End of an era~

Sadly, this is my last blog...

I graduated 2 weeks ago at Pepperdine, at our beautiful Malibu campus. I am currently job searching for that perfect position that will shape my career path. But as my safety net was pulled underneath me, I am no longer afraid of what lies ahead. My story at Pepperdine has ended but I have gained the tools to write a new (best seller) novel, starring me, Anne Lee. And I am ridiculously excited as what's to come ahead...

 I want to thank you for letting me share my journey with you as a 2nd year MBA student. I thank Paul Pinckley for giving me an opportunity to write my first blog. And while my blog ends here, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions any of you may have regarding Pepperdine Universtiy. 

Friendships

As I begin to wrap up (SAD!) my MBA life program at Pepperdine, I have realized that one of the greatest takeaways for me is the friendships I have developed over the 2 years. It's a heartwarming feeling to know that my group of friends are my support group, cheerleaders and a shoulder to whine on. I have  recently been down in regards to being unemployed, like the majority of our graduating class. But I have received countless emails from friends and peers with HR job openings.That's the great underlying culture of Pepperdine, the collaboration. We are all competing with one another for a job, but we're also helping each other along the way. 

It was comforting to know that my friends were thinking of  me when a potential HR opportunity opens up. I also recently had a birthday celebration over the past weekend. In the midst of finals and Easter weekend, I was touched to see that everyone showed up to help me turn a year wiser. The saddest thing about ending my MBA era is the friendship that I have developed here. I will no longer see the familiar faces in the cafeteria or in class. 

11 days to go~

I have 11 more days of my MBA life at Pepperdine University. And the sad thing is that it will go by in heartbeat because I am flooded with final presentations, finals and papers. I am taking a total of 5 classes this term. And I am bombarded with school duties for the next 11 days. I literally have such a full schedule that there will be no time for anything! And when my school work is all completed, it ends with a graduation ceremony, in ummmm....... exactly 13 days. As I am take a moment to write one of my last final blogs, I am getting a bit teary eyed. I have mentioned this numerous times, but where did the last 2 years of my life go? How did it go by so quickly? 

(sigh) As I leave my safety net of MBA life (still searching for jobs), I am optimistic. I realize that I, along with 85% of my peers graduating, so not have a job lined up. However, with the lagging economy, it is understandable. And with my invaluable school knowledge and former job experiences, I am looking forward to what's ahead.

NAWMBA~

NAWMBA is a relatively new club at Pepperdine, with a built in “limit” for membership as it is catered to women. However, NAWMBA is still a very well-run and active club on campus. In fact, the Pepperdine NAWMBA chapter is helping to plan the national conference for 2009! And being part of NAWBMA for the past 2 years has been a complete privilege for me. It is bitter-sweet as I pass the baton onto Jori, the president for next school year. For those female students who are coming into Pepperdine, here's a little recap of the organization and some of our events we planned throughout our school year.

NAWMBA prides itself on having a great variety of events tailored to meet the needs of the student body. We focus on creating leaders through networking opportunities, both informal and formal, with women executives, faculty, students in all programs and we foster an environment for growth. NAWMBA feels it deserves this award because of the variety of events it held, all with the singular mission. Below is a brief overview of the various events we have held this year in support of our mission.

A Day in the Life…Female Executives – 4 Females executives spoke at the panel and discussed the daily lives of successful working women while raising a family (Fox, Saks Fifth Avenue, AT&T, Southern California Edison were represented). - (9/08)

NAWMBA National Conference – In Stanford, CT (10/08) 10 NAWMBA members from Pepperdine attended the National Conference to network with different companies and other NAWMBA chapters throughout the United States.

Pepperdine NAWMBA Mixer – This was an opportunity to take NAWMBA on the road and have FEMBAs, Full-time students and Alumni meet to share their stories – Glow Bar at the Mariott in Marina Del Rey (10/08)

Breakfast with Dean Livingstone – West LA Campus (12/08) – The Dean met with NAWMBA members over breakfast. This was a casual, informal way to network with the Dean while she answered our questions. This is a popular event and we have had students ask to have more than one since it is always a sold out event!

NAWMBA Bowling Night – AMF in Santa Monica (1/09) A fun way for NAWMBA members to network and develop relationships. This event was especially focused on first and second years in the full time program and was similar to last year’s gold outing which was a great way to bring the team closer together. 

