaker, Matchmaker Make Me a Match

As if we are not busy enough with our classes ramping up, and assignments coming due, we are asked to find a peer coach among the second years. Now you know me, I can’t just pick someone on paper and I want to meet/talk to everyone…so that had me with over 7 appointments to meet with peer coaches over the next 2-3 days. Well, it didn’t take me that long. I met my match with a second year I met over experience weekend that had a previous life in retail. She is as passionate as I am if not more, and has a wealth of contacts she can get me in touch with. I am so amped to work with her, I left practically skipping out of the Godfrey Center.

On the school front yesterday was rough, hard to get sleep at home anhttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=994694090181350300d I came to class with a major headache. Had a tough time staying awake in critical thinking, accounting and quant though. Hopefully our place dries out soon so I can get some real rest.

And on another note: I didn’t get my position that I applied for with Kelley Women. While a bummer it should allow me to look into other roles with the organization for next spring. I already put the word out that I want to volunteer for the event that is coming up so we will see. Yesterday I also had an interview with the student advising council to act as a Kelley point of contact for prospectives. Really hope I get it, they were so instrumental to me coming here. So I will keep you posted

Twelve Hour Days

Day 2 of the program and I am already putting in twelve hour days! Got to school around 8 am for my core classes.

Today was critical thinking, quantitative analysis and accounting. I loved critical thinking, Professor Metzger is a riot and really does make you question your logic…and it was only our first session! I am really looking forward to the rest of the semester. Quantitative analysis was a lot of housekeeping, but that should be expected when you have a class so heavily dependent on tools, need to make sure everyone is on the same page. And accounting was accounting, going to be hard to get excited about that class.

Then it was time for lunch down in the lounge, which was basically me eating a peanut butter sandwich while I read up on CPG and retail happenings. Once all the crumbs were gone it was onto econ reading and case prep before a team meeting to work on the econ assignment. An hour later, I had some answers written up and a very confusing supply curve. We’ll see how we faired tomorrow.

After the team dispersed, I hung around in the breakout room and worked on my Friday accounting homework. Need to get it out of the way so i can focus on Round Table research and the Thursday night football game! Had only one problem left before I had the 1st Kelley Women meeting.

The meeting was really informative and talked about opportunities for leadership in the organization. I have already applied for a co-chair position, will find out sometime next week if I get it! I love the organization, it is such a champion for women in the workplace. We also talked about the upcoming National Association of Women MBA conference I am attending in Disneyland at the end of October. Kelley is hosting the event and it should be a great opportunity to network.

Finally left the Godfrey Center at 8:30, not bad for my second day! Once back here at the house I put in another couple hours finishing accounting homework, recopying last night’s speaker notes and researching half of my Round Table companies. Now its time to hit the sack so I can do it all over again tomorrow!