This web-log (www.Gerry.in), started in Aug. 2010, is about my RYERSON MBA student life in Canada. What makes this blog special? It demystifies the MBA experience, helps understand MBA topics & encourages new MBA applicants. My pre-MBA blog about the application process is at www.Top-MBA.com I look forward to networking with MBA aspirants, MBA students, MBA graduates & anybody interested in Business Management. Email me at gerrysom@yahoo.com :)
Friday, May 25, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
"What Employers Want From Their MBAs" or "What is expected of MBA students after graduation?"
From the link: http://poetsandquants.com/2011/05/11/in-search-of-the-mba-superman-or-wonder-woman/
A new study of employer expectations released yesterday (May 10) by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) - report is based on the opinions of 1,509 corporate recruiters who hire MBAs at 905 companies in 51 countries - survey respondent was asked to check off the five most desired traits or skills he or she wants to see in an MBA. The top five traits employers are seeking in 2011 MBA hires are initiative, professionalism, motivation, integrity, and the ability to deal effectively with pressure and unexpected obstacles.
The top five skills and abilities?
“It’s always been that students wanted challenging and interesting work. Today, grads want room for growth. They want advancement opportunities. They want that proving ground or test turf for their business knowledge. For the first time ever, that is above challenging work.”
What do the Employers want?
Three-quarters of them - seek in their new MBA hires, the following:
Desired Traits Employers Seek in New 2011 MBA Hires
Source: GMAC 2011 Corporate Recruiters Report
Separately, GMAC researchers asked the recruiters what specific skills, abilities and knowledge they most sought in MBAs. Employers said they are seeking:
A new study of employer expectations released yesterday (May 10) by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) - report is based on the opinions of 1,509 corporate recruiters who hire MBAs at 905 companies in 51 countries - survey respondent was asked to check off the five most desired traits or skills he or she wants to see in an MBA. The top five traits employers are seeking in 2011 MBA hires are initiative, professionalism, motivation, integrity, and the ability to deal effectively with pressure and unexpected obstacles.
The top five skills and abilities?
- Communication skills,
- Strategic skills,
- Proven ability to perform,
- Core business knowledge, and
- Ability to manage change.
- + 3 to 4 years (minimum) work experience
“It’s always been that students wanted challenging and interesting work. Today, grads want room for growth. They want advancement opportunities. They want that proving ground or test turf for their business knowledge. For the first time ever, that is above challenging work.”
What do the Employers want?
Three-quarters of them - seek in their new MBA hires, the following:
- Initiative (77%)
- Professionalism (77%)
- Motivation (76%)
- Integrity (76%)
- Ability to deal effectively with pressure (75%), and
- Achievement goal orientation (74%)
Desired Traits Employers Seek in New 2011 MBA Hires
| Desired Trait in 2011 MBA HIres | Percentage |
| Initiative | 77% |
| Professionalism | 77% |
| Motivation | 76% |
| Integrity | 76% |
| Ability to deal effectively with pressure/obstacles | 75% |
| Achievement/goal orientation | 74% |
| Innovation/creativity | 68% |
| Adaptability | 68% |
| Collaboration | 65% |
| Efficiency | 49% |
| Listening ability | 48% |
| Discipline | 45% |
| Persuasiveness | 39% |
| Cross-cultural sensitivity | 39% |
| Diplomacy/tact | 33% |
| Capacity and willingness to follow a leader | 30% |
| Empathy | 25% |
| Delegation skills | 21% |
Separately, GMAC researchers asked the recruiters what specific skills, abilities and knowledge they most sought in MBAs. Employers said they are seeking:
- Strong strategic skills
- Core business knowledge
- Ability to manage change
- Decision-making process, and
- Technical or Quantitative skills.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
HRH Prince Charles visited Ryerson University's DMZ today!!! (DMZ = Digital Media Zone). Premier Dalton McGuinty visited too.
Here is a link to the photo album of the Royal visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/premierphotos/sets/72157629852297278/detail/
Here are some pics below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/premierphotos/sets/72157629852297278/detail/
Here are some pics below:
Monday, May 21, 2012
Ph.D. in Business Management versus MBA - How do they compare?
From the link: http://melaniezoltan.suite101.com/benefits-of-a-phd-in-business-management---better-than-the-mba-a245806
The standard graduate degree in business is the Master of Business Administration. So what are the benefits of a Ph.D. in Business Management? Learn now.
