You already know this, but you don't know the formula

Uh...finance.
Yeeeah, I'm pretty sure I just don't know what you are talking about.

It's World War Three Over Here, and There Ain't No Allies

As the dust cleared, Jana* hammered the keyboard. Left, right, hack, space space space. 

"He thinks I do this?"
"Well, he's a no-good-useless-...."

Meanwhile miles away, in the good city of Konrad-vill, Lord Konrad* fumed as he glared at the white screen.

"How dare that mother--"
"She had no idea that..."

As the rest of the kingdom in MBAlandia** geared up for the ensuing battles, many were armed with well placed jabs, concrete insults, and steely looks that would stop opponents in their tracks.

For the MBA students had started what was called a "group evaluation" project for their Management class, and to say that blood will be spilled, will be the understatement of any of the MBA students' history.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
While this tale may seem like a silly fairytale to you, I assure you good reader, it is not.
This is real life.

As the semester draws to a close, we are faced with looming projects, and our stress mounts.

Our group has been nothing short of dysfunctional. Nearly every conversation we have, there is the feeling of near murder in the air. If we come out of this program without becoming serial killers or murders, I would say we were successful.

While there is tons of research to say why groups are great for learning, and I found some gems I just couldn't help but sharing:

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”

Touching really. 

“The nice thing about teamwork is that you always have others on your side”

Someone on your side that you wish would just shut up. 

“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime.”

Aw Babe (Ruth)... 

Learning to manage groups may be the bane of every person's existence, but from all the reading I've done, it seems if you can get groups to work, it can really be beneficial. Here's to two more weeks before Christmas, and to all MBA students:

Fight on, fight the good fight.

Getting all riled up may seem like a good idea at the time, but take a deep breath and remember your group is working toward the same goal: getting an A. Remember that, and the feeling of strangling your team member just might dissipate.***



MBA students or professionals, what ways have you dealt with a group that annoyed you to no end?

*names have been changed for security purposes
**Although not real in life, MBAlandia is real in every MBA student's heart
***Not a guarantee 

What I Learned at The MBA Consortium Networking Event

Last week, I attended the MBA Consortium (hosted by U of U)--by the way, you can totally say that in a British accent to make yourself sound totally awesome. Besides from being completely disappointed that it was in Layton (over an hour away) and that they didn't even offer my husband a discounted rate to attend (I dragged him to it because I didn't want to drive alone), I did take away some pretty interesting things.

1. I am not completely worthless. Okay, before anyone freaks out about how I don't value myself, what I mean, is that my major or what I do, is valued by employers.
2. Idle talk is not my strong point (but I am getting better).
3. I need better one-liners.
4. I need to figure out how to approach people cold turkey.
5. I need to figure out how to sneakily sneak my business card into the potential employers hand. 

On that note: 

Want to see my business card? 

Here it is in all it's glory...

Cute huh?

If any of you are interested in business cards, I can design them for the cheap. 

I have lots of design experience (after all, it is my hobby) and would love to extend my services to you. 

Overall, I enjoyed myself at the networking event. I do wish that I was better prepared through UVU, and understand how/why networking events are valuable.

However, the conversation was good, I felt extremely confident, and the cupcakes were rather delicious. I took 4 or 5 of them to my awesome husband who was waiting in the car. 

Thankful for ...

As the Thanksgiving holiday draws near, I have been thinking about the things I have been so blessed with.

Being an MBA student this year is nothing short of amazing for me. While I feel I may have started waining in my interested in the program, coupled with the fact that I was searching for a job, I felt no gratitude. All I could think was, "Why is this happening to me?"

However, just a few weeks later (and right before the holiday season), I got an amazing job offer, and my whole mentality changed.

This Thanksgiving, I am completely grateful for all that I have.
I am thankful for my new job, and how little time it took to find it.
I am thankful for my MBA program and the opportunities that await me.
I am thankful for my cohort group that inspire me to do better.


What are you thankful for?

8 Ways to Deal with a Disgruntled Interviewer

Originally posted here: (Enjoy!)

Wow, am I fuming. 

I went to a job interview today. 

I was pretty stoked for it. 

