Ample Opportunities for Service and Growth

Ahkesha Murray is a 26-year-old first-year MBA candidate enrolled in the Wake Forest Schools of Business full-time program. Ahkesha earned her undergraduate degree in actuarial science from St. John’s University in 2005, and she is interested in consulting and finance.

This is Ahkesha’s perspective on her first weeks in the full-time program.

*****

“It’s like drinking from a fire hydrant.”

That is how my Managerial Economics Professor and Advisor, Ken Middaugh, described the first semester in Wake Forest’s full-time MBA program. I could not have said it better myself. However, I would not want it any other way because, frankly, I’m thirsty.

Just two weeks into the program, I’m having a hard time recounting all of the experiences and opportunities I have been privy to because it really does afford so much. Dean Steve Reinemund often speaks about students’ holistic development, and we are fortunate enough to be cared for and led by a dean who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. The Wake Forest University Schools of Business embodies the values that it preaches and, if anything is remiss, the issue is proactively mitigated.

Nostalgic musings aside, I would like to share a sampling of my experiences at Wake. Please do not consider this list to be comprehensive or final; as I type, more plans are in the works and that is part of the excitement. I will be sure to keep you well-informed of my journey and be as honest and frank as possible to provide a genuine representation of not only the Wake Forest full-time MBA experience, but the life experiences that come along with this journey as well.

So, imagine if you will…

Orientation. Our learning and growing actually began before classes started; orientation was as much a part of the value we will gain here as the formal teaching. Even though it only spanned a week, orientation was chock-full of highlights. Some of my favorite moments included: meeting students in the other graduate programs; listening to “Joker One” author, Donovan Campbell, speak candidly and with great heart about his experiences in Iraq; participating in team-building activities with my classmates and developing a charter for our study team; learning more about myself through a detailed analysis of my Meyers-Briggs personality assessment; and volunteering with Meals On Wheels during the Community Plunge.

My first classes. The first week was not so much a week as it was three days. Classes started Wednesday, Sept. 26, which happened to be the first of many highly anticipated “Donut Days” for the Graduate School of Business (I can’t spill all the goodies; you must come see us to learn more.) My class section was fortunate enough to begin our experience with the infamous Jon Pinder teaching Quantitative Methods (not a cake course) and my eyes and ears have never been more open or attentive. The first wee k of classes was simply fun. Even though three short days boasted four of the eight classes we will be taking this semester, I was so glad to finally be at Wake Forest, sitting in a classroom to learn, and get this show on the road. By the end of the first week, I found myself thinking, “ok, I can do this,” and it has been my mantra ever since.

First “real” week of classes. Things started getting real this first week. I had another realization during this time and while it is not entirely “deep” or mind boggling, it has put things into perspective for me: My MBA will truly be earned outside of the classroom. Classes are from 8 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday. I may be speaking for myself, but classes are the easy part. I do need to come prepared to participate in the class discussions and listen to my professors’ and peers’ insights, however, the work I do outside of the classroom (such as readings, homework, study team projects) is where I will earn most of my MBA. The workload is nothing to scoff at; while certainly manageable, it is not something to be taken lightly. My advice going forward: Do not miss a beat; read every word, ask questions, do the homework … and then some. Wake Forest has a wealth of resources and I am fortunate to have them at my disposal.

Second full week of classes. We are half-way through the week and there is already a new buzz in the air. The Schools of Business hosted its annual Club Kickoff Fair, and we were able to learn about the clubs and student service organizations. I signed up for nearly everything just so I can get emails about the events that would be coming up in each organization, though I already realize that I will have to focus my energy on one or two specific clubs that truly interest me.

At the end of this week, the Student Government Association (SGA) will administer elections of first-year student representatives for all organizations. “Secretly,” I can tell you that I am considering putting my name on a certain organization’s ballot.

My interests truly run the gamut and my name is on the subscription lists for Babcock Women In Business (BWIB), Black Business Students Association (BBSA), Strategy and Consulting Club, Net Impact, Babcock Marketing Association (BMA), Entrepreneurship Club, Finance Club – think that’s enough? Some other hot-ticket items coming up are scheduling interviews to be on an Executive Committee for the nationally acclaimed Marketing Summit and submitting applications to be a Student Ambassador. If I do nothing else this year I want to be a Student Ambassador. During my application process, I was fortunate enough to have an Ambassador who cared a great deal for me and genuinely wanted to see me succeed so I feel obliged to pay it forward, so to speak. I find few things in life more gratifying that helping someone else shine their light.

I know that right now it looks like I have my hands, feet and elbows in too many hats. Perhaps that is the case, but Wake Forest has given me so much. I just want to give it back. Yes, I am being stretched and challenged like never before, but is that not the point? Until I find reason to do otherwise, I’m running on all cylinders, and you, ladies and gentlemen, can be my passengers.

