Before I was accepted at my graduate school, I went to b-school open houses within the area. One school surprised me, and not in a good way. I found out the school offers a dual MD/MBA degree. I can only assume the program caters to entrepreneurial doctors, and hopefully not doctor's who may want to manage an office. The school had an interesting program that allowed students to create a business from university research.
An alumni came in and discussed his project and what he currently works on. He actually told me his other group member was a medical doctor who was getting completing the MBA program. I asked him why would he want to do that, and the alumni stated the doctor wanted to start his own medical office. I was confused, because not every entrepreneur should invest in a Master of Business Administration.
Based on information found at the Small Business Association Office of Advocacy, small businesses make up 99.7 percent of all employer firms. To enumerate, small businesses total an estimate of 29.6 million businesses. For those not quite sure what constitutes a small business, any firm with fewer than 500 employees. On a side note, micro-businesses are firms with fewer than 5 employees.
Why the numbers? I shall get to that in a moment.
With new businesses emerging annually, many close its doors or file for bankruptcy. In total, based on Census data, a little more than half of all new employer establishments have survived five or more years.
With these numbers, should small business owners invest in a graduate degree? The answer is no. The United States is a country of entrepreneurship and invention. Business leaders have come into existence without having much of an educational background let alone an educational background in business.
Investing in a Master of Business Administration:
COST
The average cost for a full-time MBA program in Chicago is $39,580, and can range from $16,920 to $102,990. The cost does not take into consideration associated costs for the programs such as fees, textbooks, transportation and others. Based on price alone, a program may not be worth the investment for a person creating a start-up.
TIME
A person would have to dedicate about two years into an average full-time MBA program. If going through a part-time or executive tract, the person would have to dedicate close to three or more years. The programs tend to be very demanding and some programs have large amounts of course material to cover and submit. This being said, someone working 40+ hours would have to schedule another 20-30+ hours into the week or weekend to meet the demand for the programs.
B-SCHOOL ACCREDITATION
Any person looking into a business degree should ask about school accreditation. If the school is not accredited by a governing body, mostly the government, then the degree is invalid. The top business schools have an AACSB Accreditation. What does that mean? The accreditation reflects business theory, the amount of persons completing the program, the rate of recently graduated getting hired, the amount of scholarly work produced by faculty, and so on. Does this mean every person should go only apply to an AACSB school? Probably not. Just depends on how you learn (preferences) and what you want to learn. Having gone to two b-schools with an AACSB accreditation, there is are no tangible benefit besides the degree.
BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE
If a person wants to create a business, the process is rather easy. Would it help to have a background in business? No, not really. Resources are abundant for creating a business in the United States. Many of these resources are free or at a nominal fee. Entrepreneurs can check out the Small Business Development Center to gain key insights from educators and market leaders. If the person is lucky, the newly formed start-up could be selected to participate in a business incubation center. If the entrepreneur does not know where to start, the Internet and local bookstores have a plethora of information on business formation and entrepreneurship. For the most part, b-schools do not really help entrepreneurs focus on their business but instead focus on a wide range of business theory and applications.
NETWORKING
Business schools are notorious for capitalizing on this word. For the most part, as a student, there is little to no chance to network with people in the industry. The best way to network would be to join a professional association or local chamber of commerce. There is a whole new set of resources available by joining a professional association or local chamber. Members have access to databases and events that would lead to networking opportunities not regularly found by being a student at a b-school.
Back with the previous b-school and the doctors getting a MBA or pre-meds wasting time on another degree. With the time, money and energy invested in a Master of Business Administration, the business could have had the investment capital needed for a successful thriving venture. By not getting the degree, you can put close to $40,000 to your start-up. With the Small Business Development Center and Business Incubators, there really is not a need to go through with another program. In all, I would have suggested that the doctor stop fooling around and open his office. There is plenty of things to do and getting a b-degree is not on the short list.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Open, A New Standard in Delivering a Message
I was at home on Sunday morning watching television. It's a usual occurrence that has now become habit. Usually, I watch news, but I happened to watch some movie reviews. The movie review that caught my eye, and ears was Sita Sings the Blues. It's a multi-cultural animated movie that delves into love and something. I didn't really pay attention to what they were talking about. The part that did grab my attention was that the movie is open to every who wants to watch it. No need for a major distributor; the movie can be downloaded or viewed online. How? The movie uses a Share Alike License that allows multi-sharing.
Instead of finding the movie in Art Houses and indy coffee shops, the movie can be found on a website for free (or donation- which I highly recommend). By using this form of license, instead of a DRM, the movie is open to any person who wants to view it. I am actually going to watch it. If the people involved put so much effort in giving the movie to the audience for free, I have an obligation to watch it.
Instead of finding the movie in Art Houses and indy coffee shops, the movie can be found on a website for free (or donation- which I highly recommend). By using this form of license, instead of a DRM, the movie is open to any person who wants to view it. I am actually going to watch it. If the people involved put so much effort in giving the movie to the audience for free, I have an obligation to watch it.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Clutter or News Source
For the first three months of living in my studio, I did not have a television. I rarely watched the news, and I had an RSS feeds for specific companies and mail subscription notifications of top headlines from Crain's and San Antonio Business Journal. I was still missing something though.
Fast forward to present day, I have a television I still rarely use, but I have optimized my social media profiles to feed me information I want to read. Any person who is linked to me on Facebook can attest to my daily posts. In fact, I think they detest my posts. I use several different avenues to get my information and I tend to use Facebook as another means of blogging.
I like reading articles on Mashable for some headlines but I still want to get more news faster. I tend to read Hacker News quite a bit too, but refreshing seems to be tedious. I also subscribe to several news sources on Twitter. In an hour my tweeter page tells me I have 73 new tweets. Each twitter subscription I have attends to a different aspect of what interests me. I have subscriptions to Crain's and Mashable (can't go wrong with those), but I have increased my subscriptions to include several others based on technology or business related sources.
This is where clutter comes in. With all these venues to get news, I get tons of tweets and retweets, or posts giving me the same information. With television, if I watch a channel and the headlines cycle back, I switch to a different station. Maybe, I watch CSPAN, or more likely, I watch Sponge Bob. The growing amount of news comes together into a big mass of regurgitated and rehashed information on the web.
Yesterday, I read three articles on how Steve Jobs blasted Adobe on their software. I read a bunch more headlines that would tell me the same thing, so I decided to skip those readings. Of the three I read, one broke down Jobs' Jobsism into words I could understand (it was very funny and patronizing at the same time). Another author took the information and spun it as a piece on anti-Steve Jobs. Mostly, I felt like the author wanted to reprimand Steve Jobs on his poor method of executing his opinion. The last was a video article with the CEO of Adobe expressing his view point on the matter.
