Geez, how time flies! So, I decided to look back at my old posts and made myself laugh because of all the discussion on finding an internship. Now it all seems like ages ago. Just to update you all, I had an awesome internship in the Bay Area this past summer, working for a well-known tech company in the investor relations department. I had a blast, because I got to work on many projects and collaborate with several executives. My first year at Anderson really prepared me for the internship, including how to approach a problem, prepare a well-thought/crisp presentation, and present to a room full of people with calm and poise. Things went so well that I got an offer at the company - woohoo! But, like any good pragmatist, I am planning to go through the full-time recruiting process to see what other options are out there. I must say, this year's recruiting turnout is tremendous - I've already lost count of the number of companies recruiting here. Perhaps the recession really IS over or at the least improved.
From my previous blogs you saw a taste of the frenetic 1st year life: jam-packed core courses, internship recruiting up to your neck, networking events, and the delicate art of finding time to breathe through all of this madness. And, while you're wondering how you could ever survive the demanding schedule, you are loving every minute of it (or most minutes) because you are busy in a fun way - making new friends and learning something new every day. But, that's all over now - sigh.
So you might now be wondering what the second year is like. First, I must mention that during my first year, the second-years seemed like wise sages. They had this calm, cool demeanor. Nothing phased them, not their master's thesis or class grades. They were like James Dean on a motorcycle, man. Simply awesome. So now that I'm a 2nd year, do I feel too cool for school? Well, the fact that I just said "too cool for school" automatically makes me not cool. But I must say that I have calmed down a little from my first year. I do actually feel a bit wiser, I think because I've learned to go with the flow - enjoy rather than fear any new experience that comes along. Because believe me, at MBA school you will be operating outside of your comfort zone on many occasions. I've also decided to make the most of my time here from a non-academic point of view. I previously took guitar and dance lessons and plan to continue with the guitar and also learn drawing, archery, rock climbing, and strength training, to name a few. The sky's the limit.
So with good ol' optimism and excitement, I am ready to face my 2nd and last year at UCLA Anderson School of Management. The master's thesis (aka Applied Management Research Program) is going to be tough, but I'm sure it will be another great experience. I have to keep telling myself to savor every moment because I know it will be over in a flash. Here I go..........
