The MBA Student Voice

Thinking in the Next (Two Years)

Looking back at almost three weeks of Orientation, we can all agree on one thing: We are tired. But, really...we are. Like, really tired. The madness of Orientation never ceased. And we loved every minute of it.

More importantly, we can hardly handle our excitement for the two years ahead. The Orientation magic worked as planned and we feel connected to the Anderson, overwhelmed by opportunity and - all things considered - pretty prepared for what is to come. We know what we can expect, but we also know that we can expect the unexpected. And we are most definitely Thinking In the Next (Two Years).

[This post’s headshots courtesy of the post-Orientation 80’s Party extravaganza]

Aimee Musil
Thinking in the Next 2 Years….I’m exhausted! But in the best way possible. Even though my Ander-journey only began three short weeks ago, it’s been a wild ride. Coming to Anderson, I really wanted to focus on pushing my limits and working outside of my comfort zone. From a 5-day pre-Orientation trip venturing into the wilderness (more on that later), to a terrifying climb and leap off of a telephone pole, Orientation taught me that, with the help of supportive teammates, I can achieve more than I ever thought possible [insert groan].

Yes, it was cheesy and silly at times - running around in costumes, doing wheelbarrow races, and chanting “C-section!” in front of all of my classmates may have felt like summer camp - but I view orientation as a metaphor for the next two years at Anderson. Instead of ropes courses, I’ll be challenged with finance exams; instead of writing and rehearsing skits, I’ll be preparing my “30 second pitch” to use for recruiting. But even though we’ve been warned that first semester is brutal (we’ve seen the second year’s Google calendars and they are pretty daunting!), I have a great group of people who I know will have my back. Plus, if the 80’s party is any measure of the level of commitment Anderson students have to theme parties, I know it’s going to be a great year.

MBA Orientation 2015: We Belong Here

Four days ago, we stepped foot on the UCLA Anderson campus with a few friends, some butterflies, and buckets (briefcases?) full of questions. Who knew in such a short time, we would already feel right at home?

Four days of Orientation in, two weeks until classes, we can already feel that we belong here.

I belong at UCLA Anderson because…

Aimee Musil: I belong at Anderson because, even though my classmates are amazingly diverse, we’re already showing signs of the engaging, supportive, collaborative, and open-minded community they talk about in those shiny admissions brochures.

What exactly does that mean? As for engaging, over the past four days we’ve spent more than 9 hours watching presentations on what some might consider dry material - ethics, technology services, and the Anderson library (I apologize in advance to my mom, former librarian). However, from Jackie Reynolds, the Chief Technology Officer (and Anderson alum!) who had us cracking up to the saucy Angela Horne, newly appointed head of the Rosenfeld Library, the staff consistently impressed with their charm, wit, and genuine interest in helping us succeed during our time here.

Our collective open-mindedness came into play later, during our class photo scavenger hunt, when the accomplished and successful professionals of the class of 2015 literally ran around campus sweating profusely, planking, twerking, and screaming at tour guides/undergraduates, “Where’s the tree of knowledge?” All in all, I’ve been so impressed by the people I’ve met both on the staff and student side, and am excited to spend the next two years with this great group of people.

Choosing a laptop: MBA style

I’ll admit, I’m not the most technologically savvy. Sure, I can manage my way around InDesign and crank out a video in Final Cut Pro, but most of the time I use my laptop to watch the latest Community and catchup on celebrity gossip. That’s why I was thrilled when I saw Anderson’s laptop requirements. Perfect, I thought! Let me print it out and drive to the closest Apple store (have I mentioned I’m a Mac girl?). But wait, what’s that? Office for Mac is not supported? I need to install Windows on my Mac? Waaah? Perhaps I should consider a PC? I guess off to Best Buy I go…

Thirty minutes later, I’m in the middle of Best Buy with Mike, a sales associate and self-professed geek, the store manager and the floor rep. “She needs 250+GB SSD? Why is she a film student?” “The only computers we have that fit those requirements would be the Mac with Retina Display. But wait, oh. Then maybe a PC?” “This makes no sense.” Oi. If these three are having so much trouble I guess this might not be so easy. Here’s what I learned from the purchasing experience.

The breakdown:

If you’re looking for an investment piece, consider going with Anderson’s Recommended specs as they will guarantee you a top of the line computer. If, like me, you are thinking of getting a computer just for your time at Anderson (and buying a new one right before graduation to maximize on that student discount), consider a mix of both Recommended and Minimum requirements.

 

Packing up

Hi everyone! My name is Lorraine and I can't wait to meet all of you! I’m currently buried in boxes in my Manhattan studio, ac cranked up to the max, trying to figure out what to toss and what to ship to LA (why do I have so much stuff?). You’d think moving would be easier for me. After all, it’s not the first time I move across the country, or even across the world…

I was born and raised in Paris, France, finished high school in Honolulu, HI, and eventually moved to Boston where I studied journalism at Boston University. After graduation, I moved to NYC to start my career in publishing. Since then I’ve worked for both magazines (yes, the Devil Wears Prada kind) and book publishers (the serious nonfiction kind). I’m excited to learn new skills as an MBA student (and yes, a little anxious. I hope my math isn't too rusty!). Sure, I’m sad to be leaving my friends and NYC, but overall, I’m thrilled to be moving to sunny Westwood and to join the Anderson community. It’s been ten years since I’ve moved to the US (I just celebrated with an amazing Decade Party, woot!) and I can’t think of a better way to kick off my second decade than by embarking on a new adventure at Anderson. See you guys in the fall!

Lorraine Jonemann'15 @UCLAMBA