It is now 11:43 pm, my homework is finally done, and I am due to wake up at 5:45 am, so I bid you a good night and look forward to the next chapter.

Two Weeks In

“It’s like drinking from a fire hydrant.”

That is how my Managerial Economics Professor and Advisor, Ken Middaugh, described the first semester in Wake’s Full-time MBA program. I could not have said it better myself. However, I would not want it any other way because, frankly, I’m thirsty.
Only two weeks into the program, I am having a hard time recounting all of the experiences and opportunities I have been privy to because it really does afford so much. Our learning and growing actually began before classes started; orientation was as much a part of the value we will gain here as the formal teaching. Dean Reinemund often speaks about students’ holistic development and we are fortunate enough to be cared for and led by a dean who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. The Wake Forest Schools of Business really does embody the values that it preaches and if anything is remiss, the issue is proactively mitigated (more on that later).
Nostalgic musings aside, I would like to share a sampling of my experiences at Wake so far. Please do not consider this list to be comprehensive or final; as I type, more plans are in the works and that is part of the excitement. I will be sure to keep you well-posted of my journey and be as honest and frank as possible, so as to provide a genuine representation of not only the Wake Forest full time MBA experience, but the life experiences that come along with this journey as well. So, imagine if you will…
Orientation. Even though it only spanned one week, orientation was chock-full of highlights. Some of my favorite moments included: meeting students in the other Schools of Business graduate programs; listening to “Joker One” Author, Donovan Campbell, speak candidly and with great heart about his experiences in Iraq; doing team building activities with my classmates and developing a team charter with my study team; learning more about myself through a detailed analysis of my Meyers-Briggs personality assessment; and volunteering with Meals On Wheels during the Community Plunge.
First “week” of classes. The first week of classes was not so much a week as it was three days. Classes began on Wednesday, September 26th, which also happened to be the first of many highly anticipated “Donut Days” for the Graduate School of Business (I can’t spill all the goodies; you have to come see us to learn more about that one). My class section was fortunate enough to begin our experience with the infamous Jon Pinder teaching Quantitative Methods (not a cake course) and my eyes and ears have never been more open or attentive. The first week of classes was simply fun. Even though 3 short days boasted four of the eight classes we will be taking this semester, I was so glad to finally be at Wake Forest, sitting in a classroom to learn, and get this show on the road. By the end of the first week, I found myself thinking, “ok, I can do this,” and it has been my mantra ever since.
First real week of classes. Things started getting real this first week. I had another realization during this time and while it is not entirely “deep” or mind boggling, it has put things in perspective for me: my MBA will truly be earned outside of the classroom. Classes are from 8 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday. I may be speaking for myself, but classes are the easy part. I do need to come prepared to participate in the class discussions and listen to my professors’ and peers’ insights, however, the work I do outside of the classroom (e.g. readings, homework, study team projects) is where I will earn most of my MBA. The workload is nothing to scoff at; while it is certainly not unmanageable, it is not something one can afford to take lightly. So my advice going forward: do not miss a beat; read every word, ask questions, do the homework and then some. Wake Forest has a wealth of resources and I am fortunate to have them at my disposal.
Second week of Classes. Well, we are only half-way through the week and there is already a new buzz in the air. At the end of last week, the Schools of Business hosted its annual Club Kickoff Fair and we were able to learn about all of the clubs and student service organizations. I signed up for nearly everything just so I can get emails about all of the events that would be coming up in each organization, however, I realize already that I will have to focus my energy on one or two specific clubs that truly interest me. At the end of this week SGA will administer the elections of 1st year student representatives for all of the organizations. “Secretly,” I can tell you that I am considering putting my name on a particular organization’s ballot, but I will fill you in on that tidbit later. My interests truly run the gamut and my name is on the email list for Babcock Women In Business (BWIB), Black Business Students Association (BBSA), Strategy and Consulting Club, Net Impact, Babcock Marketing Association (BMA), Entrepreneurship Club, Finance Club – think that’s enough? Some other hot ticket items coming up are scheduling interviews to be on an Executive Committee for the nationally acclaimed Marketing Summit and submitting applications to be a Student Ambassador. If I do nothing else this year I want to be a Student Ambassador. During my application process, I was fortunate enough to have an Ambassador who cared a great deal for me and genuinely wanted to see me succeed so I feel obliged to pay it forward, so to speak. I find few things in life more gratifying that helping someone else shine their light.
I know that right now it looks like I have my hands, feet and elbows in too many hats, and perhaps you are right, but Wake Forest has given me so much, I just want to give it back. Yes, I am being stretched and challenged like never before, but is that not the point? Until I find reason to do otherwise, I’m running on all cylinders, and you, ladies and gentlemen, can be my passengers.
It is now 11:43 pm, homework is finally done, and I am due to wake at 5:45 am, so I bid you a good night and look forward to the next chapter.