Starting in the 1950s and 1960s a new level of business degree emerged: the Ph.D. in Management, or Business Management. The business doctorate was designed to provide students an opportunity to delve into theory and research regarding business management, something the Master of Business Administration couldn't provide. So what's the different between the two, and what are the benefits of a Ph.D. in Business Management?
Some management consultants have the MBA, while others might only have a bachelor's degree or just a high school diploma. A few might not even have that: entrepreneurship isn't about academic degrees, but rather about business success. An individual can start a company, get clients or customers, manage inventory and/or time, develop strong accounting practices and create a highly-successful corporation without setting foot in a college classroom.
So why do some people go after a Ph.D. in Business Management is the MBA is the standard degree for higher levels of corporate work and management consulting?
Like the MBA, the Ph.D. in Management includes courses on:
Business Management Ph.D. holders can straddle both worlds, working as a full-time professor while providing management consulting at higher corporate rates on a part-time basis. A director-level job in a large multinational corporation can bring a seven-figure salary with bonus for an MBA, though. Money, therefore, shouldn't factor into the Ph.D. in Management. Love of research and theory should.
Whether students decide to go for the Ph.D. or not, research every option. Go to academic fairs, talk with business professors, and look into books, career service seminars, and online information about the benefits of the Ph.D. in Business Management. The career option in today's world is a choice between the fast-paced life of the corporate world and a slower, less remunerative academic job. There is no right answer, but there are many benefits to getting the Ph.D. for the right person.
References:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Management Analysts.
"Ph.D.s in Business: Working at the Frontiers of New Knowledge." University of Southern California, 2006. PowerPoint presentation for student recruitment
The standard graduate degree in business is the Master of Business Administration. So what are the benefits of a Ph.D. in Business Management? Learn now.
Starting in the 1950s and 1960s a new level of business degree emerged: the Ph.D. in Management, or Business Management. The business doctorate was designed to provide students an opportunity to delve into theory and research regarding business management, something the Master of Business Administration couldn't provide. So what's the different between the two, and what are the benefits of a Ph.D. in Business Management?
What's Wrong With the MBA?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that management analysts, department directors, and vice presidents in management typically need the Master of Business Administration degree to develop a successful career and rise through the ranks of the corporate world. At the same time, 26 percent of all workers in business management don't have traditional employee positions: they are consultants.Some management consultants have the MBA, while others might only have a bachelor's degree or just a high school diploma. A few might not even have that: entrepreneurship isn't about academic degrees, but rather about business success. An individual can start a company, get clients or customers, manage inventory and/or time, develop strong accounting practices and create a highly-successful corporation without setting foot in a college classroom.
So why do some people go after a Ph.D. in Business Management is the MBA is the standard degree for higher levels of corporate work and management consulting?
Benefits of a Ph.D. in Business Management
The MBA and the Ph.D. are two completely different degrees. The MBA is a practical, hands-on degree that uses the case study method to teach future corporate leaders and entrepreneurs specific skills they'll need to manage a small business or a corporate department.Like the MBA, the Ph.D. in Management includes courses on:
- finance
- accounting
- taxation
- business law
- management
- human resources
- international business, and more
Salaries and the Ph.D. in Business Management
The average salary for professors of business is $100,626, according to Salary.com. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the median salary for all people working in management jobs in 2008 was $73,570. These numbers are a bit deceptive, as it's apples and oranges compared.Business Management Ph.D. holders can straddle both worlds, working as a full-time professor while providing management consulting at higher corporate rates on a part-time basis. A director-level job in a large multinational corporation can bring a seven-figure salary with bonus for an MBA, though. Money, therefore, shouldn't factor into the Ph.D. in Management. Love of research and theory should.
Whether students decide to go for the Ph.D. or not, research every option. Go to academic fairs, talk with business professors, and look into books, career service seminars, and online information about the benefits of the Ph.D. in Business Management. The career option in today's world is a choice between the fast-paced life of the corporate world and a slower, less remunerative academic job. There is no right answer, but there are many benefits to getting the Ph.D. for the right person.
References:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Management Analysts.
"Ph.D.s in Business: Working at the Frontiers of New Knowledge." University of Southern California, 2006. PowerPoint presentation for student recruitment
Sunday, May 20, 2012
DejaVu all over again! + All PhDs are not born equal. + Familiar vs Unfamiliar field of PhD + Why not shoot for the stars?