Honestly, those three were almost withing seconds of each other. I like the ability to get the news fast, but I want to be able to spread the amount of news topics. With this technology, I do not have the ability to switch channels. Also, if the topic repeats, I cannot zip or zap my way through boredom. The only thing I can do is to unsubscribe to the plethora of news outlets and be left with my television set watching news.
Fast forward to present day, I have a television I still rarely use, but I have optimized my social media profiles to feed me information I want to read. Any person who is linked to me on Facebook can attest to my daily posts. In fact, I think they detest my posts. I use several different avenues to get my information and I tend to use Facebook as another means of blogging.
I like reading articles on Mashable for some headlines but I still want to get more news faster. I tend to read Hacker News quite a bit too, but refreshing seems to be tedious. I also subscribe to several news sources on Twitter. In an hour my tweeter page tells me I have 73 new tweets. Each twitter subscription I have attends to a different aspect of what interests me. I have subscriptions to Crain's and Mashable (can't go wrong with those), but I have increased my subscriptions to include several others based on technology or business related sources.
This is where clutter comes in. With all these venues to get news, I get tons of tweets and retweets, or posts giving me the same information. With television, if I watch a channel and the headlines cycle back, I switch to a different station. Maybe, I watch CSPAN, or more likely, I watch Sponge Bob. The growing amount of news comes together into a big mass of regurgitated and rehashed information on the web.
Yesterday, I read three articles on how Steve Jobs blasted Adobe on their software. I read a bunch more headlines that would tell me the same thing, so I decided to skip those readings. Of the three I read, one broke down Jobs' Jobsism into words I could understand (it was very funny and patronizing at the same time). Another author took the information and spun it as a piece on anti-Steve Jobs. Mostly, I felt like the author wanted to reprimand Steve Jobs on his poor method of executing his opinion. The last was a video article with the CEO of Adobe expressing his view point on the matter.
Honestly, those three were almost withing seconds of each other. I like the ability to get the news fast, but I want to be able to spread the amount of news topics. With this technology, I do not have the ability to switch channels. Also, if the topic repeats, I cannot zip or zap my way through boredom. The only thing I can do is to unsubscribe to the plethora of news outlets and be left with my television set watching news.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Looking at the Inside Out
My last semester as a business student at the small private university in Texas, I was tested on the culmination of my educational experience. The university is an AACSB accredited school that valued theory and application to business theory and case studies. The business school created a means to explore current business problems with real constraints. The university used its relationship within the community to develop this new teaching model.
The final semester, nervous students clumped together into groups and factions headed by the project manager, the professor, and bid for projects from companies that wanted consulting perspectives. The companies received a different perspective to their current predicament, and the students attained real experience. To a student, real projects seemed like a mountain of work with not only failure as a possibility, but potential company disaster.
Frustrations abound, my group struggled with schedule conflicts, social media scandal, and several all-nighters. A few days before the presentation, the professor drops a bombshell. The culmination of group work and direction was wrong. Faced with a few more all-nighters, three of the five group members started cranking out numbers and models.
We looked through the data we were given, three months of sales figures, and had to come up with a potential solution to the company’s major problem: decrease costs, while maintaining or increasing profits. Also, we did not have the luxury of meeting with the professor again until the presentation. Ultimately, if the professor or the CEO did not like what we had to say, we had no recourse but get a failing grade.
The three of us, the hardest working of the five, decided to work away until our eyes, and fingers were numb. I was in charge of making calculations that allowed numbers to speak for our inexperience. I saw a major obstacle, changing the viewpoint from sales force to management. The problem was simple, how can the sales managers deplore a better strategy that would lead to better sales? Looking at job descriptions, the problem worked itself out. The sales managers relied heavily on the sales force, and the sales force were the delivery drivers.
Living in South Texas, Spanish is an important language, but many business deals use English as the sole language. Speaking with the sales force/delivery drivers, many expressed their insecurity using English and the growing communication barrier had lead to poor sales.
The sales managers have been comfortable speaking with the companies they did business with to create a contract, but after the contract was finished, the sales managers focused on other companies and products. In all, the business was losing money because it stopped communicating with its customers.
To strengthen the argument, I had shown a comparative chart using a linear programming model. I compared the current employee pay expenditure with a new employee pay expenditure that we, the three working group members, had collectively created.
The group expressed concern about leaving customer communication to a group of employees that did not feel confident in the respective role. By simplifying the role, and setting the employee benefits differently, switching the sales force from commission to a flat salary, the expenditures changed.
Also, the group felt the sales managers would benefit from increased sales if the sales managers maintained communication with their customers within their field. The group changed the sales manager’s pay expenditure from salary to a performance-based commission. Ultimately, the sales managers’ pay increases based on their performance.
Restructuring the organization would save the company more money than maintaining the current structure. The owner and CEO would also stand to lose more money based on customer dissatisfaction, and employee incentive programs. The group was not finished yet though. The next part changed how processes could potentially bring in increased value to the company.
Utilizing the restructuring plan, the next phase focused heavily on the internal processes and automation. Based on the savings gained from the restructuring plan, the company would be able to move assets to investments in particular to grow the business from the current model to a more efficient model. The outputs used to express the gains were from the linear programming model and the implications the model posed. The employee structure and number of staff prevalent played an important part to the secondary plan. Thus, to meet the second phase, the company has to utilize the first or primary phase.
The secondary phase used a more advanced decision science model and project management program that expressed future value, and performance. In order to demonstrate the process, the group had to monetize the yield. Numbers would mean nothing if the numbers did not have an expressed relation or value important to the company. In this case, the value was profits.
With the revelation aside, the group had 36 hours left to write and print the final presentation and recommendation. Working with the other group members, two had the ability to express the information in a way that was relevant, understandable, and educational. Within the 10 hour deadline, the other group member and myself counted the hours down as we frantically typed up our thoughts, praying that we can find the energy to present the next morning. Tik. Tok. Two hours left, and we managed to create a presentation and consulting packet.
Within that period, we had no choice but to rewrite sections based on the information given to use from the two group members that had created both increased workload and distractions. The two of us finishing the documents felt disrespected and perturbed by the events. Working with groups does not mean that every person gets along, but we felt the other two were taking advantage of us.
The project and presentation was a success. The group received compliments from faculty, staff, and the company employees. The Dean of Graduate Studies expressed his amazement of the advanced thought processes we used, and the Dean of Business stated that this was work usually seen at a graduate level. With all the congratulations and work, the only thing I wanted to do was eat breakfast and go to sleep, and preferably for a long time.
The project in itself helped me see that communication is very important. Communication is an important business tool that, not used properly, could affect work dynamics, productivity, and potentially profits. Even though the company project was not the top choice, the problems within the group mirrored the problems within the company. With that said, the project was actually the ideal fit, and as students, we produced something that generated value.