NAWMBA Charity Fashion Show – (2/09) Partnered with the Charity Well Suited to raise awareness and collect used Professional clothing for the women in need. Banana Republic sponsored our event by donating clothes for our models.

NAWMBA SEW Event (Susan G Komen) – (3/09) The interim executive director/ board member for Susan G Komen was our featured guest along with Christine Romer (a 1st year MBA student who was a breast cancer survivor). This panel brought awareness as well as educate NAWMBA members on ways to start a non-profit organization.

NAWMBA Luncheon with Executives – (3/09) Our BIGGEST event of the year! We had a total of 10 female executive speakers from different companies. A rare opportunity for students to interact and spend quality time with successful women in an intimate, informal lunch setting.

NAWMBA Luncheon

The 3rd Annual National Association of Womens MBA Professional Luncheon was a huge success! We had female executives from AT&T, Saks Fifth Avenue, Coca-Cola, Fox, Sony, Coffee Bean, Farmer's Insurance. (just to name a few) We had over 60 students attend at the West LA campus. This year, the Dean of Pepperdine was in attendance, as well the vice chancellor! It was a great chance for female working professionals to network with MBA students in an informal, intimate environment. Topics in regards to glass ceiling, healthy work life balance and women in executive positions were among the topics this year. I am so pleased as the president of NAWMBA to have thrown this success

ful luncheon. I of could not have done this without my 2 VP's, Candace Weber and Linda Lee! 

SEW Week~

This week at B-school, it was Social Enterprise Week! The aim of SEW is to communicate the values of social and environmental responsibility as well as sound ethical practices in business through a week of events hosted by GSBM's clubs and student leaders. 

So for NAWMBA, we had a representative from the Susan G. Komen foundation come in and talk to us. It was a rare opportunity to learn about the non-profit organization. And for those of us students who are interested in starting a non-profit, she gave us several tips on how to turn your passion into reality! And in partnering with the Susan G. Komen representative, we also had a 1st year student who is a breast cancer survivor share her heartwarming story. It was an eye opening panel of discussions this week. 

And because NAWMBA is so passionate about the Susan G. Komen foundation, we are also supporting the Race for the Cure in Pasadena on Sunday, March 17th! For those of you interested in volunteering, please register at:  

https://www.kintera.org/faf/volunteerRegNew/participantGen.aspievent=285857&lis=1&kntae285857=CEACA1B8A14C4E03B15A95E7825DBA7C 

Session B

Tomorrow is the first day of Session B for me. I will be signed up for 5 classes this session. (Business Law, Corporate Strategy, Leadership & Ethics, Human Resources Strategy in Organizational Development and Social Entrepreneurship) I have such a full class load that I wonder when I will have time to job  hunt, take on NAWMBA responsibilities, all the while juggling a social calendar. But I am more than excited as ever for my classes to begin because all 5 classes are topics of interest for me. They are elective courses that I have carefully chosen. All 5 courses will broaden my perspective in my human resources career. And as I begin my last 7 weeks of business school, I want to make every second count and matter as I am still in amazement that I will be graduating in exactly 7 weeks...

So I go back to my business law readings. This week is all on contract writing and agreements of 3rd parties. Yes, it all sounds dry but it is so fascinating how much it correlates to the business industry, that it amazes me this course is not a full year course!

Spring Break~

I have a sun kissed glow  because I just got back from a week long vacation in Puerto Rico. Week 7 is officially over and therefore, I got a well deserved break! I was off to Puerto Rico with my fellow Pepperdine MBA classmate Rebekah. It was a brilliant time golfing, getting some much needed sun, running on the beach, venturing out into the city and exploring old San Juan and enjoying the fine dinning that Puerto Rico has to offer. However, we were still in school mode as we read for Business Law. Here are a few pics of us during our spring break...

Aside from spring break, as president of NAWMBA, I am planning the 3rd annual NAWMBA luncheon with an Executive. It was a huge turnout last year and expected to double in capacity this year. Essentially, it is a great way for 1st/2nd years and Fully Employed MBA's to network with Pepperdine alum's in the corporate world. We have female executives from Coca Cola, Sony, AT&T, Disney, Coffee Bean, Raytheon, Mattel and more, coming to network and share their stories up the corporate ladder. I am more excited this year to network as many of second years are still in the hunt for job searching. I find this is a great opportunity to build a foundation for a professional relationship. The event is not for another a couple weeks but the pressure is on as last year's event was a huge success! Stay tuned!