Now that I am researching PhDs, it feels like deja vu all over again. Ok, I know it is punny. Chill! Why do I say that it is deja vu all over again? That is because I had the very same questions on my mind before joining the MBA program!!! Am I doing the right thing? Is this the school / University for me? and so on. I shall have to ask these very questions, while getting into a PhD program. Have to choose the University / program that is the BEST FIT for me!
The dilemma here is this:
* Start a PhD immediately, with any available program? (most programs start in September. I am already kinda late. I thought of a PhD only 2 days back, bro! Had not planned it before that. LIfe is like that).
* Or go for a well recognized PhD program?
* You see, I am set in Toronto right now. This is home. Relocating to a new place is not going to be easy.
* At the same time, I am also looking at PhD programs in USA. I already looked at PhD in SUNY, Buffalo, NY and in Detroit, MI. And now, I am thinking, why not a PhD from a prestigious university, darn it? Why not Ivy League (Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Princeton, Yale, UPenn, ).
* All PhDs are not born equal. There is different level of prestige associated with them. There are many different fields in which you can do a PhD.
* This also begs the question: Should one do a PhD in a familiar field or an alien field?
* Personally, I choose to do a PhD in an alien field (not something related to Medicine - I am a Medical Doctor). I want to learn from a PhD first and teach later. A field like Economics and Finance is ideal for me.
* Here is another thought. Instead of rushing into a PhD this September 2012, why not plan for a PhD in September 2013 from a prestigious University?!
* Some PhDs can be completed in 3 years (eg: McMaster University). Some take 5 years compulsarily (eg: University of Toronto)! That factor should also be kept in mind.
* More later. My thoughts are still new regarding a PhD. As my thoughts mature, and as I come to a conclusion, I shall post new blogs.
Gerry.
The dilemma here is this:
* Start a PhD immediately, with any available program? (most programs start in September. I am already kinda late. I thought of a PhD only 2 days back, bro! Had not planned it before that. LIfe is like that).
* Or go for a well recognized PhD program?
* You see, I am set in Toronto right now. This is home. Relocating to a new place is not going to be easy.
* At the same time, I am also looking at PhD programs in USA. I already looked at PhD in SUNY, Buffalo, NY and in Detroit, MI. And now, I am thinking, why not a PhD from a prestigious university, darn it? Why not Ivy League (Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Princeton, Yale, UPenn, ).
* All PhDs are not born equal. There is different level of prestige associated with them. There are many different fields in which you can do a PhD.
* This also begs the question: Should one do a PhD in a familiar field or an alien field?
* Personally, I choose to do a PhD in an alien field (not something related to Medicine - I am a Medical Doctor). I want to learn from a PhD first and teach later. A field like Economics and Finance is ideal for me.
* Here is another thought. Instead of rushing into a PhD this September 2012, why not plan for a PhD in September 2013 from a prestigious University?!
* Some PhDs can be completed in 3 years (eg: McMaster University). Some take 5 years compulsarily (eg: University of Toronto)! That factor should also be kept in mind.
* More later. My thoughts are still new regarding a PhD. As my thoughts mature, and as I come to a conclusion, I shall post new blogs.
Gerry.
PhD at Rotman (University of Toronto) in Finance ---> NO Tuition Fees (It is all paid for!) + $26,000 in funding available through out the PhD program! Rotman PhD would a dream come true ! It is the poor man's Ivy League / Canadian Ivy League :)
From the link: http://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/phd/details.aspx?ContentID=159
• GMAT: 600/800 total score
• GRE: 80% on each GRE component
• TOEFL iBT (internet-based): 100/120 total and 22/30 on both writing and speaking sections
• TOEFL PBT (paper-based): 600 total with at least 5/6 on the TWE (Test of Written English)
What is the average duration of the program?
What is your application
deadline?
January 1st is the
application deadline.
Do you have rolling
admissions?
No, we do not offer rolling
admissions.
What tests do you
require?
Either a GMAT or a GRE taken within the last
five years. Applicants whose primary language is not English, and previous
degree(s) have been completed at a non-Canadian university where the language of
instruction and examination was not English must submit a TOEFL test score
report from the past two years.
Do you have minimum test
scores?
The following are minimum test scores: • GMAT: 600/800 total score
• GRE: 80% on each GRE component
• TOEFL iBT (internet-based): 100/120 total and 22/30 on both writing and speaking sections
• TOEFL PBT (paper-based): 600 total with at least 5/6 on the TWE (Test of Written English)
What tuition fees are
required?