The final semester, nervous students clumped together into groups and factions headed by the project manager, the professor, and bid for projects from companies that wanted consulting perspectives. The companies received a different perspective to their current predicament, and the students attained real experience. To a student, real projects seemed like a mountain of work with not only failure as a possibility, but potential company disaster.
Frustrations abound, my group struggled with schedule conflicts, social media scandal, and several all-nighters. A few days before the presentation, the professor drops a bombshell. The culmination of group work and direction was wrong. Faced with a few more all-nighters, three of the five group members started cranking out numbers and models.
We looked through the data we were given, three months of sales figures, and had to come up with a potential solution to the company’s major problem: decrease costs, while maintaining or increasing profits. Also, we did not have the luxury of meeting with the professor again until the presentation. Ultimately, if the professor or the CEO did not like what we had to say, we had no recourse but get a failing grade.
The three of us, the hardest working of the five, decided to work away until our eyes, and fingers were numb. I was in charge of making calculations that allowed numbers to speak for our inexperience. I saw a major obstacle, changing the viewpoint from sales force to management. The problem was simple, how can the sales managers deplore a better strategy that would lead to better sales? Looking at job descriptions, the problem worked itself out. The sales managers relied heavily on the sales force, and the sales force were the delivery drivers.
Living in South Texas, Spanish is an important language, but many business deals use English as the sole language. Speaking with the sales force/delivery drivers, many expressed their insecurity using English and the growing communication barrier had lead to poor sales.
The sales managers have been comfortable speaking with the companies they did business with to create a contract, but after the contract was finished, the sales managers focused on other companies and products. In all, the business was losing money because it stopped communicating with its customers.
To strengthen the argument, I had shown a comparative chart using a linear programming model. I compared the current employee pay expenditure with a new employee pay expenditure that we, the three working group members, had collectively created.
The group expressed concern about leaving customer communication to a group of employees that did not feel confident in the respective role. By simplifying the role, and setting the employee benefits differently, switching the sales force from commission to a flat salary, the expenditures changed.
Also, the group felt the sales managers would benefit from increased sales if the sales managers maintained communication with their customers within their field. The group changed the sales manager’s pay expenditure from salary to a performance-based commission. Ultimately, the sales managers’ pay increases based on their performance.
Restructuring the organization would save the company more money than maintaining the current structure. The owner and CEO would also stand to lose more money based on customer dissatisfaction, and employee incentive programs. The group was not finished yet though. The next part changed how processes could potentially bring in increased value to the company.
Utilizing the restructuring plan, the next phase focused heavily on the internal processes and automation. Based on the savings gained from the restructuring plan, the company would be able to move assets to investments in particular to grow the business from the current model to a more efficient model. The outputs used to express the gains were from the linear programming model and the implications the model posed. The employee structure and number of staff prevalent played an important part to the secondary plan. Thus, to meet the second phase, the company has to utilize the first or primary phase.
The secondary phase used a more advanced decision science model and project management program that expressed future value, and performance. In order to demonstrate the process, the group had to monetize the yield. Numbers would mean nothing if the numbers did not have an expressed relation or value important to the company. In this case, the value was profits.
With the revelation aside, the group had 36 hours left to write and print the final presentation and recommendation. Working with the other group members, two had the ability to express the information in a way that was relevant, understandable, and educational. Within the 10 hour deadline, the other group member and myself counted the hours down as we frantically typed up our thoughts, praying that we can find the energy to present the next morning. Tik. Tok. Two hours left, and we managed to create a presentation and consulting packet.
Within that period, we had no choice but to rewrite sections based on the information given to use from the two group members that had created both increased workload and distractions. The two of us finishing the documents felt disrespected and perturbed by the events. Working with groups does not mean that every person gets along, but we felt the other two were taking advantage of us.
The project and presentation was a success. The group received compliments from faculty, staff, and the company employees. The Dean of Graduate Studies expressed his amazement of the advanced thought processes we used, and the Dean of Business stated that this was work usually seen at a graduate level. With all the congratulations and work, the only thing I wanted to do was eat breakfast and go to sleep, and preferably for a long time.
The project in itself helped me see that communication is very important. Communication is an important business tool that, not used properly, could affect work dynamics, productivity, and potentially profits. Even though the company project was not the top choice, the problems within the group mirrored the problems within the company. With that said, the project was actually the ideal fit, and as students, we produced something that generated value.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
An Interview Later
I had a phone interview Friday for a non-profit foundation. I do not know how I come across in phone interviews, but based on my last phone interview, I didn't make it past the round. I am always amazed when I make it past the first round of candidates (the resume stage), and manage an interview. After that, I feel like I am a contestant on a reality television show indicating that I would do anything to gain my 15 minutes of fame, or in this case, gain experience and employment. Somehow, that came across as needy.
Any way, interviews and resumes aside, finding a job has been a crazy experience. I do feel like I am getting better, but in all, I have a feeling like I am in a circus. I also have interview anxiety, which does not help my position much. I constantly have to think about the information I give, and if I have enough experience. Should I be a go getter? Should I show my enthusiasm for the position? Should I respond with some ideas I may have that could potentially benefit the organization? Lots of questions and sometimes, I have a come up with a complete blank and go through autodrive. Dangerous.
I have been able to respond very well without thinking about the question, but somehow I think the stars and planets aligned and I somehow have managed to come out as a savant. Excellent.
All in all, I still have to apply for jobs and continue submitting my resume. One day, I will have a job. Until then, I guess I should keep myself busy.
Any way, interviews and resumes aside, finding a job has been a crazy experience. I do feel like I am getting better, but in all, I have a feeling like I am in a circus. I also have interview anxiety, which does not help my position much. I constantly have to think about the information I give, and if I have enough experience. Should I be a go getter? Should I show my enthusiasm for the position? Should I respond with some ideas I may have that could potentially benefit the organization? Lots of questions and sometimes, I have a come up with a complete blank and go through autodrive. Dangerous.
I have been able to respond very well without thinking about the question, but somehow I think the stars and planets aligned and I somehow have managed to come out as a savant. Excellent.
All in all, I still have to apply for jobs and continue submitting my resume. One day, I will have a job. Until then, I guess I should keep myself busy.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Good News, Great News, Maybe Excellent News?
This is going to be a short update but an update nonetheless.
Good News:
I heard back from Loyola University (Chicago) and I can say I am a Loyola GSB student. I was accepted for the dual degree program MBA/MSIMC. I start in the summer quarter; or technically, the first day of classes start May 24th.
I found out that I have been waived out of some classes and now only need 22 classes to finish the degrees without having to push back my lifetime goals. Yay! Also, I feel like I struck the lottery because I don't have to pay for any more classes than I need to. This is like having a scholarship, or like having rent waived for a month.