Two Weeks In

“It’s like drinking from a fire hydrant.”

That is how my Managerial Economics Professor and Advisor, Ken Middaugh, described the first semester in Wake’s Full-time MBA program. I could not have said it better myself. However, I would not want it any other way because, frankly, I’m thirsty.
Only two weeks into the program, I am having a hard time recounting all of the experiences and opportunities I have been privy to because it really does afford so much. Our learning and growing actually began before classes started; orientation was as much a part of the value we will gain here as the formal teaching. Dean Reinemund often speaks about students’ holistic development and we are fortunate enough to be cared for and led by a dean who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. The Wake Forest Schools of Business really does embody the values that it preaches and if anything is remiss, the issue is proactively mitigated (more on that later).
Nostalgic musings aside, I would like to share a sampling of my experiences at Wake so far. Please do not consider this list to be comprehensive or final; as I type, more plans are in the works and that is part of the excitement. I will be sure to keep you well-posted of my journey and be as honest and frank as possible, so as to provide a genuine representation of not only the Wake Forest full time MBA experience, but the life experiences that come along with this journey as well. So, imagine if you will…
Orientation. Even though it only spanned one week, orientation was chock-full of highlights. Some of my favorite moments included: meeting students in the other Schools of Business graduate programs; listening to “Joker One” Author, Donovan Campbell, speak candidly and with great heart about his experiences in Iraq; doing team building activities with my classmates and developing a team charter with my study team; learning more about myself through a detailed analysis of my Meyers-Briggs personality assessment; and volunteering with Meals On Wheels during the Community Plunge.
First “week” of classes. The first week of classes was not so much a week as it was three days. Classes began on Wednesday, September 26th, which also happened to be the first of many highly anticipated “Donut Days” for the Graduate School of Business (I can’t spill all the goodies; you have to come see us to learn more about that one). My class section was fortunate enough to begin our experience with the infamous Jon Pinder teaching Quantitative Methods (not a cake course) and my eyes and ears have never been more open or attentive. The first week of classes was simply fun. Even though 3 short days boasted four of the eight classes we will be taking this semester, I was so glad to finally be at Wake Forest, sitting in a classroom to learn, and get this show on the road. By the end of the first week, I found myself thinking, “ok, I can do this,” and it has been my mantra ever since.
First real week of classes. Things started getting real this first week. I had another realization during this time and while it is not entirely “deep” or mind boggling, it has put things in perspective for me: my MBA will truly be earned outside of the classroom. Classes are from 8 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday. I may be speaking for myself, but classes are the easy part. I do need to come prepared to participate in the class discussions and listen to my professors’ and peers’ insights, however, the work I do outside of the classroom (e.g. readings, homework, study team projects) is where I will earn most of my MBA. The workload is nothing to scoff at; while it is certainly not unmanageable, it is not something one can afford to take lightly. So my advice going forward: do not miss a beat; read every word, ask questions, do the homework and then some. Wake Forest has a wealth of resources and I am fortunate to have them at my disposal.
Second week of Classes. Well, we are only half-way through the week and there is already a new buzz in the air. At the end of last week, the Schools of Business hosted its annual Club Kickoff Fair and we were able to learn about all of the clubs and student service organizations. I signed up for nearly everything just so I can get emails about all of the events that would be coming up in each organization, however, I realize already that I will have to focus my energy on one or two specific clubs that truly interest me. At the end of this week SGA will administer the elections of 1st year student representatives for all of the organizations. “Secretly,” I can tell you that I am considering putting my name on a particular organization’s ballot, but I will fill you in on that tidbit later. My interests truly run the gamut and my name is on the email list for Babcock Women In Business (BWIB), Black Business Students Association (BBSA), Strategy and Consulting Club, Net Impact, Babcock Marketing Association (BMA), Entrepreneurship Club, Finance Club – think that’s enough? Some other hot ticket items coming up are scheduling interviews to be on an Executive Committee for the nationally acclaimed Marketing Summit and submitting applications to be a Student Ambassador. If I do nothing else this year I want to be a Student Ambassador. During my application process, I was fortunate enough to have an Ambassador who cared a great deal for me and genuinely wanted to see me succeed so I feel obliged to pay it forward, so to speak. I find few things in life more gratifying that helping someone else shine their light.
I know that right now it looks like I have my hands, feet and elbows in too many hats, and perhaps you are right, but Wake Forest has given me so much, I just want to give it back. Yes, I am being stretched and challenged like never before, but is that not the point? Until I find reason to do otherwise, I’m running on all cylinders, and you, ladies and gentlemen, can be my passengers.
It is now 11:43 pm, homework is finally done, and I am due to wake at 5:45 am, so I bid you a good night and look forward to the next chapter.