Each year, students pay
incidental fees of about $1,000 and health insurance (international students
only) of about $750 for single coverage.
Does the program offer
financial aid? Are international students
eligible?
Yes, financial aid is offered, and
international students are eligible. In addition to a tuition scholarship that
covers full academic fees, entering students are guaranteed a minimum financial
package of about $26,000 for each of the first two years. In
subsequent years (up to and including year five), similar financial support will
be made available given good progress in the program.
What is the average duration of the program?
It takes an average of five years to
complete the program (even if you have an MBA) — two years coursework and
approximately three years of research and writing of the
dissertation.
Some info about PhD at McMaster University - You can complete it in as little as 3 years, Full Time. Funding of around $25,000 a year is available + perks (laptop, paid conference travel etc)
From the link: http://degroote.mcmaster.ca/phd/
Program Timeline & Duration
The time required to complete the program varies widely and is largely dependent upon each student’s personal experience while in the program. In general, students are expected to complete the program within four years with an upper limit of six years. Past DeGroote graduates have completed the degree in as little as three years while others have needed six years.
A typical timeline for students enrolled in the Ph.D. program is as follows:
- Years 1 & 2: Course Work (students complete between 6 and 12 courses)
- May/June of Year 2: Comprehensive Exam
- Year 3: Dissertation Proposal Defence
- Year 3: & 4: Data Collection and Analysis
- End of Year 4: Write-up of Dissertation and Oral Defence
- In order to keep students on a four-year timeline, student performance is assessed on an annual basis. A student whose work is unsatisfactory may at any time be required to withdraw from the University.
Student Funding
Students admitted to the doctoral program are currently guaranteed four years of funding at a minimum of $20,000 per year. Students typically receive their annual guaranteed funding through some combination of scholarships, research assistantships (RAs), and teaching assistantships (TAs). In addition to this guaranteed funding, “top-up” funding can be offered to students upon admission from various sources including additional graduate or research scholarships, research assistantships or sessional lectureships. All faculty members who agree to supervise a Ph.D. student are encouraged, but not mandated, to provide an RA research scholarship of $4-5K per year for four years (this amount is in addition to the $20,000 minimum). The RA research work typically is to be completed during the summer academic term
A useful re-post about doing a PhD after a Masters degree
From the link: http://johanistan.wordpress.com/2012/01/27/the-debt-free-doctoral-route/#more-779
If you manage to go through your master’s degree without any debt, completing your Ph.D. without any debt will be a piece of cake. You can use the same strategy that you followed for your first graduate degree, but it might be smarter to dedicate yourself to the Ph.D. completely. Most universities offer teaching and research assistantships to doctoral students. These programs offer different levels of compensation, but most of them offer doctoral students a full tuition reimbursement (meaning you won’t have to pay any tuition) and a stipend that ranges between $15,000 and $30,000. In exchange, doctoral students have to teach a number of courses or help university researchers with their investigations 20 hours a week. Make sure that when you reach this level you find a competitive offer, and relocate if you need to. This is the moment for you to apply to major flagship universities – UT Austin, UW Madison, UC Berkley / LA, or Purdue would make good choices. These universities offer the best stipends, but they also require the most labor from their doctoral students. Furthermore, they also require students to take several pre-requisite courses before starting to take credit courses. If you’re not inclined to spending 7 to 10 years working on your Ph.D., you might want to apply to emergent research institutions. These universities have solid reputations and are often on the list of Tier 1 institutions. These institutions sometimes will not force you to take pre-requisite courses if you can demonstrate competency on the required skills.
If you are accepted into one of the doctoral programs with competitive stipends you might need to relocate – do not hesitate. Remember that once you start your studies you will need to regard your doctoral studies as your full time work. You will literally be getting paid to work and study for the university. If you do this, you will spend anywhere between 5 to 10 years working on your doctoral degree. When you finish your doctoral degree you will likely be poor and unemployed, but you will also be part of a group of rising authorities in your field. You will be able to find a job in industry, research, or teaching. Furthermore, you will have gone through an amazing experience for networking and personal, as well as professional, growth.
Also, you’ll be able to call yourself “doctor” and have the ability to brag about how you became an authority in your field without having to spend money.
