Hello again, friends! I’m finally back in my school groove after an intense summer and crazy fist few weeks back on campus. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to reflect on my first year at McCombs and determine how I would use my time during my second year. I knew I still wanted to take classes that would challenge me and also spend more time with my MBA friends. However, what I wanted to do most was to be the same sort of resource that the second years, staff, and faculty had been for me. Pay it forward, so to speak. Since I’m heading off to ESADE next semester, I have a lot to do now!
My first way to pay it forward is being a TA for the Career Management class. Instead of being a Peer Adviser (PA) to a select number of first years, I get to be a resource for an entire cohort.This has meant reviewing 59 resumes in one weekend, having one-on-one meetings, and being a resource to 1/4 of the first year class. Remembering what it was like to be in their shoes, I am so excited about the opportunity to help them navigate the internship/job process.
My next way is building up the Business Communications Club with my ridiculously motivated and energetic friend Jessica. Recognizing the need for a “safe place” for students to work on their speaking and communication skills, Jess and I started the club to provide that place for MBAs. It’s fun to see the club growing and morphing and being a real means to help people.
My third way of paying it forward actually found me. A wonderful undergraduate has asked me to be her mentor as part of the Intellectual Entrepreneurship Consortium. I meet with her twice a month and help her carve out her career path and eventual route to getting her MBA. I’m blown away at how bright and proactive she is, and it is a treat to work with her.
Through these opportunities, I am hoping to make a difference at McCombs and help people in the same manner others helped me. I must say, I am really enjoying this semester. I am just as busy as I was last year, but I’m able to do things with more focus and purpose. I just hope it doesn’t go by too fast!