And I know I'm breaking the cardinal rule, the rule where you aren't supposed to post about interviews or whatnot, but I don't really care. 

I was pretty nervous about this interview mostly because time's a tickin' and I still don't have a job. 

As soon as I sat down in the interview, the interviewee takes a look at my resume. 

"Ah, I see you went to BYU, good.
UVU MBA...hmmm...isn't that a step down?"

Umm...

"Why isn't your GPA listed?"
Maybe because I've been working for two years...

"I've seen your writing, and it's good. But I just don't see that you are an organized person."
Well gee thanks. Do I look like a SLOB?

This interview was not going as planned, and I was slowly losing control. Okay, more like, I was speeding towards a brick wall, and there was no where I could veer off to. Have you ever had the displeasure of having an interview where the person just automatically hates you? And they just want to make your whole interview miserable? Been there, done that. Here are 8 ways to deal with a disgruntled interviewer that just wants you to be as unpleasant as them. 

1. Stand your ground. Don't let the interviewer get their way. If they say something that isn't right, correct them, but be polite. 
2. Smile. As much as I wanted to kill this interviewer, I smiled at what he had to say and I {tried} not to let it get to me. {Since I'm blogging about it, it's pretty obvious it did get to me}
3. Laugh. Try to have a good time with the interviewer. Who knows, maybe they will like you, but they are having a crappy day. 
4. Explain yourself. Though it might be tempting to breeze over small things an interviewer asks, make sure you are through and they understand you. 
5. Don't snap. Although it can be very frustrating, never snap at the interviewer. It shows that they have the upper hand. Be the better person. 
6. Don't show fear. Interviewers are like dogs, they can smell fear. Don't give them the satisfaction of knowing they have scared you. 
7. Be prepared. One of my mistakes was that I didn't research the company as throughly as I usually do. I will admit that there were questions that I was prepared for, but there were also some that I should have been prepared for that I wasn't. Always, always do your homework when it comes to interviews. 
8. Get out of there as fast as possible. Once the interview has concluded, get out of there. The interviewer clearly doesn't want anything to do with you, but you never know, maybe they hated other applicants even more. Exit quickly, but don't forget to be courteous. 

Yeeesh. What an interview. Get me out of there! :)

What to Wear for the Interview | The 5 Golden Questions (Fall Edition)

So you've sent out your resume, and you've got a call back for the interview. Congrats by the way! Now that you've got that down, the next thing is: what to wear? If you were a guy, you'd just throw on a button up shirt and some nice slacks and you are good to go. However, for women, there are literally thousands of options for what you can wear for an interview. There is casual dress, semi-casual dress, business professional dress, semi-professional...the list, and the clothing options gets longer and longer...

So where to start?

Ask yourself these 5 golden questions:

1. What type of business are you interviewing at?

The place you are interviewing at are going to have completely different feels to them. Goldman Sachs will  have an entirely different feel than Google. Take this into account when you are interviewing. When I interviewed at a recent startup, they were surprised at the fact that I dressed up, and I decided I wanted to work somewhere with more of a dress code. 

2. Did the person on the phone tell me how to dress?

Often HR can give you some tips when they are setting up an interview with you. Sometimes people forget to ask how to dress because they are so excited to interview, that they forget to ask key questions. 

3. What will the weather be like for the day of my interview?

You might not even think about this until you are stepping out of the door, but the weather can greatly impact what you will wear for a job interview. For fall, you might favor tights over longer skirts. 

4. How long will this interview be?

What you wear can depend on how lengthy your interview will be. You might want to skip on the heels or that uncomfortable button up shirt if you will be interviewing all day. 

5. Would I feel comfortable going to church in this? 

This is for my readers that are LDS or of any kind of faith. The LDS church advocates modesty, and often, many people do not think about if an outfit is modest or not, This is important for any woman, because you want to know you got a job because of your qualifications and not because of how short your skirt was. 

Important Networking Event: Intermountain MBA Consortium

Looking for Networking opportunities? 

Look no Further!

Register for the Intermountain MBA Consortium Event! 

Meet other MBA students, employers, and get yo' self a job! 

Oh, and for all the munchers out there...there will be snacks. 