If you manage to go through your master’s degree without any debt, completing your Ph.D. without any debt will be a piece of cake. You can use the same strategy that you followed for your first graduate degree, but it might be smarter to dedicate yourself to the Ph.D. completely. Most universities offer teaching and research assistantships to doctoral students. These programs offer different levels of compensation, but most of them offer doctoral students a full tuition reimbursement (meaning you won’t have to pay any tuition) and a stipend that ranges between $15,000 and $30,000. In exchange, doctoral students have to teach a number of courses or help university researchers with their investigations 20 hours a week. Make sure that when you reach this level you find a competitive offer, and relocate if you need to. This is the moment for you to apply to major flagship universities – UT Austin, UW Madison, UC Berkley / LA, or Purdue would make good choices. These universities offer the best stipends, but they also require the most labor from their doctoral students. Furthermore, they also require students to take several pre-requisite courses before starting to take credit courses. If you’re not inclined to spending 7 to 10 years working on your Ph.D., you might want to apply to emergent research institutions. These universities have solid reputations and are often on the list of Tier 1 institutions. These institutions sometimes will not force you to take pre-requisite courses if you can demonstrate competency on the required skills.
If you are accepted into one of the doctoral programs with competitive stipends you might need to relocate – do not hesitate. Remember that once you start your studies you will need to regard your doctoral studies as your full time work. You will literally be getting paid to work and study for the university. If you do this, you will spend anywhere between 5 to 10 years working on your doctoral degree. When you finish your doctoral degree you will likely be poor and unemployed, but you will also be part of a group of rising authorities in your field. You will be able to find a job in industry, research, or teaching. Furthermore, you will have gone through an amazing experience for networking and personal, as well as professional, growth.
Also, you’ll be able to call yourself “doctor” and have the ability to brag about how you became an authority in your field without having to spend money.
I am thinking of doing a PhD immediately after my MBA this year in USA or Canada! So it shall hopefully (some day) be MBBS ---> MBA ---> PhD!. Plus, I shall pick up half a dozen certifications on the way (CAPM, CMC candidate etc in a couple of years...)
Now that I am nearing the completion of my MBA, I have been thinking about what to do next. I am already in an internship and already have a potential opening for September 2012. Actually, I have more than one opportunities lined up for September 2012, immediately after my Internship. I am excellent at professional networking and that helps a bit, you know.
Ok, back to the PhD topic, the economy is still in a bad shape. Job market is not the best. Even though I do have potential job offers, thanks to my aggressive networking, I know that there is no Big Bucks on the table right now. It makes sense to be in school to get the highest possible education right now. A PhD is a dream come true, since I shall get to teach after that. I love teaching. There shall also be original research involved. I am always full of ideas for research. Research is my kinda thing. A PhD feels just right at this time, for me. Of course, I am still ambitious and am interested in doing extremely well, financially after the MBA. But I have to find out a way of accomplishing that while doing a PhD. Now that I am in the study mode, while in the final stage of MBA, it makes sense to continue the flow and finish a PhD program as soon as possible. Once I lose touch, it shall be difficult to go back to the books. Now is the perfect time!
The other day, I had been to the YSGS (Yeates School of Graduate Studies), Ryerson University, Torotno and happened to pick up a Graduate Admissions brochure purely by accident / chance.
There, I saw that Ryerson University offers a PhD in International Economics and International Finance. I am VERY VERY interested!!! Seems like the answer to my question!
Now, I have a few things that I am trying to figure out:
- I have already filled in the application form for PhD that starts September 2012 at Ryerson.
- I need to find out if I have to apply for OSAP funding for a PhD
- How much stipend I shall be paid monthly?
- How much can I make while teaching students as a PhD candidate?
- Are there any scholarships available?
- What are my options? I plan to live in Toronto area. So my options are: Ryerson University, University of Toronto, York University, McMaster University and Queen's University.
- My area of interest for PhD is Business Management - specifically International Economics and Finance. (Even though I absolutely love Marketing, I am not interested in a PhD in Marketing).
- I am also looking at US as an option and am exploring PhD in Detroit, MI or Buffalo, NY (close to Canada :)
- Is it possible to start a PhD immediately after MBA?
- What is the fastest that I can complete my PhD? I do know that they vary from 3 to 5 years.
- This PhD is supposed to be a full time program, but can I also hold a Corporate job while doing my PhD?
- Of course, I can run a business while doing a PhD. Nobody can stop me from that! I have something in mind and shall start this month.
(I just hope that a PhD ambition shall not end up like the cartoon below. Kidding :) I know I am better than that)
Friday, May 18, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Toronto has been ranked as the 18th most powerful city in the world !