Great News:
I interviewed for an internship with a non-profit and I heard back that I got the job. I am excited to work with the group and I hope to use my background and experience to enrich the community, the programs, and the organization. The position is voluntary so I won't be making any money during my tenure, but the projects seem enjoyable and fun.
I also received an email a week ago about an internship. I was scheduled to have a meeting today, and I just finished. It's an exciting and involved project, and even if I don't get the internship, I know that things are starting to look up.
Maybe excellent news:
I don't know yet, but my life seems to be rosy at the moment. I like where I am at, and I hope I can continue to be blessed with the exciting and new adventures I may have. I am very excited about starting the program at LUC, and I am excited about working with the non-profit.
Good News:
I heard back from Loyola University (Chicago) and I can say I am a Loyola GSB student. I was accepted for the dual degree program MBA/MSIMC. I start in the summer quarter; or technically, the first day of classes start May 24th.
I found out that I have been waived out of some classes and now only need 22 classes to finish the degrees without having to push back my lifetime goals. Yay! Also, I feel like I struck the lottery because I don't have to pay for any more classes than I need to. This is like having a scholarship, or like having rent waived for a month.
Great News:
I interviewed for an internship with a non-profit and I heard back that I got the job. I am excited to work with the group and I hope to use my background and experience to enrich the community, the programs, and the organization. The position is voluntary so I won't be making any money during my tenure, but the projects seem enjoyable and fun.
I also received an email a week ago about an internship. I was scheduled to have a meeting today, and I just finished. It's an exciting and involved project, and even if I don't get the internship, I know that things are starting to look up.
Maybe excellent news:
I don't know yet, but my life seems to be rosy at the moment. I like where I am at, and I hope I can continue to be blessed with the exciting and new adventures I may have. I am very excited about starting the program at LUC, and I am excited about working with the non-profit.
Friday, April 9, 2010
From the Bureau of Labor and Statistics
* Keen competition is expected for these highly coveted jobs.
* College graduates with related experience, a high level of creativity, and strong communication and computer skills should have the best job opportunities.
* High earnings, substantial travel, and long hours, including evenings and weekends, are common.
* Because of the importance and high visibility of their jobs, these managers often are prime candidates for advancement to the highest ranks.
I think they need to redo their analysis. I am a college graduate with related experience, a high level of creativity, and strong communication and computer skills. I still haven't found gainful employment for longer than year.
* College graduates with related experience, a high level of creativity, and strong communication and computer skills should have the best job opportunities.
* High earnings, substantial travel, and long hours, including evenings and weekends, are common.
* Because of the importance and high visibility of their jobs, these managers often are prime candidates for advancement to the highest ranks.
I think they need to redo their analysis. I am a college graduate with related experience, a high level of creativity, and strong communication and computer skills. I still haven't found gainful employment for longer than year.
Monday, April 5, 2010
476 days of Unemployment
Today marks my 476th day being unemployed. So far, I have managed to work two part-time jobs, with the emphasis on PART. I couldn't work enough hours to buy food, let alone be able to pay for rent or utilities. The jobs only lasted a month because of two reasons. First reason, one job didn't allow me time off for winter break. Understandable if that part was explained to me before I was given the position. The organization knew I was a student, and I needed to go home for personal reasons. I could explain further, but as a part-time employee, I should have been made aware that I did not have an option to have a day off. I only worked two hours every morning, and I do not understand how I could not have at least two weeks off. There were other people who actually had the same position and facilitated the same project. In other words, I was not the only person who could accomplish the job. Also, I did not request paid time off; I requested unpaid leave. I would also understand, as a part-time employee, not having the ability to have paid leave. The second reason for not retaining employment from a different part-time position was the position was tied to financial aid. As soon as I decided the program was not worth future investment, I had to leave the position. I understand why I had to leave that position. I am frustrated that I have not had any luck finding employment. I am hopeful I will find something quick and soon. I also hope I can find something that would allow me the ability to afford my apartment and pay my utilities. I am struggling, and I don't think I can tread above water soon. Many people keep saying I should start a business. Let me answer that question with a question of my own: What business should I start that has no collateral and allows me to afford my needs of shelter, food and basic utilities without running new expenditures? So far, I have not found anything.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Short post
I haven't received the best of news. I received an email from Harris/BMO; I didn't get the position. The day of my surgery, I received a letter from UIC; I wasn't accepted into the program. So far, as my count goes: Jobs-0, Grad Apps-0, Me: -100. I am trying to stay positive and resolute, and I am determined to find a job and a school. Good news though, I am not in pain from my surgery. Recovery is taking a bit long though. Maybe I need to sleep more, or eat a very healthy diet or something.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Joblessness Redux
I started applying to more positions. Actually, I started applying to teller positions. In the span of two hours, I applied to 3 teller positions at BOA, 3 teller positions at Citi, 1 teller position at JPMorgan, and 3 teller positions at US Bank. I also augmented my resume to reflect only cash handling, retail, and banking experience. I also removed my education from my resume and only included my stint in community college.
I think this is something that may help me. I didn't finish my degree at the community college and instead transferred to my alma mater. I don't know if they really care that I didn't put my full educational experience. I guess I am trying to appeal to recruiters and showing something that may benefit more. Hopefully, they see that I am willing to work. I just hope it comes across. I have my fingers crossed because I need a job real soon. (I only have $1 in my bank account) If that doesn't light a fire on my butt, I don't know what will. Wish me luck people. I need it.
I think this is something that may help me. I didn't finish my degree at the community college and instead transferred to my alma mater. I don't know if they really care that I didn't put my full educational experience. I guess I am trying to appeal to recruiters and showing something that may benefit more. Hopefully, they see that I am willing to work. I just hope it comes across. I have my fingers crossed because I need a job real soon. (I only have $1 in my bank account) If that doesn't light a fire on my butt, I don't know what will. Wish me luck people. I need it.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Week of waiting
I am still looking for that ever elusive employer that would give me a chance. On top of that, I am waiting to hear back from the applications I submitted for graduate programs. I don't usually do well with waiting. Waiting brings stress, and anxiety. I tend to think of bad and absurd situations while waiting. For example, I think of lost mail, mail mix-ups, transcripts not sent out. After interviews, I tend to think how badly I did. I guess I just have insecurities to get over. Being unemployed for such a long time, I have a lot of insecurities. I never thought I would be in this situation when I graduated, or when I was going to school. I didn't think everything would come up roses, but I did think things would have been better. On to other things though.
I do not have the ability to speed the process up. I can't. I do have the ability to concentrate on other things. I can look for other jobs, submit applications, and start even more waiting. I can watch television. I shouldn't watch television, but I have the ability to watch television. I can read, although, I do not want to. I can walk around the great city of Chicago and explore the vast cityscape. I can walk to a local Starbucks and do nothing. Actually, I am at a Starbucks. Oh well, I guess, I should start doing more exciting things.