Week 7~

I am sitting in an air conditioned room in the library on campus and overlooking the ocean in Malibu. The sun is bright and 3 of my closets friends come over to my work space to say hello. My fellow classmates and I are  are all studying for finals, as it is that time of the semester again. Then it hits me... It is week 7 of Session A. I have 7 more weeks of school left until graduation. I begin to wonder if I have taken full advantage of Pepperdine. 

I am co-President of NAWMBA, taken almost every  OB course the school had to offer, studied abroad in Korea, attend 70% of the mixers (there's weekly MBA mixers) and developed life long relationships with professors and peers. As I am going into the final stretch, I wonder what more I can do to enrich my MBA experience at Pepperdine...

I guess the biggest advice I can give future MBA's is to be involved. In the whole scheme of things, 2 years is really a short time and it can go by quickly. (especially with all the workload) Be involved and come out of your comfort zone is a motto for anyone. As an MBA student networking with fellow MBA students from all over the states, I begin to think that the majority of people in the US have graduate degrees. But in all honesty, only 7% of the whole population in the United States have graduate degrees. This is an honor and a definite privilege to obtain your MBA. But in all honesty, I think it is the best investment I have made to myself. Coming to Pepperdine University and further developing my strengths and weakness is a present to myself. I think I have had this mentality since the beginning of the program and therefore put myself out there for everything Pepperdine had to offer. I encourage you to do the same thing! ^.^

Business Law

My most influential class this term has to be Business Law. Not only is the lecture engaging, but the lecture materials are so useful! Our topic for this week pertains to contracts, offers and agreements. Did you know that an offeree may reject by stating unwillingness to accept, providing a counteroffer? 

I know, this is all legal verbage so let me explain. So let's say I was job offered by Proctor and Gamble as the regional HR Director at a salary of $200,000 per year. And since I am an MBA grad, I am expecting at least $300,000 per year. (hey, it's my blog right??)  I call the HR representative and counter offer for $300,000 per year. By doing so, I am rejecting my initial offer of $200,000, while I assumed I was going back in to negotiate. And therefore, Procter and Gamble can terminate the initial offering of $200,000 per year and move on to the next candidate. Now most companies do not act upon this legality, but they have every legal right to do so. 

You're probably wondering the correct verbage in order to negotiate without automatically terminating your initial offer... well you'll just have to take Professor Gia Weisdorn's class and find out. ^^

Week 5

It is week 5 of session A and I am beginning to realize that I am into my classes more so than ever. I think it has to do with the fact that I got to choose my classes this term, based on electives. I have to take a couple required courses, but all the rest I got to choose. This term I am enrolled in Business Law, Corporate Strategy, Human Resources Management, CSR and Leadership and Ethics. 

For my strategy class, our group decided to analyze a local company in Los Angeles called Activision. Throughout the semester, we will be focusing on the companies internal and external environment and where exactly Activision fits in the scope of the industry. This is a huge class with a great project for MBA students to really develop a further understanding of corporate strategy. 

As for my time outside of class, I have been planing a charity event for Gear up for Success. A non-profit organization that enables women to get back in the professional world. I, along with the other leaders of the club are planning a fashion show to raise awareness and used professional clothing. The whole event is sponsored by Banana Republic and will have 1st/2nd years to model the wonderful spring collection of BR. This event is expected to be a huge turnout and a reporter so that this even can be featured in Pepperdine Waves newspaper. 

Stressed out much?

Let me take you through a typical second year MBA students life in his/her last semester of B-school. Job search, job search, job search.. and when you have a spec of time... JOB SEARCH. With the lagging economy, preponderant layoffs, and companies filing for chapter 9 bankruptcy; it is quite difficult to successfully job search. So while the majority of us are stressed out, I find relief in some fun. Besides, all that stress leads to wrinkles, arthritis, prescription pills called Prozac and unflattering irritability in a person's personality. I wanted to avoid all this so I found an outlet by organizing some "bonding" time with first and second years.

