Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Top 25 MBA Programs

Wondering what are the Top 25 MBA Programs in the US of A?  Take a look.

Please note that Duke, Columbia, and NYU are in the top 10.  My top 3 schools. YES!!!  Hmmmm makes me ready to take this next step and get back in school.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Is an MBA right for me?

I had to ask myself this question again, after not being accepted into the 2012 Class of the Management Leadership for Tomorrow MBA Preparation Program. Am I ready for a career change only 1.5 years into my career? This is the reason I assume I wasn’t accepted into the program. I will find out for sure in a few weeks. But, is an MBA right for me? Am I willing to make a complete career change so early in my career? Do I need to wait two years and come back to reapply to the MBA prep program? These are all questions that I have to answer, but also below are some suggestions on why an MBA should be right for you.
Make the most of your investment
An MBA can transform your career—and your life. However, business school is a big investment. So, before deciding to apply to an MBA program, you should:

■Understand why you want an MBA
■Know what you want to get out of the program
■Identify some specific short- and long-term goals

In fact, these details are essential for the application and interview process. Admissions officers want to know “your story” and why you’re a good fit for their school. This can be just as important as your GMAT scores, undergraduate grades and recommendations.
Unlock new opportunities
The MBA environment gives you real-world skills that apply far beyond the workplace. You learn how to lead a group, improve your public speaking, solve problems and work within teams. Plus, you’re exposed to faculty, peers and alumni from a variety of industries—all ready to help and support you.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,

~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: 4 Credit Reporting Myths

I have decided to revisit my goals to own a home.  My current lease is up on my apartment in June 2011, so I plan to begin house hunting in January 2011.  First thing is to check your credit to make sure there aren't any fraudulent charges, cards closed, and to ensure you are achieving a certain score.

Your credit report and score can hold the key to your financial future. One mistake could possibly prevent you from getting a loan or an apartment. It’s important to understand what’s in your report and how it affects you. Here are some common myths about credit reporting.

Myth: You can pay someone to make bad things on your report “go away.”

Reality: Services like this are more than likely a scam. According to the Federal Trade Commission, their attorneys say that they have never seen a legitimate credit repair company making claims to remove bankruptcies, erase bad debt, or create a new credit identity. Any company that claims they can do this is lying to you. The FTC says you can spot one of these scams by looking out for some of these red flags:

• The company wants you to pay for credit repair services before they provide any services. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act, credit repair companies cannot require you to pay until they have completed the services they promised.
• The company doesn’t tell you your rights and what you can do yourself for free.
• The company suggests that you try to invent a “new” credit identity—and then a new credit report—by applying for an Employer Identification Number to use instead of your Social Security number.

Myth: Employers can see your credit score.

Reality: Employers don’t have access to your credit score, only your report. If you’ve given written permission for an employer to do a background check, the package they receive will include information about your financial history. Employers receive a modified version of your credit report (known as an employment report) from the three major credit reporting agencies, which doesn’t include your score. If you find out that you didn’t get a job because of information in your credit report, the employer is obligated to show you the report and tell you how to get your own copy. Your report is free of charge if you make a request within 60 days of getting a rejection notice from an employer.  

For the rest of this article visit Black Enterprise.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: 10 Sure Fire ways to kill a Career

Ten Sure-Fire Ways to Kill a Career
Do you see yourself in any of the dangerous scenarios below? Watch out for these professional missteps—landmines that can derail the careers of even the most brilliant managers. And while all managers are at risk of committing any number of these career-stoppers, women need to be especially mindful to steer clear.

1) Thinking short-term about your career direction.
“On average, men are more likely to be strategic in thinking about their careers, whereas women tend to think more short-term,” says Laura Hill, an executive career coach. As a consequence, Hill says that women may find themselves at a dead end more often. Her advice: always evaluate a job based on the opportunities it will present after you’ve been in the job—picture it at the top of your resume. “Will it be appealing to other employers, does it get you someplace you want to go?”