I do have a predicament. I have limited funds, which results in stress to find a job fast. I should stop thinking about this. My friend once told me love happens when you least expect it to. I believe opportunity happens when you least expect it to. I guess it has something to do with Grace or the Divine. I just have to be optimistic, work on other things to keep my mind off of having to wait, and submit more applications. Doesn't hurt, right?
I do not have the ability to speed the process up. I can't. I do have the ability to concentrate on other things. I can look for other jobs, submit applications, and start even more waiting. I can watch television. I shouldn't watch television, but I have the ability to watch television. I can read, although, I do not want to. I can walk around the great city of Chicago and explore the vast cityscape. I can walk to a local Starbucks and do nothing. Actually, I am at a Starbucks. Oh well, I guess, I should start doing more exciting things.
I do have a predicament. I have limited funds, which results in stress to find a job fast. I should stop thinking about this. My friend once told me love happens when you least expect it to. I believe opportunity happens when you least expect it to. I guess it has something to do with Grace or the Divine. I just have to be optimistic, work on other things to keep my mind off of having to wait, and submit more applications. Doesn't hurt, right?
Friday, March 19, 2010
Follow-ups
I am having writer's block. I'm trying to write a follow-up email for an interview I had. I hope I can write it before the weekend.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Interview
I had my interview today. I can't really say I did excellent. I can only hope that my skill set and personality match what the position needs. I was fortunate and happy enough to have the interview.
I watched "Every Little Step" yesterday, and I really connected with the actors auditioning for their respective parts. I especially liked what an actor said, "You get 100 nos before you get 1 yes." I think, even if I don't get this job, I am one step closer to getting the job I deserve and need. I really appreciate my friends and family, and their kind words of encouragement. I hope I can do them proud. I hope to end my unemployment soon.
I watched "Every Little Step" yesterday, and I really connected with the actors auditioning for their respective parts. I especially liked what an actor said, "You get 100 nos before you get 1 yes." I think, even if I don't get this job, I am one step closer to getting the job I deserve and need. I really appreciate my friends and family, and their kind words of encouragement. I hope I can do them proud. I hope to end my unemployment soon.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Starbucks Conversation as Interview Case Studies Part 2: Non-Formal Conversations
The latest installment. More to come soon. (I hope)
Leaders are usually present in non-formal conversations. The leader(s) usually direct the conversation through segues and personal interest. Some examples include rumors, news, or anything important pertaining to the sphere of influence. Each conversation is different, based on the leader(s), and the conversation can change quite rapidly. The leader(s) may start on the earthquake in Haiti and the conversation could end on shoes.
Maintaining hierarchy is usually the most important observed rule in non-formal conversations. People usually maintain this by implying how rude a person is for interrupting. Etiquette is another observed rule. Etiquette rules apply to bridging conversations, maintaining conversations for an ideal amount of time, and abruptly stopping conversations. Most people detest having to wait for someone to finish a phone conversation in the middle of a conversation. Also, many believe politely asking to leave would be the best response. Of course, etiquette and rules change between circles. Sometimes, groups include phone calls to conversations by way of speaker phone or texting.
Leaders are usually present in non-formal conversations. The leader(s) usually direct the conversation through segues and personal interest. Some examples include rumors, news, or anything important pertaining to the sphere of influence. Each conversation is different, based on the leader(s), and the conversation can change quite rapidly. The leader(s) may start on the earthquake in Haiti and the conversation could end on shoes.
Maintaining hierarchy is usually the most important observed rule in non-formal conversations. People usually maintain this by implying how rude a person is for interrupting. Etiquette is another observed rule. Etiquette rules apply to bridging conversations, maintaining conversations for an ideal amount of time, and abruptly stopping conversations. Most people detest having to wait for someone to finish a phone conversation in the middle of a conversation. Also, many believe politely asking to leave would be the best response. Of course, etiquette and rules change between circles. Sometimes, groups include phone calls to conversations by way of speaker phone or texting.
Interview Anxiety
I apologize in advance for not finishing the last blog post, but I should finish the next installment soon. Most likely, I will be stopping by Starbucks later this afternoon.
I received a call for an interview Tuesday. I am a little anxious, and I am excited. I haven't had an interview in a long time, but I do have some things I need to be sure to be aware of. I tend to make myself notes of what I say after the interview is over. I remember one interview, I kept saying "so" to end the sentence. That was a horrible interview experience.
Note to self:
1. Refrain from filler words such as: like, um, and yeah (or anything that may sound like a filler word)
2. Answer the question
3. Make sure the answer is concise and to the point (don't ramble)
4. Be calm, but confident
5. Ask questions when appropriate
6. Research before the interview
I don't know if I'm ever fully ready for an interview. I sometimes tend to fly by the seat of my pants. Most of the time, I get to know the interviewer and have a friendly conversation.
I received a call for an interview Tuesday. I am a little anxious, and I am excited. I haven't had an interview in a long time, but I do have some things I need to be sure to be aware of. I tend to make myself notes of what I say after the interview is over. I remember one interview, I kept saying "so" to end the sentence. That was a horrible interview experience.
Note to self:
1. Refrain from filler words such as: like, um, and yeah (or anything that may sound like a filler word)
2. Answer the question
3. Make sure the answer is concise and to the point (don't ramble)
4. Be calm, but confident
5. Ask questions when appropriate
6. Research before the interview
I don't know if I'm ever fully ready for an interview. I sometimes tend to fly by the seat of my pants. Most of the time, I get to know the interviewer and have a friendly conversation.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Starbucks Conversation as Interview Case Studies
I may update this later, but for now, enjoy.
I like to sit in Starbucks and listen to conversations play out. Mostly, I listen to how people interact with each other. Listening to formal and non-formal communication is very important in understanding how either forms direct conversation.
For a formal context, people should dress in an appropriate manner and utilize words that convey the explicit conversational message. The conversation may be light or probing questions, but the conversation may actually lead to a developed monologue. For the developed monologue, the facilitator may direct the respondent in describing an event related to a sequence. The facilitator may also direct the respondent to role play or form hypothetical situation models. The facilitator usually attempts to analyze critical thinking, quick thinking, and educated responses. The respondent may form an educated response using previous experience, and understanding how the situation would perform in the real world. Educated responses are different from theory, in that educated responses are learned by previous interactions.
For non-formal, the conversation displays interaction between people. A facilitator or a definite leader may be present guiding the conversation. The group may be mixed with different respondents or interactive responses. The conversations are usually based on implicit reactions, cultural nuances and use of involvement.
I like to sit in Starbucks and listen to conversations play out. Mostly, I listen to how people interact with each other. Listening to formal and non-formal communication is very important in understanding how either forms direct conversation.
