Catching Up

Things have been crazy, definitely not easier than last semester. Way too many teams, projects and things going on. Trying to keep up with what is going on with market research so I can run chi-square tables and knowing what Japanese are cooking in their kitchens and the price differential between Tiffany's sterling silver and the generics at Blue Nile. Exciting huh? It has been a whirlwind.

If it wasn't for outlook I wouldn't know where I have been, where I am or where I am going.

Friday was one of my first Friday in a long time that I didn't have CMA, it allowed me to relax at home and to get a jump start on the mountain of homework. I also mocked a classmate for the first time. She is interested in going into retail and I was the first person she thought of :) We also took the car in for a much needed oil change, its needed it for awhile.

We got some snow over the weekend so we have pretty much camped out in the apartment over the weekend. Didn't help we both had stomach aches yesterday and weren't too excited to go out.

This morning we went to my cohort teammate's baby blessing at his church. It was really special and I am glad to have been able to share in it. One of those moments I know I wouldn't have if we hadn't been at Kelley.

And now instead of staring at my accounting until I go crazy, I am taking a much needed break to FINALLY watch my Christmas present...Julie and Julia. ooh la la.

Then its off to watch the Super Bowl at Wayne Winston's and then our friends. Go Saints!

In the middle

Yesterday was nuts, but most of my days are now. Had accounting and brand, a mock, a Kelley Women exec meeting and a brief visit to the museum. Then I got home and spent 2-3 hours updating what we want to do with the website so my chair can fix it up for us. Fun times! Have a feeling today is going to be worse, on campus from 9:15-8:00 pm. Wish me luck!

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!

Because in the CMA we don’t let a Friday go to waste, we had another Academy Day. We had some awesome second years come and mock interview for us, then we broke into teams and practiced some of our CARs (mine need so much work!) Then we got to liven it up a little and discuss holistic and integrated marketing strategies. It was a great discussion and my academy members had some great observations and insights! I love being able to hear from a Brand Manager and people who were in Creative tell me how their companies deconstructed an ad, it provides so much perspective. Today, we evaluated the Ford Fusion and Pedigree dog food. I love Pedigree’s campaign and get teary eyed watching their ads…can we say building brand equity!?