2) Having no idea what you want to do.
The first step in any career exploration process, Hill says, is to ask the question, “What do I want to do?” For many people this is a really hard question. Most people default to talking about what they can do or what jobs they think they can get. “The first step is to figure out what makes you tick, what your strongest suits are and what you want out of a career. This takes a lot of introspection and reflection, and the answers don’t always come easily. ”

3) Not taking advantage of the career coaching that’s available.
“Of all the people who could really use the help of a career coach, only a few actually get help. Students should always take advantage of campus career facilities as a starting point,” says Hill. Beyond that, an investment in a career coach for advice and perspective on managing your career is a small price to pay for the success it will bring you.

4) Not using your aptitudes or innate skills.
Most people might think that working in a field for which you don’t have the natural aptitude would be a tremendous problem. But research has shown that the bigger occupational problem occurs when you have strong aptitudes and don’t use them. The manifestation may be job-hopping—always searching for a more satisfying job. Hill recommends that clients consider the
Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation for aptitude testing. Johnson O’Connor is a nonprofit organization dedicated to studying human abilities and helping people make important decisions about school and work.

5) Not looking at the supply and demand equation.
Hill points out, “After figuring out what you ideally want to do, you then need to be aware of the market demand for what you do. Always watch market forces that can affect demand for talent, and take this into account in your career planning.” And look out for a demographic trend that should play out well for mid-career professionals. Forty percent of the existing work force will be exiting in a 10 to 12 year period, beginning this year, as the baby boomers move into retirement. “This will be an unprecedented
exodus, that will present tremendous opportunities for young people to rise more quickly.”

6) Taking career advice from anyone who gives it.
“For some reason, people love to give career advice, and unfortunately a lot of it is just bad, incomplete, or out of context, albeit well intentioned,” says Hill. If you invest in a career coach, check out his or her credentials and check a couple of references. If you don’t work with a coach, Hill recommends availing yourself of advice from several sources, including books and at least two different people including recruiters. There are many good books on careers and job searches, including the classic “What Color is Your Parachute.”

7) Giving away power.
Assertiveness is the most common trait Hill says she sees among people in the senior ranks. Compared to men, women of equal skills and experience are often less confidant and less aggressive in going after challenging assignments, promotions, and raises.Women are more likely to be tentative in their speech or fail to “market” their accomplishments to their bosses. “And it’s no wonder women are often underpaid good negotiation skills are critical to getting paid what you’re worth, and women don’t always feel comfortable negotiating.”

8) Focusing only on doing your job well.
Getting ahead takes a lot more than just doing your job well. “I advise clients not to be political but to be politically astute,” says Hill. It’s important to form relationships and be aware of the political landmines, even in organizations that are model meritocracies.

9) Not marketing your accomplishments.
Generally speaking, men are more inclined than women to measure and track their progress, and to boast about it at appropriate times. To ensure that you have the information you will need later to showcase your accomplishments in a resume or job interview, Hill advises keeping a “career folder” close at hand with all the necessary information for your next performance review or resume update, including complimentary notes from your boss, colleagues, or clients. “Update your resume at least once a year and fill it with results and accomplishments,” Hill further advises. “You should never be more than an hour or two away from being able to produce a polished resume should you get a call about that next big opportunity.”

10) Ignoring the corporate culture and chemistry with your boss in your career decisions. The right culture and boss can make a huge difference in your success and longevity in a company. “This is where knowing yourself really well and closely examining your prior work experiences can help you make better decisions,” says Hill.  Culture fit is even more critical as you move up the ranks. “When an incoming executive fails to work out it’s almost always because he or she didn’t fit in with the culture not because of a lack of skills and ability to do the job.”