From the link: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/05/14/worlds-most-powerful-cities-toronto_n_1515959.html?ref=canada
World's Most Powerful Cities: Toronto Takes 18th Spot In Global Metropolitan Rankings.
Rankings:
18. Toronto, Canada [tie]
18. Shenzhen, China [tie]
16. Dortmund-Dusseldorf-Essen, Germany [tie]
16. Brussels, Belgium [tie]
15. Osaka, Japan
14. Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
11. Seoul, South Korea [tie]
11. Boston, U.S.A. [tie]
11. Beijing, China [tie]
10. Zurich, Switzerland
9. Los Angeles, U.S.A.
8. Shanghai, China
7. Singapore
6. Chicago, U.S.A.
4. Hong Kong [tie]
4. Paris, France [tie]
3. Tokyo, Japan
2. London, U.K.
1. New York, U.S.A.
World's Most Powerful Cities: Toronto Takes 18th Spot In Global Metropolitan Rankings.
Rankings:
18. Toronto, Canada [tie]
18. Shenzhen, China [tie]
16. Dortmund-Dusseldorf-Essen, Germany [tie]
16. Brussels, Belgium [tie]
15. Osaka, Japan
14. Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
11. Seoul, South Korea [tie]
11. Boston, U.S.A. [tie]
11. Beijing, China [tie]
10. Zurich, Switzerland
9. Los Angeles, U.S.A.
8. Shanghai, China
7. Singapore
6. Chicago, U.S.A.
4. Hong Kong [tie]
4. Paris, France [tie]
3. Tokyo, Japan
2. London, U.K.
1. New York, U.S.A.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
"If You Do The Right Things, You Need Less Luck" - Wisdom from Kumara Sangakkara (Sri Lankan cricketer).
From the link: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl-2012/news/If-you-do-the-right-things-you-need-less-luck-Sangakkara/articleshow/13111446.cms
You never know from where you get nuggets of wisdom! Check these wonderful words uttered by a Sri Lankan cricketer. I am awed by his words!
Very well said, Sir!
- Gerry.
You never know from where you get nuggets of wisdom! Check these wonderful words uttered by a Sri Lankan cricketer. I am awed by his words!
"Its not only about luck, if you do the right things, you need less luck than
you would if you are not doing that well." He believed that luck favours those who put in extra work. "Luck is
something, I think, the harder you work, the better you do... (then) luck works
for you. Sometimes luck can be an excuse, but that's not something we are
looking at for what could have gone wrong for us," - Kumara Sangakkara (Sri Lankan cricketer).
Very well said, Sir!
- Gerry.
Status Update: Life is getting busy!
Haven't blogged in a while. Have been busy. Internship has begun. The new batch of foundation students is here, now. Have not met them yet.
But hey, if any of the FOUNDATION STUDENTS - New MBA students of TRSM are reading this blog post, you are welcome to get in touch with me by Facebook messaging and say Hello :)
I am working on my MRP (Major Research Paper) as well as my Internship project right now. Lot of report writing. But hey, that is a major part of MBA student life - report writing! No complains...
As I get busy with internship for now and job in a few months, I guess my blogging activity shall slow down a bit. But I shall do my best to keep posting useful information... Will make the time.
Cheers!
Gerry.
But hey, if any of the FOUNDATION STUDENTS - New MBA students of TRSM are reading this blog post, you are welcome to get in touch with me by Facebook messaging and say Hello :)
I am working on my MRP (Major Research Paper) as well as my Internship project right now. Lot of report writing. But hey, that is a major part of MBA student life - report writing! No complains...
As I get busy with internship for now and job in a few months, I guess my blogging activity shall slow down a bit. But I shall do my best to keep posting useful information... Will make the time.
Cheers!
Gerry.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
McKinsey Consulting - Some info
From the link: http://www.mckinsey.com/Careers/Apply/What_we_look_for
What we look for:
We hire exceptional people with outstanding capabilities and great potential in four areas. Each area is critical to success in our day-to-day work.
We hire exceptional people with outstanding capabilities and great potential in four areas. Each area is critical to success in our day-to-day work.
McKinsey consultants excel in four main areas.
Improving your resume:
The first part of the candidate screening process at McKinsey is a resume review. We use resumes to help us determine whom to invite to our interviewing process. Therefore, it is important for your resume to be the best possible reflection of you and of your achievements.
