Education Flashcards
- Why did you choose your major?
Originally, I had chosen polymer engineering and quickly realized that the lack of interaction with other people made it a poor fit even though I find engineering interesting. I chose Business because of the broad array of settings it could translate too. I still wanted to do something that interested me, but I wanted to be involved with people as well. Business Administration and a MBA allows me to choose my field of interest and adapt as time changes.
- Why did you choose to attend your college?
S: I wanted a University that could grow me as a person beyond reading books and writing papers. There had to be a strong education accompanied with the chance to learn from other people succeeding in their careers.
T: My goal was to find a school that met or exceeded those expectations.
A: Originally, the rankings and speaking with other people caused me to schedule a visit. During an open house and speaking with a representative I viewed how the classes were structured and the flexibility outside of core classes to choose areas that would have a greater effect on my development.
R: The result was a great base of knowledge, teamwork, and enrichment on many subjects such as Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, and Strategy that I can continue to build upon.
- If you were to start over, what would you change about your education?
My first class in college should have been a combination of time management, finances, and how to study effectively.
S: I originally attended the University of Akron and was enrolled in honors courses while trying to hold down a full time job and I simply wasn’t prepared for the tasks at hand.
T: I needed to turn my life in the right direction and those areas were holding me back.
A: I was able to get a job at Walgreens as an Assistant Manager after a year as a Sales Manager at Best Western and I put together a five year plan to overcome those obstacles. I began searching for any way possible to manage my time better (calendars, eliminating non-value added activities). I began reading Kiplinger’s, Forbes, and the Wall St. journal. I wanted to know what a Roth IRA and a REIT was to get a better financial grip. The goal to understand the broader picture led to me getting a minor in Economics during my undergrad. Finally, I became an avid learner. I completed my MBA and will now complete my PMP certification.
R: Oddly enough those former obstacles became hobbies and points of strength as time went on and I enjoy all three to this day.
- In which campus activities do you participate?
Due to be a working professional, much of my activities including community involvement occur in conjunction with my career rather than on campus. However,
S: A couple years back I wanted to challenge myself as well as network with new people and remembered that Fisher Professional Services operated in the fall.
T: I wanted to find a project that would allow me to step outside the box and extend my networks.
A: I spoke with the Executive Director about upcoming projects and there was one with Richland County where I currently work and I applied shortly after reviewing my commitments.
R: The project went very well as the Client as well as the Executive Director were both pleased with the presentation and supporting deliverables.
- Do your grades accurately reflect your ability? Why or why not?
To a certain extent, yes but there are too many variables to quantify. There were certain semesters where I had to make a few hard decisions to complete my long-term goals that made school difficult. I finished above a 3.5 and if everyone in my classes worked 60 hours a week and commuted 2 hours then that would generally be a fair assessment. I found that when my hours are closer to 50 per week, my GPA improved greatly and I don’t believe I took a class that an A wasn’t possible if work didn’t have to come first.
- Were you financially responsible for any portion of your college education?
Yes, every penny of my MBA, and more than half of my undergraduate degree. I did receive some scholarships during my undergrad.
- What changes would you make in your college or university?
Currently, it has been explained to us that the professors receive our student evaluations directly.
I believe 360 degree reviews can be a positive and would like to know that Working Professionals have their opinions heard by the faculty department heads.
I would also like to see more process improvement in the course materials. The students do other projects frequently and this seems like a prime candidate that everyone would appreciate or be passionate about.