Good advice gleaned from an interview with Laura Hill, founder and
managing director of Careers in Motion in New York City. Hill was formerly the managing director of client services with Crenshaw Associates, a boutique career management firm for CEOs and senior executives. With 25years’ experience in the field, Hill is an expert in the areas of personal assessment, career strategy, networking, compensation strategy, and employer negotiations.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Journey to MBA: Defeating the GMAT

"I just need some time with my own thoughts. Got treasures in my mind, but I can't open up my own vaults" Kanye West

 

Who knew that sitting down to study would be so hard after college?  I have been putting off and procrastinating.  I have purchased study guides, Kaplan and Princeton review manuals, and even a For Dummies book.  Why haven't I begun to study? I then listen to this verse from Kanye and just need some time with my own thoughts.  But, I think my thoughts are what is holding me back from making time to study for this test.  The test I'm referring to is the GMAT bka Graduate Management Admission Test.  This test is a BEAST!  It is what separates you from the pack when applying to business school. You not only have to master it, but DEFEAT it.  Thats exactly what I plan to do when these treasures in my mind open up my own vaults. Below is my step by step guide to defeating the GMAT exam.

Check out my professional blog to read the rest of this post.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Journey to MBA: Why a MBA?

Journey to MBA: Why a MBA?
I'm starting a new weekly series on my blog documenting my journey to obtaining my MBA. Please join me as I document, taking the GMAT, writing MBA essays, applying for admission, evaluating my school options, and ultimately choosing the school that best fits what I want to do long term.
Why a MBA?
Since 2005, I have been very determined to obtain a higher degree in the form of MBA. Every internship or cooperative education experience just confirmed my passion for sitting at the table where decisions are made. During my final year of college, I obtained an internship at Johnson & Johnson, where I was exposed to the marketing and sales aspects of the company’s product brands. I had the opportunity to use my strong technical and problem solving skills acquired in engineering to increase the perceived product value to a customer and I realized that I thoroughly enjoyed doing this. I was able to gage a customer’s perception of a brand through personal interaction with them, and hence, discovered why successful brands are synonymous to product quality and why Johnson & Johnson’s products beat that of their competitors in the market. I realized that I had a natural marketing ability, but I never had the opportunity to explore business strategy, finance or marketing in college. I want to obtain a MBA to broaden my knowledge of Marketing, Strategy, Operations and General Management. As well as strengthen my leadership, networking, and negotiating skills in order to fulfill my long term goal of becoming a Global Brand Manager for a Fortune 500 company.
I realized a MBA was exactly what I needed to fulfill this goal through networking with MBA graduates, marketing professionals at Big Oil, and researching the top programs. A MBA will give me a solid foundation in business strategies and help develop me into a well-rounded leader who understands both the technological aspect and the financial aspect of a business while realizing how the two relates with each other. I also believe that a MBA will provide me with cutting-edge analytical skills, sound business knowledge, complete and effective communication and presentation skills – the tools I need to grow into a highly effective management professional.
I can pose the question why not a MBA? As a MBA is the MAIN route to achieving my long term career goals. Why is a MBA the right decision for you?

Keep the Faith!
Until next time,

~E

Mixing Monday: Single Strand Knots

My #naturalhair needs more TLC.  I have a serious case of single strand knots.  I thought about cutting off an inch or two and starting over.  I then thought about getting some extensions.  I vowed I would never do that after I officially went natural.  Now, I think I just need to give my hair the EXTRA TLC it needs to tackle these single strand knots.  I found a great resource in www.maneandchic.com (If you have never been there click NOW I'll wait) on single strand knots.  Although I can't do everything at once in my weekly routine, the two things I can commit to doing is keeping my hands out of my hair and deep conditioning weekly.  I realize that playing in my hair is probably the main cause of my single strand knots as I attempt to detangle knots while running my hands through my hair.  It's a BIG NO NO!  I also haven't been washing my hair weekly but bi-weekly and haven't deep conditioned overnight.  I will add this to my routine and try my best to rid myself of hand in hair syndrome lol.  Below is a recipe of a quick pre-poo treatment.