November 8, 2012 | 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Where: Davis Conference Center | 1651 North 700 West, Layton, UT
Cost: $25.00 (non-refundable) in advance by credit card until 11/2/12, or $35.00 by cash or check at the door

REGISTER NOW
MBA Students: online registration deadline is midnight on Friday, November 2nd, 2012.

Register here. 

See which employers will be there....click here. 

I'll be going...wanna carpool?

Awesome Opportunity!

NAC Breakfast: Networking 101

This morning, I had the chance to go to the National Advisory Council breakfast event that was held for the MBA students. The role of the NAC is this:

The National Advisory Council is dedicated to the continuing progress of the Woodbury School of Business and Utah Valley University. The role of the National Advisory Council is to provide advice, opinions and ideas regarding programs, recruitment and placement, and the general competitive environment affecting business education at UVU. Each council member mentors one or more business student. Council members also help improve the visibility and enhance the reputation of the Woodbury School of Business and Utah Valley University in the business community.

The National Advisory Council is dedicated to the continuing progress of the Woodbury School of Business and Utah Valley University. The role of the National Advisory Council is to provide advice, opinions and ideas regarding programs, recruitment and placement, and the general competitive environment affecting business education at UVU. Each council member mentors one or more business student. Council members also help improve the visibility and enhance the reputation of the Woodbury School of Business and Utah Valley University in the business community.

What I got from that was networking, networking, networking. Oh, and let me mention one more thing, networking. I haven't been one that has really been exposed to networking--all of the jobs I've gotten are because I took the initiative to contact someone, and getting jobs because I interviewed well and my resume was outstanding. (Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that people that network get jobs easy--they are just exposed to more opportunities) . I've never had an "in" anywhere, but with a new place, comes new opportunities. I guess I actually like saying that I found a job on my own, and I don't have anyone to thank for it. However, especially in business (and in every aspect of life) relying solely on yourself does not bode well. Learning to rely on others, and letting them help you will get you a lot further in life.

Since this was one of my first networking events, I really didn't know what to expect, and I didn't pressure myself at all. I just wanted to show up, and soak it all in. Here's what I learned:

1. Don't be afraid to ask questions. People are there to get to know other peeps. This means that it's okay for you to ask about what they do. Not sure what something means? Ask!

2. Say who you are. "My name is Neltje and I..." With my first name being so unique, I don't normally have to say anything else (for people to remember me), I learned that it was vital for me to say I was an MBA student. A couple of professors thought I was part of the NAC!

3. It takes work. I somehow managed to make friends with one guy who was super chatty (yay me), and he had connections with almost everyone that he met in the room. It was neat to see that it is easy to keep up contacts, but it does take time!

4. Keep your conversation light, engaging, and funny. Some of the questions that my ol' buddy asked were pretty deep. Remember, business professionals are people too. While they do appreciate deep, meaningful conversation, when it's 8 am in the morning, most of them would rather be talking about something else.

5. It's all about learning. Even if you might disagree with someone you are talking to, keep it civil. Especially for students, this is a great opportunity to engage yourself, and if nothing else, meet new people. I learned tons of things in the hour that I was with these professionals, and it gets me really excited about what the future holds.

What important things do you do when you network? Do you think networking is really that important? Sound off in the comments!

It's Hot as Hades in Here and There Are Two Hours Left of Class...

Our finance professor is a mix of: 

You do IT. IF You DO IT. 

Charlie Brown teacher speak. 

A little bit of singin' in the rain

Plus a dash of Breaking Bad. 

And you know when it's so hot in a place that you start to get sleepy?

Welcome to Thursday class. Though, I'm not sure how much should be attributed to the heat. But let's just go with that. 

On that note, I am having the toughest time staying awake here. 

I've zoned out, probably 20 minutes into class. However, I've felt pretty zoned out this whole day. 

I started thinking of where my dream internships/jobs would be. Here they are, in no particular order: 

Adobe

Dropbox

Hulu

Gmail

Apple

Google

Blogger

Life is Good

Yogurtland

Ebay

writer for SNL

Pinterest

This keeps me going for when the going gets tough. If I could work at just one of these places before we really start our family, that would be the bees knees. I'll stay awake in lecture if I get a shot. 