For a formal context, people should dress in an appropriate manner and utilize words that convey the explicit conversational message. The conversation may be light or probing questions, but the conversation may actually lead to a developed monologue. For the developed monologue, the facilitator may direct the respondent in describing an event related to a sequence. The facilitator may also direct the respondent to role play or form hypothetical situation models. The facilitator usually attempts to analyze critical thinking, quick thinking, and educated responses. The respondent may form an educated response using previous experience, and understanding how the situation would perform in the real world. Educated responses are different from theory, in that educated responses are learned by previous interactions.
For non-formal, the conversation displays interaction between people. A facilitator or a definite leader may be present guiding the conversation. The group may be mixed with different respondents or interactive responses. The conversations are usually based on implicit reactions, cultural nuances and use of involvement.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Post-Capitalist Society
My friend Tom let me borrow his book a couple of months ago. I feel bad because I haven't read it...yet. I have been distracted. I am on the process of opening the pages and reading the highly relevant book soon.
I also have a mock graduate MBA class today. The university has been in the news quite a lot. Students and faculty have been trying to get the Governor to give the university the money owed, but another story seemed to pop up. The university president is currently having his home renovated. The cost of the renovation is $100,000.
Very interesting. I hope I can bite my tongue long enough to hear what the admissions director has to say. I just don't want to be placed in a school where I am disappointed again.
I also have a mock graduate MBA class today. The university has been in the news quite a lot. Students and faculty have been trying to get the Governor to give the university the money owed, but another story seemed to pop up. The university president is currently having his home renovated. The cost of the renovation is $100,000.
Very interesting. I hope I can bite my tongue long enough to hear what the admissions director has to say. I just don't want to be placed in a school where I am disappointed again.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Power of Twitter
I found some good news for people who tweet. Celebrities can find you and make you viral. Congrats Sarah Killen. May all your hopes and dreams be fulfilled.
Story Here
Story Here
Patience
I am now officially waiting. In this age of get it done yesterday, and information at the touch of a smartphone/iPhone, I am left wanting. I want to know if I got admitted to the graduate schools; based on the GMAT I just finished, I may want to postpone admission to retake the exam. I am also waiting on a job. I've been waiting for awhile.
I haven't been working in such a long time, I don't know how I would approach work. I just need something to both occupy my time, and generate money. I would love to be financially independent and self-sufficient at this moment in my life. I feel like I am drowning at times. I just need some good news, preferably good news about a job and admissions.
I have been in steps to fix my credit and credit resolution is both an expensive and time consuming process. I find being a victim to be frustrating and exhausting. I have to call all these creditors and explain why I am a victim of identity theft. I have had some calls where I was blamed for my lack of financial responsibility. The issue is, I did not authorize someone to use my personal information to gain credit, and I do not want strangers using my information for personal gain. I do not see being a victim as something self-inflicting. I did not tell someone to use my credit, and I did not give permission to use any personal information to gain credit. I think the worse part about identity theft has to be fixing a problem I did not start. I could see how I should be responsible for my debt. I totally understand that. I do not understand how I should be responsible for another person's debt, compounded with a flag on background checks. I do not use aliases, and I refuse to let another person use my credit as a means to gain employment. I am sorry, but if you do not have the authorization to use the information for credit, you should not push your luck and use the information to gain employment. I cannot gain employment. I feel stuck, frustrated and exhausted.
Good news though, I managed to send out 12 out of the 13 credit dispute affidavits to fix the discrepancies. I still need to fax one, but I do not have the money to fax anything at the present moment. I need to fix it quick though. I did manage to send an extended credit warning to Experian. Hopefully, no new credit accounts should be opened without my authorization. I have my fingers crossed though.
Hopefully, I am in steps to redirect my life to where I should be: independent and productive member of society.
I haven't been working in such a long time, I don't know how I would approach work. I just need something to both occupy my time, and generate money. I would love to be financially independent and self-sufficient at this moment in my life. I feel like I am drowning at times. I just need some good news, preferably good news about a job and admissions.
I have been in steps to fix my credit and credit resolution is both an expensive and time consuming process. I find being a victim to be frustrating and exhausting. I have to call all these creditors and explain why I am a victim of identity theft. I have had some calls where I was blamed for my lack of financial responsibility. The issue is, I did not authorize someone to use my personal information to gain credit, and I do not want strangers using my information for personal gain. I do not see being a victim as something self-inflicting. I did not tell someone to use my credit, and I did not give permission to use any personal information to gain credit. I think the worse part about identity theft has to be fixing a problem I did not start. I could see how I should be responsible for my debt. I totally understand that. I do not understand how I should be responsible for another person's debt, compounded with a flag on background checks. I do not use aliases, and I refuse to let another person use my credit as a means to gain employment. I am sorry, but if you do not have the authorization to use the information for credit, you should not push your luck and use the information to gain employment. I cannot gain employment. I feel stuck, frustrated and exhausted.
Good news though, I managed to send out 12 out of the 13 credit dispute affidavits to fix the discrepancies. I still need to fax one, but I do not have the money to fax anything at the present moment. I need to fix it quick though. I did manage to send an extended credit warning to Experian. Hopefully, no new credit accounts should be opened without my authorization. I have my fingers crossed though.
Hopefully, I am in steps to redirect my life to where I should be: independent and productive member of society.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Graduate Exams
I finished the GMAT this afternoon, or this morning. The GMAT is a strange exam. Questions are written to confuse. Most the questions do not make sense. The GMAT is an indicator of how well an applicant can do in graduate school, or in this case graduate business school. I have also taken the GRE. The GRE is an indicator exam testing how respondents deal with exams. Both require the individual to create adequate strategies to manage time, and develop best means to answer the question.
These exams have three sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing. Each section is timed, and questions are computer adaptive responses. For example, you answer a question correctly, the next question gets progressively harder. The more correct difficult questions, the higher the score. Unfortunately, if the exams starts with multiple wrong questions, the score would not be as high. Consequently, the more the tests adapt, the more accurate the score would be without having to analyze more questions. Computer Adaptive Tests have less questions, less sections, and are more accurate.
The Quantitative sections do not test past Geometry. The section establishes how the individual processes each question. The GMAT tests differently than the GRE. For example, the GMAT gives a prompt, and two subsections that relate to the math prompt. The GMAT questions relate to how the individual interprets the question asked. Mostly, which response, if any or both would allow for the statement to test true. The GRE utilizes a more formal approach to the questions by utilizing word problems, math related imagery, and common error approaches to math problems.
The Verbal section is usually divided into reading passages and sentence structure. The GRE utilizes word associations and word relations. The questions are read as word a is to word b as the options follow. These sections are much like the ACT, the SAT and other collegiate entrance exams. For me, the GRE was easier to follow, and finding progression or regression following each question was a lot easier. Difficult questions are hard, and reversely, easy questions are relatively easy.