EMF's Pre-Poo Treatment

2 tbs caster oil

2 tbs olive oil

2 tbs almond oil

2 tbs vegetable glycerin

I typically leave this on for about 10-20 minutes before I rinse and deep condition.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Managing your Personal Brand

Managing your Personal Brand

When you think of Nike what do you think of? A check and "Just Do It" right? How about McDonald's do you think of fries, those golden arches? What about yourself? What do others think of you when you walk into a room? Someone who is a go-getter, stellar and exceptional performer, all around "high-flyer" climbing the corporate ladder? If there is one thing I've learned since working for Big Oil it is that Perception is Reality.  What others think about you is all that matters and your reputation can be tarnished by one mistake.  The question is how do set myself up for a comeback? How do I change my perception in the work place? How do I manage my personal brand in corporate america?  All of these questions are hard to answer explicitly as a series of events have to take place, but the common denominator is TIME. You have to give yourself time to make this happen. It will not happen yesterday and will not happen tomorrow, but if you are persistent in your approach for managing your brand it can be changed in due time. Personal branding is essential to career success because it allows us to define who we are and position ourselves relative to our expertise and passion, to achieve our dreams.  People are always labeling you in a certain way and before you get tagged, you have the ability to convey what your brand is to lead those perceptions.  Also, the personal branding process is focused on taking your knowledge and skills and projecting them to the world, in such a way that you're recruited based on your passions, instead of applying for jobs. Below is a list of things you can do to manage your personal brand.

1) BE AUTHENTIC: I manage my personal brand by being authentic in the multiple channels (ie. linkedin, facebook, twitter, my blog, etc.) that I interact in online. I also monitor my google alerts to see what comes up for my blog, name, or website. Its critical you maintain who you are as an individual in all sectors, but its also difficult because there will be a conflict of interest.

2) BE CONSISTENT: Consistency in actions, words. My appearance is important and it's important for me to always look pulled together. Try to keep anything negative out of words and rely on humour, sarcasm and the fact that I am willing to help people top of mind

3) BE CLEAR: Make message clear and concise. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and provide value. If you say you are going to call someone back, please do it, even if they are gone for the day. Your word is all you have, and it can make or break your image and perception. Easier said than done right?

4) BE YOU: Leave the ego at the door. You have to reflect on who you are and your core values and principles. Think about those transferable core strengths that you have that can be deployed to effect professional, as well as personal, changes. Identify a target group of people and how you want them to perceive you.

5) BE SMART: Set holistic goals, by thinking "SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely." Implementation or application of any process is the hardest and most challenging part. It entails committing oneself to a specific plan of action. Set exact dates and times of committement and record the results.

Keep the Faith!
Until next time,

~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: EMF Book Club Rehash

Remember the book club I started in June 2010?  I've fallen off the wagon and need to get back on. I haven't stuck to my required reading.  The last book I started and still haven't completed is July - Outliers the Story to Success Malcolm Gladwell.  I need to finish that and will do so, but in order to get back on schedule.  I am going to start back up with reading for the rest of the month of October, Campus CEO: The Student Entrepreneur's Guide to Launching a Multi Million Dollar Business by Randal Pinkett.  I shall report back to you what the book is about and my learnings.  How about you? How is your personal development by reading coming along?


Keep the Faith!


Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: How to succeed in male dominated work force?

Perserverence: To strive in an industry in a current environment where so few record labels remain, you must be persistent and keep striving toward your goal, Das says. “Don’t take no for an answer. It might be someone that you meet and it’s two months later that you get back in contact with them—it’s all about staying focused and keeping in contact with people.”

Professionalism: "I can’t stress that enough," Das says. What may seem like a small gesture--i.e., returning phone calls--can be big in the industry. “In this business, everything is based on your word,” Das adds. “If your word is nothing, you’re not going to have a great reputation and people aren’t going to want to do business with you.”

Positioning: Das says interning is very important for college students just starting out because a lot of companies hire from within. And when it comes to networking--for newbies and veterans--when attending events, don’t just “hang in the corner,” she advises. “Position yourself to the right people in the room. It’s important to be strategic about who you’re talking to and who you’re networking with, as opposed to just showing up and drinking cocktails.”