Team Work: How to Be the Worst Teammate Ever (and Decrease Life Expectancy)

Lately, my group just hasn't been meshing well. I don't know what it is. Is it the fact that we are tired of all our classes? We aren't satisfied with the program? We are frustrated with finance? All in all, it seems like our group has been divided into two camps. Competent vs. not I like to say. But there is someone that causes the rift in our group to become more apparent. (And not to brag—but I picked out this individual from the pack from the get-go). Working in a group can be bliss—or can be a horrendous train wreck that will leave you scarred for life. If you are working in a group and you are going through the same growing pains as we are, you might want to refer your “bad apple” team member to this. Or are you looking to annoy the crap out of everyone around you? Interested in alienating those around you? Looking to shorten your life expectancy by about 30 years? Well, here's your handy-dandy guide to being the most annoying person in a group.

1. Touch people's computer screens. I don't know if others share this sentiment, but my laptop is my holy grail. You. Do. Not. Touch. It. This means, you hover, you don't touch. Ever. But, if you want people to chase you with fire and pitch forks, by all means, grease up your finger and touch away.
2. Complain about what you don't want to do, but offer no solution. If you really want to test the patience of you group, scrunch up your face when you get handed an assignment. And then start whining about how you hate your assignment. But when you get asked what you would like to do—offer up nothing. But don't forget to complain about what you don't want to do.
3. Wants to always take the easy way out. Always opt to take the easy way out—because hey—you obviously have somewhere better to be instead of this stupid group project.
4. Always claim you are busy. Sure, we all lead busy lives—but you should exaggerate how you hardly have time to think.
5. Be a Leroy Jenkins. Skip to about 1:25 if you want to know what I mean. 

There you have it. Now you can be the worst team member in the history of ever.

Please don't do this.

Your team will hate you.

You'll divide up your team, and your team won't be a team anymo'. It'll be a battle zone.

So instead, be flexible and have a desire to help your team.

You'll get the project done even faster if you don't have an attitude about it. 

Have You Hit a Wall in Your Education?

I'm trying to stay awake in class. (Post on tips to stay awake in class coming soon) .

I am pretty sure that the professor is speaking a different language.

My teammates are gabbing it up like a bunch of old ladies at a Relief Society brunch.

I'm hungry--for something. I can't exactly figure it out.

Sometimes you can hit a wall in class, and it's pretty hard to break through.

In times where you have no idea what's going on in class/the professor is ranting/ your teammates won't stop their yakking/every time you look at the clock it seems to go backwards, remember this:

“The best thing for being sad," replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, "is to learn something. That's the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.”

― T.H. White, The Once and Future King

A wonderful, beautiful quote on why you should be ever seeking for education.

25 of the Best Tech Sites to Follow

As a woman in business, it is important for you to stay up to date on the all of the current events. Because of my soft spot for technology, I compiled a list of the best tech sites to follow. Put 'em on your GoogleReader, etc. These are goodies. 

1. Mashable: My favorite news handle. 
2. CNET: Always one of the best news handles. 
3. Apple Insider: Everything about Apple. 
4. ReadWriteWeb: News on social media 
5. Bits: Technology updates. 
6. PC World: Product reviews and tech news. 
7. Search Engine Land: All the news on search engines. 
8. TechDirt: Provides information on important tech issues
9. TheNextWeb: Provides news and views from tech writers around the world
10. Venturebeat: Everything about Silicone Valley
11. Slashdot: News that focuses on Linux and Open Souce
12. Unwired View: News on wireless systems. 
13. TheRegister: What the UK has to say about tech. 
14. Technologizer: News on tech. 
15. Techcrunch: The latest technology news. 
16. Slashgear: Talks about gadgets and technology news. 
17. Silicon Alley Insider: Talks about business and tech ideas. 
18. Redmond Pie: Talks about iOS apps. 
19. Pocket-Lint: Articles on gadgets. 
20. Lifehacker: The best "how-to" articles.
21. Inside Facebook: Find out what all the social media experts are saying. 
22.  Intomobile: All news on mobile tech. 
23.  I4U: All you ever wanted to know about gadgets and other stuff. 
24.  Google Mobile Blog: If you love Android, this is the site to go to. 
25.  Gizmodo: Want to find out more about tech consumer projects? 