As co-president of NAWMBA, I wanted to get to know the first year members. So I planned a night of outing with all the girls at AMF bowling in Santa Monica! I almost made it to 3 digits (highest score was a 99). We had a great turnout as 20 1st/2nd years attended. I have to admit that it took my mind off from my daily job search and rejuvenated me for what's to come of my future. I mean, it can only get better right? Kinda like bowling, it rolls, rolls and eventually falls, hopefully hitting something along the way. So maybe if I keep at it, I'll eventually bump into something that was meant to be. That is my cure all advise to those suffering from depression, anxiety attacks and wrinkles. (common symptoms of 2nd year MBA students in his/her last semester) ^^

Safety Net~

"When you're young, your whole life is about the pursuit of fun. Then, you grow up and learn to be cautious. You could break a bone or a heart. You look before you leap and sometimes you don't leap at all because there's not always someone there to catch you. And in life, there's no safety net. When did it stop being fun and start being scary?” SATC

A direct quote from one of my favorite episodes from the TV show Sex and the City. I find it interesting how Carrie Bradshaw and I can find parallelism through relationship with B-School.

 

So it is my final semester at Pepperdine as an MBA student. I could not tell you how fast the past year and half went by.... When I started the program in August 2007, I was young. (well younger than I am now..) Everything Pepperdine had to offer had exceeded my expectations. I loved my peers, professors, classes and I got to live in Malibu! I have had the time of my life at Pepperdine while obtaining my MBA. Everything was so fresh and I learned the true meaning of "networking." So it comes as a shock that I have only 12 more weeks of school left. I have 12 more weeks of my "safety" net before I head out to the real world. Suddenly, I am getting cold feet and dreading taking that leap into the "real" world. All the case studies, constant group works and presentations were excellent practice. However, school is one big safety net where if you fall, your professor will pick you right back up and let you try again. 

Here's the thing. Once you realize there is no safety net, you get cautious in life. And as soon as you start to get cautious, fun becomes non-existent. So here's my latest epiphany at 11pm on a Sunday night. I have been given this great opportunity to further my education for the past 2 years. While my finance/accounting classes were a bit dry for me, I was passionate about learning the materials. I put myself out there in group projects, in class discussions and everything Pepperdine had to offer. The reason I was able to take risks is largely due to the fact that I had a B-school safety net under me. While B-School preps you for the real world, it is not the real world.

But passion and being cautious is very correlated. If you're too cautious in life, then how can you ever going to take risks? And if you never take risks, how are you going to ever realize your true passion in life? By putting myself out there at Pepperdine, I have developed confidence in myself through realizing my passions. Therefore, when I do take that leap in April (when I graduate) I may not be so scared. True I'll have no safety net, but then again, why would anyone want a safety net underneath them their whole life? 

A classic life experience~ When I was 14 years old, I learned how to walk in my mom's 3.5 inch heels. I practiced on top of my parents king size bed (my mom would be livid if she ever found out) so that when I fell, I had cusions around me. But after I perfected my strides in those fabulous Chloe heels, I began to strut on the streets in the "real" world. And I've never thought twice about needing a safety net.

Where's Tal??

So classes officially started this week and it feels great to be back. It'll be 80 degrees all week, sunny and with campus overlooking the gorgeous blue ocean, how can anyone not be thrilled to be an MBA student at Pepperdine? And why would anyone want to live anywhere else? Seriously. Upon return to Malibu, I felt the love as I was bombarded with questions from friends, professors and even random first years about my study abroad experiences. Let's just say I definitely felt the love as I got a warm, genuine welcome~

However, it is a bit hard to adjust back to the 4 hour classes at Pepperdine. I had 80 minutes classes at KAIST that I had gotten so comfortable with. On top of that , I started with Business Law 8am Monday morning! Lucky for me that I am interested in Business Law because the class deals with a lot of employment law issues. And with my HR background, the class can come in very handy to me. For the other 17 study abroad students in the class, I cannot say that they share my enthusiasm, especially 8am Monday morning. 

Another thing that I am not used to is all the new faces. As a social butterfly, I knew the majority of people on campus. But as I sat in the computer lab one morning, printing out my syllabus, I was suddenly surrounded by ALL new faces. Yup, there they were, the newbies, the 1st years taking over our territory! And my side-kick, my partner in crime Tal was no longer to be found anywhere on campus. This was probably the most devastating part. To return home and not find the person you most missed  being in class with. Tal is actually on maternity leave this semester and will graduate in the summer. But classes, NAWMBA and Pepeprdine in general is definitely not the same without my dear friend. I miss you lots TAL!!!!