The MBA Student Voice

Orientation: A Response/A Recap/A Retrospective

So I've been slacking on this blog over the past few weeks.  Not for a lack of noteworthy inclusions, but rather that during my precious spare moments my body demands sleep, food, and the occasionally high-velocity impact with my surfboard (yeah, Jordy Smith I'm not).  Sorry, faceless internet readers, but this ode to summation will have to suffice.

Lots of my fellow blogateers (think musketeers but more prone to sunburn and spontaneous games of Risk) have touched on some of the more outstanding elements of UCLA Anderson's Orientation Program. We took metaphors to the extreme with the Odyssey Ropes Course and left with a better appreciation for our own capabilities and the strength of our peers.  We also spent a good portion of our adult lives orientation learning about the substantial career, academic, social resources available to us at Anderson.  At times, my brain screamed "uncle" and tried to crawl out my ear, but I can say with confidence that the information overload was of tremendous benefit.  While still slightly daunting, the prospect of achieving academic excellence, building a robust life-long network, and crafting a successful career path seems much more feasible thanks to the Orientation Program.  I owe a "slap/bump" (when you get here, this will become clear) to Susan Corley, the 2Y Orientation Leaders, and the wonderful folks over at the Parker CMC.

However, my personal favorite takeaways were the efforts of the rhythmically-challenged to learn the nuances of the UCLA 8-Clap (next: shoulder dancing!) and the wallflowers who were forced to exit their comfort zone and improv about robots.  Why robots?  Why not?  Lastly, the skits performed by each section showed that while many of us were Excel jockeys, pitchbook wizards, and masters of mgmt. consulting synergistic optimetrics in a past life, we do have the ability to bring the funny when it counts. Ultimately, orientation was an incredible opportunity to see that we are not just a collection of undergraduate degrees and job titles, but a dynamic set of individuals ready to take the reins at a moment's notice.

I'll admit that I had a healthy amount of skepticism towards this Orientation after the first day.  I thought some of activities were more inline with summer camp rather than preparation for an MBA.  This is serious stuff!  We have business cards (eggshell with romalian type) and well-pressed suits!  However, I quickly realized the benefit of building a cohesive team.  By stripping down our pretenses and forcing us to think and react quickly, often in an unnatural setting, we built the foundations of trust and respect that will carry us through this experience.  While this may sound like your cue to bust out the acoustic guitars, I'm being entirely sincere.  Even after a few short weeks, strong bonds have been developed and the collective success of the Class of 2011 is everyone's priority.

Our Fall courses started last week and I'm waist-deep in acronyms, demand curves, and T-accounts.  The clubs and recruiting are also starting to ramp-up quickly.  While it may feel overwhelming, I remain calm knowing that I have a tremendous faculty and peer group ready to pick me up when I need a lift.  Check back soon for some insight on the core curriculum, the career search, and where to find a burrito the size of a football.  

A New Two-Letter Home

As I stood at the baggage check-in with four 49.9 lbs suitcases and my sister's car fading into the distance, I couldn't help but smile.  3000 miles away, a new home, a new set of lifelong friends, and an experience that would forever influence my professional career awaited me.  Not even the sinking feeling that my phone charger and Big Lebowski DVD were not contributing to the absurd heft of my luggage could dampen my mood.  This was going to be an unreal new lifestyle!  A top-tier MBA program in a world class city.  A city renowned for its incredible diverse population and industry; one celebrated for its opportunity and scenic beauty.  Beaches and sun, here we come...

This Cali dreamin' lasted roughly as long as it took the poor Southwest attendent to carry/roll/kick my bags out of sight.  The only things waiting for me in Los Angeles were a rental car and a hotel reservation.   Everything that would transpire next would be a result of hard work and a disciplined approach.  It was this realization, the stark recognition that the next 22 months were going to be what I make of them, nothing more, that kept the smile on my face all way to touch down at LAX.  I spent the past year busting my hump, trying to exit my comfort zone in DC.  It was time to discover my true capabilities.

I'd love to continue with the "new adventure/self-discovery" platitudes, but unfortunately, real life kicked in the minute I got off the plane.  I stubbornly refused help with my bags and lugged my personal shantytown a few football fields to the rental desk; a decision that led to numerous pulled muscles in my back the next morning.  Word to the wise: If you need to drive around an unfamiliar city for a couple days, engage in stop/start traffic, and explore various apartment complexes, it's best to perform said tasks with a properly functioning spine.  Unless they are Victor Hugo enthusiasts, property managers tend to be wary of renting to those who look fit for a belltower.

Despite this episode of bad luck, I was able to secure a place in Brentwood relatively quickly.  It's close to campus, close to the highways, and close to the beach.  A solid trifecta for LA living.  I would recommend that any prospective students or admits come out to Los Angeles to familiarize themselves with the neighborhoods prior to applying or moving here.  There are so many desirable places to live in West LA that it's an enormous time-saver to know what you want before settling on a place. I spent my first three days here walking (well, shuffling awkwardly) the neighborhoods and testing the drives to campus before deciding on Brentwood.  Regardless of what's important to you (proximity to campus, nightlife, or the beach), you'll find a neighborhood that satisfies all your needs.

Since settling in, my days have been busy with getting prepped for orientation next week.  Resume preparation, Q&A sessions with the Parker CMC, registering my car in California, and if I have time, covering my textbooks with brown grocery bags (I'll be the guy with the "Arithmetic" book).   There is much to do before the madness begins.  However, there is no real trepidation, only excitement.  I'm about to spend the next 22 months learning from some of the best minds in business, all while surrounded by 370 talented, accomplished individuals whom I will soon call friends.

Many of my future entries will focus on the academic, recruiting, and social elements of Anderson.  I will also address my past experiences and what I hope to personally accomplish at UCLA Anderson. However, right now, there is much I'm in the dark in regarding the Anderson experience.  It would seem prudent to save my thoughts on the coursework and culture until I'm fully immersed.  Take my word for it though, I look forward to sharing them with you, through this blog and hopefully, someday on campus.