Standardize tests are not fully indicative of how a person will do in the future. Also, the exams are not something that can be studied. The only thing a person can do has been to prepare strategies. That's the short end of it.
These exams have three sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing. Each section is timed, and questions are computer adaptive responses. For example, you answer a question correctly, the next question gets progressively harder. The more correct difficult questions, the higher the score. Unfortunately, if the exams starts with multiple wrong questions, the score would not be as high. Consequently, the more the tests adapt, the more accurate the score would be without having to analyze more questions. Computer Adaptive Tests have less questions, less sections, and are more accurate.
The Quantitative sections do not test past Geometry. The section establishes how the individual processes each question. The GMAT tests differently than the GRE. For example, the GMAT gives a prompt, and two subsections that relate to the math prompt. The GMAT questions relate to how the individual interprets the question asked. Mostly, which response, if any or both would allow for the statement to test true. The GRE utilizes a more formal approach to the questions by utilizing word problems, math related imagery, and common error approaches to math problems.
The Verbal section is usually divided into reading passages and sentence structure. The GRE utilizes word associations and word relations. The questions are read as word a is to word b as the options follow. These sections are much like the ACT, the SAT and other collegiate entrance exams. For me, the GRE was easier to follow, and finding progression or regression following each question was a lot easier. Difficult questions are hard, and reversely, easy questions are relatively easy.
Standardize tests are not fully indicative of how a person will do in the future. Also, the exams are not something that can be studied. The only thing a person can do has been to prepare strategies. That's the short end of it.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Olympics and Indomitable Will
Reblogged: February 14, 2010 http://chicrazy.posterous.com/olympics-and-indomitable-will
The modern Olympics have always been a feat of marvel. Athletes from around the world compete in a gesture of goodwill and sportsmanship. Every Olympic event has a fan favorite and an underdog, and every Olympic has hopefuls and dreams. My favorite Olympic story always includes the athlete with indomitable will. The true athlete always strives to push themselves harder than before, but the Olympics manage to showcase individuals whom made a life of obstacles and challenges seem insignificant.
The modern Olympics have always been a feat of marvel. Athletes from around the world compete in a gesture of goodwill and sportsmanship. Every Olympic event has a fan favorite and an underdog, and every Olympic has hopefuls and dreams. My favorite Olympic story always includes the athlete with indomitable will. The true athlete always strives to push themselves harder than before, but the Olympics manage to showcase individuals whom made a life of obstacles and challenges seem insignificant.
Last night I saw the Men’s 1500m Speed Skating Event rooting for Apollo Anton Ono, but a particular athlete had shown how dangerous the winter sports could be. This particular Winter Olympics has been very emotional, and the death of the Georgian luge athlete really displayed the dangers athletes put themselves in. J.R. Celski cut himself on his own skate during a national competition. Celski barely missed his femoral artery and required several stitches. I really admired the athletes this winter games, and I congratulate all their efforts and hard work.
Congratulations to all the Olympic athletes. I am inspired and in awe.
Education versus Experience
I am frustrated. Being unemployed is frustrating and challenging. I applied to several open positions at several companies. I think the best thing I can do is wait. With an unemployment rate of 10%, I have to wait for companies to call me back. I would be lucky to get a call or even be considered for any position. Unfortunately, I have very limited experience that many companies do not want to look at. I have worked hard and I have spent time, money, and any other resources I could use.
Being educated, I can only assume certain reasons on why I am not employed. These are some reasons I feel I have not been employed: lack of experience, little to no direction in regards to previous employment, or possibly more educated than position requires/over-qualified. I'm going tackle each of these possible problems and see what I could. Unfortunately, I can't change my educational background for a manager who doesn't have any type of college degree (Associate or higher). If the manager feels that I may be problem because of my education, that may be their problem to work on. I have worked with several managers with high school or high school equivalent degrees. I have no qualms with someone has extensive experience in the industry. Now, if they can't trust me to do something, then that's a different issue.
For me, I don't care. I don't care if my boss has four degrees, or no degrees. I just want a job that would pay me money. Truly, a job that would let me live. All I really care about is being gainfully employed, and having the ability to pay for rent, for my utility bills, and for food. At this moment, I cannot do any of that. Who's fault is that? I have applied to so many jobs, and I have not heard back from any place. Being unemployed is not my fault. The only thing I can do, is try to work on what makes me unemployable.
Being unemployable, may be something that is my fault. I can only change what makes my resume be a toxic resume. Also, I may have to rely on other things, or I may have to create my own business. I can only imagine the whole new set of problems I would create for myself if I created my own business. Will stay positive though. I can't be unemployed forever. I can't afford to. Literally.
Being educated, I can only assume certain reasons on why I am not employed. These are some reasons I feel I have not been employed: lack of experience, little to no direction in regards to previous employment, or possibly more educated than position requires/over-qualified. I'm going tackle each of these possible problems and see what I could. Unfortunately, I can't change my educational background for a manager who doesn't have any type of college degree (Associate or higher). If the manager feels that I may be problem because of my education, that may be their problem to work on. I have worked with several managers with high school or high school equivalent degrees. I have no qualms with someone has extensive experience in the industry. Now, if they can't trust me to do something, then that's a different issue.
For me, I don't care. I don't care if my boss has four degrees, or no degrees. I just want a job that would pay me money. Truly, a job that would let me live. All I really care about is being gainfully employed, and having the ability to pay for rent, for my utility bills, and for food. At this moment, I cannot do any of that. Who's fault is that? I have applied to so many jobs, and I have not heard back from any place. Being unemployed is not my fault. The only thing I can do, is try to work on what makes me unemployable.
Being unemployable, may be something that is my fault. I can only change what makes my resume be a toxic resume. Also, I may have to rely on other things, or I may have to create my own business. I can only imagine the whole new set of problems I would create for myself if I created my own business. Will stay positive though. I can't be unemployed forever. I can't afford to. Literally.
Joblessness and being picky
My mom, bless her heart, has been giving me companies to apply to. Unfortunately, she has no idea what the qualifications are. With a large pool of unemployed, businesses are benefiting way more than job applicants. I do not have the leverage she thinks I should have. Job descriptions and job qualifications are now set in stone. For example, living in Chicago, I don't need a car. Unfortunately, if the job requires or suggests that I have reliable transportation, I better have a car. I don't understand how I would need a car for a job that would not even cover the expenses for me to have a car, pay rent, and other living expenses. Chicago is not a car friendly city. I have to pay for parking. I have to rent a parking spot. In a saturated job market, having a car is something that would set me apart. But, I can't afford a car, or use the Zipcar or other like services. I just can't afford to. I have no money to afford something like that. All I can do is keep applying to jobs and hopefully get a call back. Once they find that I do not have a car, things get kind of sticky. I do not know why; most of the places I have applied for have been within walking distance from my apartment. I just need to stop and think about what is important right now. I have some time to play. I don't have that much money to play with, but hopefully, I can make it last.