Your resume should not only accurately reflect your achievements to date, but also provide some sense of the scale of those achievements. A successful resume will also give the reader a sense for who you are as a person, as reflected in the activities and achievements you view as important in your life.
Our resume/CV reviewers look for evidence of achievement in the four key skill areas outlined in what we look for: problem-solving, achieving, personal impact, and leadership.
We prefer to see details of graduate work and college/tertiary education first. Include your degree subject, university, degree grades, or GPA at each major milestone of your course (for example, magna cum laude overall, summa cum laude in first year) and any major prizes or awards, specifying key dates. You should also include any significant academic projects (e.g., senior thesis, major research work, etc.) that you feel help illustrate your academic ability.
Depending on your national background, it may be important that you provide details of your results in all subjects in key examinations (e.g., high school diploma, ‘A' levels, baccalaureate grades).
Applicants who have taken standardized tests such as the GMAT, LSAT, SAT, etc. should also include their scores. Provide as much detail as possible here. If you have academic transcripts showing detailed grades, send us a copy. If you studied in an academic system with which we may be unfamiliar, try where possible to translate your result to help the reviewer understand (e.g., top two percent of students nationally).
If you have work experience, emphasize what you achieved in each major role beyond your key day-to-day responsibilities. We are most interested in the impact you have had in your career (e.g., the key things that changed because of your direct involvement). You may also describe unique skills and experiences that will help us understand the strengths you bring to the table.
We are interested in any volunteer or charity work, or positions of responsibility in professional bodies—particularly where they demonstrate leadership, initiative-taking, or extraordinary commitment.
Similarly, you should include leadership positions, significant involvement in extracurricular activities, and significant participation in sports, games, societies, or hobbies. For example, a high level of achievement in a sport tells us something about your commitment and drive to achieve. Don't just tell us about your hobbies; tell us what you have achieved in pursuing them.
Generally you should only include items that you feel will help us understand your strengths better (rather than including something just for the sake of having it).
Include any foreign languages for which you have business conversational ability or better. For languages, rate yourself as either basic, competent, or fluent.
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Problem solving
We help leaders solve their toughest and most urgent problems. We have superior intellectual abilities and a practical sense of what works in complex organizations. -
Achieving
We strive to deliver distinctive and lasting client impact. This requires tremendous energy, determination, and judgment, particularly when working with multiple stakeholders under tight deadlines. -
Personal impact
We work closely with a wide range of people in their daily jobs. This calls for strong communication skills—particularly when addressing conflicting points of view. We are adept at building trusting relationships with clients to enlist their participation and support. -
Leadership
Leading people and fostering productive teamwork are critical to success here. Our leadership skills bring people together to drive positive change within organizations.
Improving your resume:
The first part of the candidate screening process at McKinsey is a resume review. We use resumes to help us determine whom to invite to our interviewing process. Therefore, it is important for your resume to be the best possible reflection of you and of your achievements.
Your resume should not only accurately reflect your achievements to date, but also provide some sense of the scale of those achievements. A successful resume will also give the reader a sense for who you are as a person, as reflected in the activities and achievements you view as important in your life.
Key skill areas
Our resume/CV reviewers look for evidence of achievement in the four key skill areas outlined in what we look for: problem-solving, achieving, personal impact, and leadership.
Education
We prefer to see details of graduate work and college/tertiary education first. Include your degree subject, university, degree grades, or GPA at each major milestone of your course (for example, magna cum laude overall, summa cum laude in first year) and any major prizes or awards, specifying key dates. You should also include any significant academic projects (e.g., senior thesis, major research work, etc.) that you feel help illustrate your academic ability.
Depending on your national background, it may be important that you provide details of your results in all subjects in key examinations (e.g., high school diploma, ‘A' levels, baccalaureate grades).
Applicants who have taken standardized tests such as the GMAT, LSAT, SAT, etc. should also include their scores. Provide as much detail as possible here. If you have academic transcripts showing detailed grades, send us a copy. If you studied in an academic system with which we may be unfamiliar, try where possible to translate your result to help the reviewer understand (e.g., top two percent of students nationally).
Work experience
If you have work experience, emphasize what you achieved in each major role beyond your key day-to-day responsibilities. We are most interested in the impact you have had in your career (e.g., the key things that changed because of your direct involvement). You may also describe unique skills and experiences that will help us understand the strengths you bring to the table.