Beat the Boring Lectures

Let's be real here: sometimes class can just be pretty boring.

Maybe it's because it's at night, or you are just ready for the day to be over, either way...checking out of class is probably one of the worst things that can happen.

You can be in class, but are you really listening? I'll be honest, this happened to me last night. I was armed with my diet Mt. Dew and popcorn, I was taking notes, and what we were talking about was really interesting. But then, it happened, I just totally checked out of class. When I realized, 20 minutes had passed, and I had no clue what we were talking about. If you are having problems staying engaged in class, here are some tips.

1. Sit in the front. One of the reasons I have a hard time paying attention is because my group is in the back corner of the class. If you are front and center, you'll have a much harder time dozing off.

2. Participate in class. If you are invested in the lecture, you will more likely stay engaged.

3. Caffeine is key. Take a drink with caffeine to class, you will be more alert, and if you hit a low, it will most likely be after your class is over.

4. Sleep more. Get more sleep the night before. Easier said than done though, right? If you find yourself falling asleep, make sure you start going to bed earlier.

5. Keep yourself cold. If you stay cold, you will have a much harder time falling asleep--trust me--I've tried.

6. Calculate how much your class is costing. I found out that one of my classes is about $100 an hour. Yikes! This motivated me to keep paying attention--I don't want to be losing out on $100 an hour!

These are just a few ways that have helped me stay awake in class--even though I was having troubles last night. I'll be better next class though!

Life Hack: 8 Tips to Being "Unfireable"

Often, your workplace isn't ideal. But, as the saying goes, “you've got to suck it up”. Even if you think you are the most unfortunate soul working in the worst workplace, you must remember, that hundreds of others would kill to get your job. Many might even think that they could do your job better than you. Do you think you are on thin ice? Is your company facing cut backs? In this day, you might never know when your last day is, but there are some measure you can take to becoming “unfireable”. Read on:

1. Make the company money. Is there a way that you can do something and make money at the same time? Your company will think twice about letting go if they know that you can generate income.
2. Cut costs. Do you have a cheaper way of doing something? Eliminate the middle man and save the company money. Managers will see that you can cut costs, and will keep you around when the company may be looking to cut jobs.
3. Show up first, leave last. By showing that you are dedicated to your job, you show that you are not taking your job lightly. Employers will see that you are willing to put in the hard work.
4. Stay out of the drama. As tempting as it might be, stay out of the drama at work. Most importantly, don't be the reason for drama. Don't be afraid to make friends at the office, but learn when too much is enough. Be friendly with everyone, and don't give anyone any reason to dislike you.
5. Be a leader and a team player. Take the reigns when you need to, but understand when you need to place nice with the team. Employers will value someone that is more versatile.
6. Don't take advantage of sick days. While there are days you just don't feel like going to work, tough it out. You don't want to be the one that everyone doubts when you say you stayed home because you were sick.
7. Don't be afraid to do the grunt work. Often at work, there might be things that no one wants to do. Volunteer to do them, and you will be every company's dream employee. You will be a lot more valued as well.
8. Learn new skills. When someone needs to train you on something, don't shy away from learning. You will make yourself more valuable if you have more skills.

Getting a job is hard work. It's all about having the right skills, personality, and timing required for the job. Once you get your job, don't get complacent, work hard to stay valuable to your company. 

Cuteness: 1, Practicality: 0

Okay, after seeing this photo, you must immediately think, "What a cute outfit!" AmIright?

This is what I thought, when I first saw the girl in this outfit, when I passed her in my car at a crosswalk!

Then I saw her again. 

After I had parked. 

And walked about 5 minutes. 

She had only gotten about 100 ft. 

This outfit is cute, but those shoes are killer. 

She was hobbling around campus, and pretty much used her boyfriend to steady herself. 

*as he tried to drag her along to make the trek faster

Girls, be cute. 

But don't be impractical. 

3" heels to class just won't cut it. 

Wear cute flats. 

You can breeze to class, and still look fine. 