Poker Face: “In the workplace, this can be a pretty volatile industry sometimes. And especially as a woman, you have to keep that poker face.” Women often wear their emotions on their sleeves, she says, which can be a disadvantage during heated discussions, disagreements, or negotiations. “Your male counterparts will see that as a sign of weakness and use that against you,” Das adds. Always be prepared. If you need a moment, Das says, ask to be excused to gather your emotions and then come back and give your response based on facts, not how you feel at the moment.

Excerpt from blackenterprise.com check it out for more information.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Financial Fitness Contest

Black Enterprise magazine is sponsoring a Financial Fitness Contest.  Getting your financial house in order!!!

Prize

Each prize package consists of:   introductory personal consultation with a financial planner, a cash award of $2,000.00. Prizes cannot be substituted.

Eligibility

The Selection is open to any individual, who, at the time of entry, (i) is 18 years or older and (ii) is either a citizen or legal resident of the United States. This contest is VOID as to: (iii) residents of Arizona, Florida, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico and any other U.S. state or territory where restricted or prohibited under applicable law; and (iv) any employees (or their immediate family members) of Earl G. Graves Limited, Earl G. Graves Publishing, Black Enterprise Magazine, www.blackenterprise.comor either of their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, suppliers, or advertising, promotion or fulfillment agencies.

Is your finances in order?

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: World MBA Tour

The Consortium invites you to maximize your future with the QS World MBA Tour.

Attend Consortium Alumni Panels, meet Business Schools, win scholarships and find tips on how to apply to MBA programs during the QS World MBA Tours. Register to win over $1.6M of exclusive scholarships and be sure to bring a friend with you as this is an event not to be missed.

The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management will host a one-hour Alumni Panel during the QSWorld MBA Tour in Dallas and Houston. Alumni will share how Consortium membership impacted their careers and offer advice on MBA programs and career opportunities available in today’s businessworld.
QS is pleased to announce complimentary entrance for all Consortium members, alumni and friends to the Dallas and Houston QS World MBA Tour! 
Consortium Schools present at QS World MBA Tour:
- Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business
- Cornell University, The Johnson School
- Emory University, Goizueta Business School
- New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business
- University of Rochester, Simon Graduate School of Business
- University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business
- The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business
- University of Virginia, Darden School of Business
- Dartmouth College, Tuck School of Business
- Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School
- University of Wisconsin- Madison, Wisconsin School of Business

Learn more about the QS World MBA Tour here.

I am going to the World MBA Tour in Houston on this upcoming Saturday, October 2, 2010.  Check out the link and see when its coming to your city!


Keep the Faith!


Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: MLT MBA Prep App = Complete

I'm so thrilled my application for the Management Leadership for Tomorrow MBA preparation program is COMPLETE!  Yes, you read correctly.  All of my burdens, stress has been lifted and I'm excited about the outcome.  I am leaving it up to God as he is charting my course.  Now, back to focus on the next big step in the MBA process and thats preparing to take the GMAT.  I'm going to study on my own for about 6 weeks then take a class in order to take the exam in January.

Thank you or your support, prayers, and encouragement! It is much appreciated :D

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: MLT MBA Prep App almost complete!

These last few weeks have been a whirlwind of reflecting, questioning myself, my wants, my desires, my needs, my goals, my success, how I measure it, why I'm here in Texas, what I want to do with my life long term and short term, why I want an MBA, what will an MBA help me achieve, endless thoughts about life and my next 5 years counting till Dirty Thirty.  SIGH! So, many things to ponder, reflect, think about, and I'm finally at a point where I can say I'm almost done!  I've completed 2 of the 3 required essays for the MLT MBA prep program.  My last essay is 350 words and is a reflection of my commitment to the program and any other details I need to discuss.  I'm so thrilled overjoyed that this process is almost complete, but excited more about the next steps.  God didn't bring me this far and he isn't done with me yet.  This process as any process makes me reflect on how blessed I am and how much I need him to order my steps and take the wheel.  There is no need to worry or stress about the outcome just put it in his hands.  If God's hands are in everything, then we should put everything in God's hands.  Such a simple concept just hard to apply.  As, I finish up my last essay in the next 24 hours and send it to my reviewers continue to lift me up in prayer that I may transcribe my strengths and why the MLT committee should elect me into their program.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Busy MBA Preparation