Club Fair ~ A Perspective

An old adage comes to mind when I think about Grad School: “so much to do, so little time.” Truer words have never been spoken. The resources that the Wake Forest University Schools of Business has laid before us are nearly immeasurable and I feel like a kid in a candy store – I just want to consume everything!

I have been warned by 2nd years, professors and administrators alike that I should not try to spread myself too thin. However, their sage advice and good intentions could hardly compete with my excitement when I walked into our Club Kickoff Fair last Thursday.

Clubs, organizations and student service offices had booths set up all over the Professional Center Courtyard. Each booth enticed students with not only myriad opportunities to grow throughout the school year, but snacks and prizes as well. How could I say no? I made a point to visit each booth, whether I thought I would have an interest in what they were offering or not; it’s a good thing I did because I learned about campus services that I did not even know were available to me. By the time the fair was over I had placed my name on several club e-mailing lists (such as Babcock Women In Business, Black Business Students Association, Strategy & Consulting Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Net Impact), signed up to compete for a 1st year position on our Case Team for the Marketing Summit, and picked up brochures about diversity initiatives and Campus Ministry.

It remains to be seen whether or not I will be able to consistently participate in all the clubs I signed up for. However, the method behind my madness was one of passion and a desire to take advantage of any and all opportunities set before me. In truth, I expect I will find my niche soon enough and commit myself to one or two clubs and campus activities. In the meantime, however, I will navigate through my emails and look forward to all the great things to come.

~ Ahkesha T. Murray, full-time MBA program, Class of 2011

Witnessing Generosity

I’m sure many of you are curious about my first impressions of life in Winston-Salem and how I am acclimating to my surroundings. Let me try and address what are likely to be the biggest questions about my first moments spent at Wake Forest University.
How is it here?
It’s pretty tidy. People have a warm and welcoming way of greeting you. So much so that my cheeks start to hurt whenever I meet an American and try my level best to be equally warm. If you pass by any lanes, corridors or any public place, people nod at you and recognize your presence.

I am trying to learn this bit of culture, for now, but at times it becomes a bit embarrassing when someone ignores my “how ya doin?”
Where have I been living?
My future roommate and I have been staying in a senior’s place. It was quite gracious of him to offer us an accommodation. I am sure that I would have ended up spending at least $200 by now if he had not volunteered to have us. I usually hang out with my Indian batch mates at another senior’s condo; so, again, the students at Wake Forest have been quite phenomenal in making our transition comfortable.
How about food?
I am a vegetarian and until now I’ve been eating pretty regularly and have not really skipped any kind of meals. Thanks to mum, my seniors, and my Indian mates, I haven’t faced any problems in terms of food.
How about the people?
My survival mantra for now: “Each one for his own self.” Initially, I found people such as my Indian batch mates arguing over quite stupid things, but it is getting better. The seniors are really cool and helpful and I think they’re the ones who’ve ensured some pleasant times for us.
The way forward?
I’m trying to network a bit and get the basic idea of how do things such as study and work here. So, I think I’d take some time to write about it. I’ve also been trying pretty hard to rejuvenate my spiritual side and I hope it stays the same way.
~ Rahul Goyal, full-time MBA program, Class of 2011

Club Fair Scheduled

It was brought to my attention that there will be a club fair Thursday, Sept. 3, from 4–6 pm in the courtyard area outside Worrell, targeting first year students. The clubs are based around various business interests (such as Finance, Marketing, Health Care, etc.) and hold events throughout the year with the focus on career development in a given business discipline.

I know many of us have a lot going on outside of the classroom, but these clubs may offer some additional benefit if you can find the time to squeeze them in.

All About Teamwork

A week in to the Evening MBA Program, I am aware of the importance of having a great team. The way I understand it, our group was assembled based on varying criteria: geography, professional backgrounds, Myers-Briggs , etc. Someday I may delve deeper into that selection matrix and relay my findings in a post.
Our first “bonding” experience came during the third day of orientation, where we had to learn about our strengths/weaknesses, passions/ambitions and where we want to go once we have MBAs in hand. Such an exchange of information should provide a solid foundation for collaboration.
My favorite moment was the last group challenge, where we were savvy enough to find the fastest way to flip a tarp without touching the carpet beneath it. Five seconds! (The secret: step onto a neighboring tarp, quick flip, and jump back.)

I have a lot of confidence in our team, despite having the fewest members of any group within our program. Most of us live in Greensboro, reducing the drive time. We have an interesting blend of professional backgrounds: a journalist, project coordinator, project managers, risk management. So far the personalities have fit as well, even after sitting through a five-hour team meeting on Saturday.
The first challenge for us is financial accounting, which is interesting because none of us are coming from professional background that fully immerses us in the practice. We have reached consensus on our group project, and we are ready to get out there and show the rest of the class what we’re made of!

~Paul Davis, Winston-Salem Evening Program, Class of 2011