Writer's Block: Educated Guess
How has your education prepared you for your current or intended career? Do you wish you had taken a different path academically? Would you consider transferring or going back to school?
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Education is important. School branding has been more important than the education itself. I am proud to have worked my way through a Bachelor of Business Administration, but many businesses are looking at the school name just as much or more than the degree earned. For example, many businesses would throw obscene amounts of money for a graduate from the elite ivy league or patronize their own alma mater. The recently graduated are placed in levels where school name plays a significant role in determining skill sets.
Schools have attempted to gain leverage in the job market by creating boutique education by increasing tuition and offering specialized degrees. Unfortunately, some of these degrees have no purpose. University branding has been very important to all institutions. In order to gain the best education for the money, universities have invested in gaining specific accreditation. For business, universities tend to gravitate toward an AACSB accreditation. An AACSB accreditation is important for applying for license exams for Accounting or Finance. This accreditation also states that the university works to keep their status as a discerning degree issuing institution, rather than a degree mill. The best universities are accredited, and the best business schools have the AACSB accreditation.
Businesses are also looking at experience. Ridiculous to say, but in order to get an entry-level position, you need prior work experience. My experience had been really rough. I haven't had the luck in getting called for an interview. Going into the workforce in this economy has been really crazy. I was a very involved student, and I participated in internships. Unfortunately, I lack the experience needed to get a job or a career. Going back to school doesn't solve the issue. Graduate school is something that I feel I should accomplish for myself and not for a job. Although, I would be a better candidate for many positions with a MBA, or a Master of Science in Accounting, Information Systems, Finance, Hospitality Management or Marketing Communications, many places still want experience. On top of that, many graduate schools won't take students without adequate experience. I am caught in a cycle.
Internships and Jobs
I've been feeling disappointed lately. Statistically, I should be on the rebound soon. Unfortunately, I feel like several things are coming down all at once. Explanation as follows:
First, I had to drop my graduate program. I had to give up for several reasons. Graduate school is very expensive, and I dropped the program because I did not feel it was worth the money. $13,000 for one semester is a lot to pay. I would not have minded paying if the school had a curriculum I felt was worth $13,000. Unfortunately, I paid a lot of money for an education I felt was geared for undergraduates. The professors had ample time, but I believe the students did not provide the level needed for an adequate exchange of ideas and stimulation. The students came from all over the planet, and I was one of three people with English proficiency. The school actually forces the students to enroll in another creditless class to boost their English skills. What surprises me the most, the same students graduated with a degree in English. If that was the only concern, I would be fine enough to continue. The amount of students that cheated, and plagiarized was overwhelming. The university had a very relaxed system that allowed students to continue. Maybe, I am looking for something not possible in the current US educational system. If I am going to have to pay for my tuition again by myself, I want to be able to get a degree that I would be proud of.
Second, I have not had much luck with finding a job. I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration but I cannot find a job. I applied to entry level, hourly and internships. I get the same response. Here is a sample of a rejection from an INTERNSHIP application:
Good afternoon Carlo,
I apologize if I misled you over the phone. We finalized interview process this afternoon instead of last Friday.
However, after reviewing your interview responses and exam materials, we have unfortunately decided not to continue with the intern selection process. I am not at completely available to explain exactly why you were not selected, however I can tell you that it involved other candidates having increased and extensive background experience in the field.
I would certainly not become discouraged, it is an extremely difficult time and I appreciate the effort and time you put into our intern selection process.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions or comments. We will certainly keep your resume on file if anything opens up in the future.
I do feel discouraged. How can other candidates have more experience in Marketing for an INTERNSHIP? I thought the purpose for an internship was to gain experience. Obviously, I have no idea what an internship means. I wish the company the best of luck. They didn't think I fit, but they don't know me. They don't know what I can bring. All they saw was a piece a paper, or had a brief conversation on the phone. I cannot condense what I can do in a subjective way.
Third, I have been trying to apply to new GSBs and I have to study for the GMAT. I have to start the process all over again. I have to search for programs, go to open houses, go to classes, and look for programs. Better second time around, I guess.
Fourth, I have been dealing with Identity Theft. I hate this experience, and I have been postponing have to deal with it. At least, I found something that makes it easier. I just need to do a lot more. Maybe this will help with the second thing. I need a job. I need money. I need to do something.
First, I had to drop my graduate program. I had to give up for several reasons. Graduate school is very expensive, and I dropped the program because I did not feel it was worth the money. $13,000 for one semester is a lot to pay. I would not have minded paying if the school had a curriculum I felt was worth $13,000. Unfortunately, I paid a lot of money for an education I felt was geared for undergraduates. The professors had ample time, but I believe the students did not provide the level needed for an adequate exchange of ideas and stimulation. The students came from all over the planet, and I was one of three people with English proficiency. The school actually forces the students to enroll in another creditless class to boost their English skills. What surprises me the most, the same students graduated with a degree in English. If that was the only concern, I would be fine enough to continue. The amount of students that cheated, and plagiarized was overwhelming. The university had a very relaxed system that allowed students to continue. Maybe, I am looking for something not possible in the current US educational system. If I am going to have to pay for my tuition again by myself, I want to be able to get a degree that I would be proud of.
Second, I have not had much luck with finding a job. I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration but I cannot find a job. I applied to entry level, hourly and internships. I get the same response. Here is a sample of a rejection from an INTERNSHIP application:
Good afternoon Carlo,
I apologize if I misled you over the phone. We finalized interview process this afternoon instead of last Friday.
However, after reviewing your interview responses and exam materials, we have unfortunately decided not to continue with the intern selection process. I am not at completely available to explain exactly why you were not selected, however I can tell you that it involved other candidates having increased and extensive background experience in the field.
I would certainly not become discouraged, it is an extremely difficult time and I appreciate the effort and time you put into our intern selection process.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions or comments. We will certainly keep your resume on file if anything opens up in the future.
I do feel discouraged. How can other candidates have more experience in Marketing for an INTERNSHIP? I thought the purpose for an internship was to gain experience. Obviously, I have no idea what an internship means. I wish the company the best of luck. They didn't think I fit, but they don't know me. They don't know what I can bring. All they saw was a piece a paper, or had a brief conversation on the phone. I cannot condense what I can do in a subjective way.
Third, I have been trying to apply to new GSBs and I have to study for the GMAT. I have to start the process all over again. I have to search for programs, go to open houses, go to classes, and look for programs. Better second time around, I guess.
Fourth, I have been dealing with Identity Theft. I hate this experience, and I have been postponing have to deal with it. At least, I found something that makes it easier. I just need to do a lot more. Maybe this will help with the second thing. I need a job. I need money. I need to do something.