MBA preparation has me OPEN!  I've been reflecting on my life, what I want to accomplish short term by 30 long term by 45 and what I want to do when I retire at 60, God willing.  What I realized throughout this process and writing my essays for the MLT MBA Prep Program is that "I just wanna be successful" in my best Trey Songz impersonation.  Truthfully, I just wanna be happy.  God, family, and work in that order!  This has been a process for me as if I had to choose between a career or family I would choose family.  Although, I do believe you can have both it just takes a large sacrifice.  At 25, my sacrifice is career because I don't have a family of my own and if I did, I would make it work with many sacrifices.  I know how an MBA will enhance my career, but it makes me realize that I really want a family.  I guess the urge of settling down does happen when you turn a certain age; kids become more cute, seeing couples show PDA makes you cringe, and achieving that American dream of white picket fence with 2 1/2 children seems further away.  Conversely, I am realistic in my expectations on what I have planned with my life.  I know that what God has for me is for me.  I'm just reflecting and my feelings have never been more clear about what I want.  I am on this journey to become a better me through he who guides my steps.  I'm waiting patiently on God and in the mean time I'm working on me.  These are my MBA preparation reflections.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesay: MLT MBA Prep Updates

Last Thursday night I attended the Management Leadership for Tomorrow MBA Preparation Information Session.  My world was rocked and I knew I needed to be apart of this program.  One quote from Sean Ferguson, Associate Dean of Admissions of Rice University, solidified on why an MBA is valuable.  He said "You can out source specialty functions, but you can not out source leadership."  If I want to be a leader I need to be in B-school and apart of MLT network.  I left hopeful and very excited to run home and make my application to MLT strong.  So, I am forging ahead and going to make the September 15, 2010 deadline of applying to this program.  My largest obstacle now is the essays.

Here are the three questions I have to answer:
Question #1: What are your post-MBA short- and long-term career goals and how will an MBA help you achieve them? What research have you done to determine that the MBA is the next step for you? Be sure to address how MBA Prep fits in to your plan. (500 words max)


Question #2: Tell us about a time you experienced failure, either personally or professionally. What did you learn about yourself as a result? (400 words max)

Question #3: MBA Prep requires a significant commitment of time and energy. Successful participants engage in the process and understand the time commitment required. What will be your biggest challenge in meeting the requirements during the program? Is there anything that may affect your performance during the program (e.g. planning a wedding, work schedule, travel plans, time commitments to other activities)? Additionally, if there are extenuating circumstances you’d like to address, including gaps in work history or low GPA, please let us know. If you are reapplying to the program, you should use this as an opportunity to discuss your growth as a candidate since you last applied. (350 words max)

Pray for me as I embark on my dream.  I am a MLT...because MLT was the roadmap to foster my success!
 
Keep the Faith!
 
Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Paying for Graduate School

Written by Renita Burns on August 11, 2010 | Print Blog

Economista: How to Pay for Grad School

A money guide for 20-somethings

It seems like almost everyone I graduated with is quitting the workforce to attend graduate school, or they're at least contemplating the decision. I must admit, I’ve thought about attending grad school as well but the hefty price tag has me seeing red (as in "in the red" aka broke). While some students are fortunate enough to attend grad school for free through various programs, others are not so lucky.  For the countless other 20-somethings out there considering grad school, here are some ways to trim down costs, if not attend for free.

Early withdrawals from your IRA: Tapping into your IRA can be one way grad school students can defray the costs of student loans or overextending their bank accounts. While it’s ideal to start saving for retirement early, that can be difficult to do with thousands of dollars in student loan debt. You can withdraw from your IRA for education costs without the 10% penalty. There is a chance you will still owe federal income tax. For more, visit IRS.gov and read Notice 97-60, Using IRA Withdrawals to Pay Higher Education Expenses.

Read the rest of this article by clicking here.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E