Something like these: 

Still totally girly, but your feet will thank you. 

MBA Retreat 2012

Each year, UVU hosts a "retreat" of sorts for the incoming MBA students.   It was held in the lovely Wasatch campus of UVU. Which was essentially a spacious building that overlooked all of Heber. To say that it was beautiful, was an understatement. 

It was about a 45 minute drive (from Orem), and upon arriving, we were greeted with Einstein's bagels, which brighten any early Saturday morning. 

After necessary paperwork, we were placed in teams. There are about 40 MBA students, so there were 7 teams of 5 or so. 

I thought I would probably get placed with the most awful group--I am the one that has the worst luck with things like that. 

Turns out, I had a pretty kick-a team. Throughout the day, we went through about 12 different stations set up by CEObuilder. 

There were activities where we learned to work together as a team, and apply business principles to everyday activities. 

• Rappelling (where each of us had a disability and we had to cope with it)
• Puzzles (our team rocked this)
• Dollar auction (I essentially screwed my team over on this one)
• the Swamp
• Blind frisbee golf (High score--well it was golf--so I got the lowest score!)

The Mousetrap Minefield: A Game of Trust

Then I found out (at lunch), that the teams that we had would be the ones that we would be for the rest of the program. Um, what?! Not that I didn't think our team was awesome, because we were, we got 3rd out of all the teams. I was hoping for a victory, but better than nothing. 

I realized that I can be very competative, and I would rather do things on my own. But, in a business, I won't always be able to do that. It was a good eye opener for me.   

We then worked on a case study, which is seriously what I love business school for. I can't wait for how many we will do. 

The View of the Campus

We then learned about Abilene's paradox, which I know I've used about 50 million times in my life. And once you know about it, you'll realize how much you've used it too! 

Overall, this retreat really got me psyched for my MBA. I can't wait to see what we will be working on/learning. 

Not to mention, my group jives really well together. 

But I stink as a person, and can't remember names, but, I think we will be able to go far.

Heeeeellllooo Sundial. Fav part of the Wasatch Campus.
It was accurate too, mind you.

The Dean's Dinner

The Main View of the Library

The Dean's dinner was the first kickoff event for the MBA program. Before this dinner, I didn't really know what to expect.

Was I nervous to start my MBA?
Anxious?
Excited?

I wasn't really feeling any particular way about my MBA before the dinner, maybe because I had been stressing out about marriage, actually finishing the prereqs for the program, and still managing to be engaged at work.

But the dinner changed my whole attitude. After this introductory dinner, I could not wait to take the plunge.

It was a lil' fancy-schmancy dinner where we dressed "business" like. For me, business meant, a black pencil skirt, and a white casual blazer. Cute right? I pulled my hair back in a ponytail, since I didn't have enough time to do all my hair.

Then, we got there late. Don't be late for functions like dinners, mostly because you won't get a prime spot to sit at. Not that we got placed in an area we didn't like, we just would have met more people if we were on time. But oh well, live and learn.

We enjoyed a yummy dinner of salad and chicken cordon blue (which is my favorite meal ever). But, I don't know if I like BYU's better.

Honestly, it was fun to see "who I was up against" in the program. I can be pretty competitive, when I know I have a fighting chance.

This was a look of where we dined. Though, it wasn't the same speaker.

We were advised to be prepared to spend late nights, and maybe miss family outings. (Which, I only have a small family right now, but I will work to ensure that doesn't happen).

Bottom line: Your MBA isn't going to be a walk in the park. 

Get ready for classes Tuesday!

Here Again!

I'm back!

After a brief intermission where I finished my prerequisites for the MBA, got married, and managed to continue working a 40 hour week, it's time to start blogging again!

Here, I'll share insights on the MBA program, here at UVU, my shortcomings, my accomplishments, and just about everything else about getting my MBA!

Be Kind. Professors are People Too.

I have had two instances in the past two days that have called me to write this post.

1. A guy called a professor an A$# because the guy didn't understand something on a test.
2. A lady said everything the professor was teaching was "ridiculous and stupid".

Um, really?

Be. Nice. To. Your. Professor.