Other skills and achievements
We are interested in any volunteer or charity work, or positions of responsibility in professional bodies—particularly where they demonstrate leadership, initiative-taking, or extraordinary commitment.
Similarly, you should include leadership positions, significant involvement in extracurricular activities, and significant participation in sports, games, societies, or hobbies. For example, a high level of achievement in a sport tells us something about your commitment and drive to achieve. Don't just tell us about your hobbies; tell us what you have achieved in pursuing them.
Generally you should only include items that you feel will help us understand your strengths better (rather than including something just for the sake of having it).
Languages
Include any foreign languages for which you have business conversational ability or better. For languages, rate yourself as either basic, competent, or fluent.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
David Maister's Laws of the Job Search
From the link: http://davidmaister.com/articles/3/44/by David Maister 1982
This was written in 1982 for MBA students who came to me with questions about career choices. It has since been reproduced around the world in a variety of books, magazines and journals, including in a few editions of What Color Is Your Parachute? I used it as the basis for the chapter, “No Regrets,” in True Professionalism (1997). This is the original version.
- You can’t decide what you want from a job until you’re clear on what you want from life.
- Some people have been too busy “succeeding” to figure out what success means to them. Don’t look for a job until you’ve thought it through.
- First figure out what you want in life. Then go look for it.
- It’s easy to fool yourself as to what you really want from life.
- There are a lot of people around you who will tell you what you should want from life: parents, teachers, friends. You don’t have to accept their answers. Don’t get stampeded.
- Ban the word “should” from your job search.
- We all want to impress people. The tough part is figuring out precisely who we want to impress and why.
- You can’t impress everyone simultaneously. Different people are impressed by different things: money, status, intellect, character, contribution to society and so on, forever. What do you want to be admired for? By whom?
- We all want respect and prestige. But in whose eyes? It ain’t necessarily those of other students (because six months from now you won’t see most of them ever again).
- The key to what you really want lies in something that you don’t like to admit. “I don’t like to admit it but I need to be the center of attention.” OK; find a job that will let you show off. “I don’t like to admit it but I really want to be rich.” Fine; go out and get rich. “I don’t like to admit it but I’m a snob.” That’s all right; go work with “upper class” people.
- Play to your “evil secrets”; don’t suppress them.
- You are a lot less flexible than you think.
- Some people are big-city types: others are happier in small towns. Which are you? It’s more important than you think.
- Changing jobs is easier than changing family, and a lot less painful.
- Your happiness will be determined much more by what job you’ve got than by what company you’re working for or what industry you’re in. Most people choose an industry, then choose a company, then choose a job. It’s the wrong order.
- You can’t figure out what you want in life by going to interviews.
- The more interviews you attend, the more confusion you’ll feel.
- The more confusion you feel, the worse the decision you’ll make.
- The goal is to get the right job offer, not the most job offers.
- There is nothing as pathetic as someone getting depressed about being turned down by a company they didn’t want to go work for anyway.
- Don’t sell: buy! You can either buy yourself a job or be bought by one.
- If your new job doesn’t work out, the divorce will be a lot more painful for you than for your employer. So you should be a lot pickier than they are in deciding whether to “get married.” Don’t sell: buy!
- Nothing impresses an interviewer more than someone who knows what they want and why. Don’t sell: buy!
- What do you really need to know about the job you’ll be doing to be sure you’ll be happy? Don’t be afraid to ask. Check it out to be sure. Don’t sell: buy!
- You’ll be happier if you like and respect the people you’ll be working with: bosses, peers, subordinates, customers. Do you know who you like and respect? Is it these people? Don’t sell: buy!
- People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care. Enthusiasm and the hard work it inspires counts for more than an extra piece of ability.
- Don’t worry about whether you’ll be good at it: If it turns you on, you’ll be good enough. If it doesn’t, you won’t.
- Your “strengths” are irrelevant; what you like is critical.
- Don’t plan too far ahead. In five to ten years, you’ll be a different person who will want different things from life.
- Do it because it will make you happy now, not because it will (if it works out) make you happy tomorrow.
- Don’t serve any pure apprenticeship, something that you’ll hate and will do only because it will lead somewhere. If you hate it, you’ll never get through it.
- All job choices are risky, so think about how you’ll feel if it doesn’t work out. If you’ll able to say, “I’m glad I tried it anyway,” then consider the job. If you can’t imagine saying that, don’t bother pursuing it any further.
- David Meister.
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