Even if you don't agree with what they say.
Even if you hate the way they teach.
Even if you think that their style is ridiculous.
Even if you think that they know nothing.

Because you are wrong.
They know a lot.

Who is the one that has the advanced degree and years of work experience?
Not you.

If you don't understand something a professor explains, ask a question.
Don't whine about how they can't teach.

Each professor has a difference style.
Just because you don't mesh with them doesn't mean you should put them down.

Professors are people too.
They have lives.
Their feelings get hurt when you call them out because they don't explain something well.
Sure, you need to be looking out for education, but 99% of professors aren't out to make you fail.

Here are dos when it comes to professors: 
1. Be kind.
2. Have respect. Even if you don't agree with the professor, be a professional. Even if the lecture is boring, do your best to at least "look" like you are paying attention. Most professors have great things to say.
3. Visit them after class. Utilize their office hours, if you don't get something, ask them. Maybe they can point you towards more resources, or explain it to you a more helpful way.
4. Be supportive. Don't get riled up when a professor changes something, it's life. Get over it. 
5. Get to know your professor. Who knows? Maybe you will be able to get a great recommendation letter, or even an internship through them.

Professors are your greatest asset in college.
Take advantage of them.
They are for your benefit. 


Remember that the next time you complain you don't understand something. 
Ask yourself if you've done the necessary work to understand. 

Formalities

The resources pages is now updated.

So go take your busy little selves there, and check it out.

Have any ideas for the blog?

Let me know at neltjemnz {at} gmail {dot} com

"We Live in a World of Uncertainty. . .

And I'm just trying to recreate it best I can."

Exact words of a professor. At first, I thought he was joking. Enter test taking. No matter what university you are in, grades are when students ears perk up, and the sit straight.

We started asking the professor what was going to be on the test.
Those were his exact words as students began to get frustrated with his answers to "what would be on the test". 


Which is the age old question of students.
Every student wants it answered and every professor wants to teach so well that students don't ask it.

Alas, no one will win.

I was going to have a post that ranted about the professor, but then he redeemed himself, by bringing a practice test to class.

I almost was just going to go to the library and study.
Whew.

Goes to show, always, always, always, always go to class. 
Especially when you think you won't learn anything. 
Professors will always surprise you. 


It's better to be bored in class rather than miss out on some extra credit points, or a review that gave you all the answers. 


Professors will reward you especially if you come to class everyday.
And you won't be wasting your tuition money.

Studying. . .Here We Go!

Studying for my first Accounting exam.

Should be fun right?

Also, found this awesome little site that you should all be aware of: Studyblue.

It's a nifty little site that will let you create flashcards and you can get the app for on-the-go studying. Which is really what we all need.

It's a gem.
Not to mention that I'm loving the color scheme as well.
Black and blue?
Sign me up.

It's a Good Day When Your Prof Let's You Out Early

On days when professors let you out early, consider browsing this site: Mashable.

To be quite honest, this site has complete captured me. I think I'm on this site more than I am on Pinterest these days. Which is quite sad, since I should probably be looking up Wedding Inspiration Boards. But I find that Facebook IPOs, and social media keep me much more interested than frilly flowers, and barn yard venues...

Seriously.
I can't get enough of tech.
Gotta go check Mashable.

As a Woman Living in Utah

As a woman living in Utah [which is predominantly LDS], it can often get frustrating for women that want to solely focus on a career.

My brother just got called to Brazil (Porto Allegre) mission, and he is beyond excited. Sitting with my mom at church on Sunday, this was the majority of the conversations that took place between my mom and others:

Person: Congrats about Elan getting called to Brazil!

Mom: I know! It's so exciting!

Person: I'll bet! You have to plan a wedding and prepare a missionary!

Mom: Yes. It's going to be an exciting summer. And my daughter also got accepted into business school!

Person: Ah, well, that's nice. {awkward pause} So what temple is she getting married in?

Despite the fact that most people at my ward completely glossed over the fact that I am going to business school, I am the least bit perturbed. For many, the idea of business school doesn't fit into the plan of becoming a mother (which is the highest calling most LDS women could want).

However, just because it isn't thought about, doesn't mean it's wrong. Read this blog to see more about LDS women and business.

I believe that as a Mormon woman, you can have your cake and eat it too. You can focus on your career, and have a healthy, happy family. It's all about finding the balance in your life.

Laptops are Bad News

Bringing a laptop to class is just bad news.

I have to admit, taking your laptop to class is just not practical.

Instead of taking notes, I browsed the web, and redesigned the blog.

Like the new look?

Try as I might, I don't have the self-discipline, to not surf the web.
I doubt you do either.

Take the traditional route: a pen and paper.

Plus, you aren't carrying as much weight around, and you can put it in that cute bag you've been eying: like this one.

Never Leave Class without Saying Goodbye

I've never been a fan of leaving class early or getting to class late.


However. It seems that's what I have been doomed to. 

Out of the 3 classes that have already been held, I've been late to all of them.

I try not to leave class early, only when I know it's pointless.


A guy left early last night.

He tried to be sneaky by leaving while the professors back was turned.

He snuck out. 

The professor noticed.

He asked us, "Did I offend him?"

Without much warning, the professor went out to find the student, made the student say goodbye, and told him to always say bye when he left.

Mental note: never leave this class early, or at least forget to say goodbye. 


On a side note, I learned the difference between credit and debit. Something everyone should know. Read more about it here. 

Education Hack #1

Here's a tip to all of you budding entrepreneurs: Don't go up to a professor and proclaim that you are an all A student. Sure, you might filled to the brim with happiness that you are, but no one really cares, especially a professor.

As I was leaving my Accounting class yesterday, a student approached the professor and his first words to the professor were, "I am an all A student, so I just want to. . ."

The professor interjects, saying "Well you have never had my class before, have you?"

Well played professor. 

And to all of those that have 4.0s and straight A's, I'm sure you've worked long hours to get the good grades.

So let's face reality, real life doesn't care about grades.
It doesn't mean that you shouldn't care. 
It just means that you shouldn't be in class for a grade, you are in class to learn. 

Enter Class #2

Well, now it's time for Accounting 2010. It's a beginning accounting class, and even though I know this is going to be a hard class, I am ecstatic.

In the first hour, we talked about investing in stocks and bonds. This is exactly what I have always wanted to learn.

And shocker, the professor isn't Mormon.
*Gasp*

I don't think that I am going to make it.

And the professor made a good point, shorter time means that professors don't have the luxury to slack off.

And he also said, "Of course this class is going to be easy for me. I've taught this class over 50 times. I've got this stuff down. Students only take this stuff once. No wonder you think I know everything--I should!"

I love how candid he is.

Anyways, $65 for a textbook?


Please and thank you. 


Let me tell you how excited I am for this semester.

Class Act (First Class of the Year)

It's been about just a year since I had my last class.

Enter my first class.

It's on a Friday, from 5:30 to 9:15.
Can you tell I'm ready to make sacrifices to get my MBA? :)

I was all prepared for my class, I mean, I brought along a 54 oz of diet Mt. Dew, and a notepad.

I was ready to slay the class.

First of all, I was running a bit behind. With all of the construction around Utah Valley, it wasn't such a great idea.

Then, I sat in the wrong class for about 10 minutes. I feel like an idiot. I had to sneak out pretending like a had a phone call, and made a mad dash to my real class.

Fail.

However, the Economics class was awesome.

No textbook to buy. 


One test. 


Quizes in class. 


And the prof is going to try to get us out by 8 every class period. 

Hello greatest class ever. 

I highly recommend this class.

The professor is down to earth (he's young) and he just wants you to learn.

Why?

I just got accepted to the Woodbury School of Business.

I am so excited!

I started this blog, well, because I love blogging.

I also saw this gem: Jane Meets Tanner which is a blog for business-minded women at BYU.

Since I am an alumni at BYU, I thought, what better way to collaborate with other women than by blogging?

So here it is:

Kate C. (+) The Woodbury. 

A blog by business-minded women, for business-minded women. 

To discuss business fashion, internships, strategies, school tips, how-to's, and anything and everything that a business woman at UVU might have questions about.

If you ever have any questions, do not hesitate to email me @
neltjemnz {at} gmail {dot} com

Now, go read the Times, or check the stock market.