Friday, August 19, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
MBA Orientation, First Day of Class, and Career Discovery!
Yesterday was the first day of my MBA program and I could say with strong certainty that I found my classes engaging and challenging, as well as practical towards my career dreams. Immediately, the professor spoke of how using statistical analysis has its significance in many aspects of our lives that we don't even realize, such as in investments, online data mining, social networking. Data is transferred in many different mediums, including text.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Google search and the power of numbers!
Attempting to optimize my LinkedIn profile, I came across this informative article:
http://www.booleanblackbelt.com/2011/03/linkedins-dark-matter-undiscovered-profiles/
On the commute back to Sacramento for the beginning of my MBA program, I went through my reading assignments for Business Statistics and read about the power of numbers in defining the algorithms of online searches. Although math never being my strong-suit, the practicality of the science has always intrigued me. You always hear people say, "what is the point of learning algebra when I am never going to use it again after this class," but - in my opinion - this is absolutely untrue. Math has endless uses in every aspect of life, whether it is to determine the viability of a business idea or the chances of your favorite sports team winning this year. Systematically making sense of the numbers can help you make better decisions, however, I also believe in balancing logic with intuition. No matter how you assess the probability of your success in the stock market, for example, one must also trust their instincts.
http://www.booleanblackbelt.com/2011/03/linkedins-dark-matter-undiscovered-profiles/
On the commute back to Sacramento for the beginning of my MBA program, I went through my reading assignments for Business Statistics and read about the power of numbers in defining the algorithms of online searches. Although math never being my strong-suit, the practicality of the science has always intrigued me. You always hear people say, "what is the point of learning algebra when I am never going to use it again after this class," but - in my opinion - this is absolutely untrue. Math has endless uses in every aspect of life, whether it is to determine the viability of a business idea or the chances of your favorite sports team winning this year. Systematically making sense of the numbers can help you make better decisions, however, I also believe in balancing logic with intuition. No matter how you assess the probability of your success in the stock market, for example, one must also trust their instincts.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Quote of the Day!
“It’s so easy to get caught up wanting to save the world, run a successful business, be in great shape, have immense wealth… success, no wonder we runs ourselves ragged.
When all is said and done, what we really want is to be happy, feel loved… for life to flow; and when that’s your aim is life everything else falls in to place; well, that’s what I’ve found.”
© Cheryl Hopkins, 15th Feb 2010 Change it live it http://www.bit.ly/blosG0
http://yourhiddenpotential.co.uk/category/yhp-entrepreneurship/quote-of-the-day-yhp-
today/
Sometimes, we lost sight of what is important in our lives. As a man, I've come to realize gender inequality is still very prominent in our modern society. More on this later...
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Career Update!
Sorry I haven't been able to update this much. I'm not sure if I even have many readers. Moving on...
First, I'd like to fill you all in on what I've been doing with myself. Attending summer school at College of San Mateo, with my array of tax courses - learning A LOT. This is my very first time even filling out tax forms! The campus is very beautiful, as well.
I may have had my setbacks in the past: unmotivated in my undergrad days, average GPA, lack of social life/extracurricular/interests, and unsure of my career path. Since re-establishing myself at a community college after graduation, I made a huge turnaround after improving my public speaking skills and beginning to develop my accounting knowledge. I attribute these successes to my professors who not only encouraged me to pursue my dreams but provided me with the tools to do so.
I began my MBA applications the fall of 2010 and , to be honest, I was quite stressed by the application process. Most MBA's already have several years of working experience under their belt, but I had none, whatsoever. This didn't stop me, however, I was able to convince my professors to endorse me with letters of recommendations - which they were more than glad to assist me with. This was the first time anyone recognized my potential and talent. Most importantly, the greatest factor in my application that was within my control was the standardized admissions exam (GMAT). I studied rigorously for one whole month, practice exams, almost every day, for several weeks. It was difficult to manage because there were always a lot of distractions and interruptions, even in the libraries. End result: score of 600. Not the greatest, but not too shabby. One of the first proud moments of my adult life.
After I was accepted into California State University, Sacramento, I turned my focus towards my accounting courses in accordance with my ultimate goal of obtaining CPA licensure. Slowly, but surely, the path lit up ahead of me - one step at a time. This past week I've become much more highly motivated to find myself a job. I can honestly admit I am weary of being dependent on my parents, no matter how supportive they are, and not being able to travel where I want to in life. I may not be there yet, but I already feel like I've already made great strides towards my goals. I've started becoming much more active in other aspects of life in an attempt to make myself a well-rounded person.
Feeling at the moment: dreading interviews, my nerves always gets the best of me.
"It's not the destination, but the journey."
What I've been working on:
On-campus interviews with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Reznick Group. *Update* I didn't make it past the first round of interviews, but it's okay, I'll make myself better and continue to improve. There were many very qualified applicants to compete with.
I continually fine-tuned my resume and cover-letter and get colleagues/peers to give their feedback on it.
Finally, last but not least, finish my homework assignments and prepare for my final exam on Federal & CA income taxes. No love lost there...
Dear readers, I may be MIA on blog posts for awhile, but I hope you enjoyed the story of my path to my own personal success and please subscribe if you haven't already. Thanks for all your support! Until next time...
Yours truly,
Garmeon
First, I'd like to fill you all in on what I've been doing with myself. Attending summer school at College of San Mateo, with my array of tax courses - learning A LOT. This is my very first time even filling out tax forms! The campus is very beautiful, as well.
I may have had my setbacks in the past: unmotivated in my undergrad days, average GPA, lack of social life/extracurricular/interests, and unsure of my career path. Since re-establishing myself at a community college after graduation, I made a huge turnaround after improving my public speaking skills and beginning to develop my accounting knowledge. I attribute these successes to my professors who not only encouraged me to pursue my dreams but provided me with the tools to do so.
I began my MBA applications the fall of 2010 and , to be honest, I was quite stressed by the application process. Most MBA's already have several years of working experience under their belt, but I had none, whatsoever. This didn't stop me, however, I was able to convince my professors to endorse me with letters of recommendations - which they were more than glad to assist me with. This was the first time anyone recognized my potential and talent. Most importantly, the greatest factor in my application that was within my control was the standardized admissions exam (GMAT). I studied rigorously for one whole month, practice exams, almost every day, for several weeks. It was difficult to manage because there were always a lot of distractions and interruptions, even in the libraries. End result: score of 600. Not the greatest, but not too shabby. One of the first proud moments of my adult life.
After I was accepted into California State University, Sacramento, I turned my focus towards my accounting courses in accordance with my ultimate goal of obtaining CPA licensure. Slowly, but surely, the path lit up ahead of me - one step at a time. This past week I've become much more highly motivated to find myself a job. I can honestly admit I am weary of being dependent on my parents, no matter how supportive they are, and not being able to travel where I want to in life. I may not be there yet, but I already feel like I've already made great strides towards my goals. I've started becoming much more active in other aspects of life in an attempt to make myself a well-rounded person.
Feeling at the moment: dreading interviews, my nerves always gets the best of me.
"It's not the destination, but the journey."
What I've been working on:
On-campus interviews with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Reznick Group. *Update* I didn't make it past the first round of interviews, but it's okay, I'll make myself better and continue to improve. There were many very qualified applicants to compete with.
I continually fine-tuned my resume and cover-letter and get colleagues/peers to give their feedback on it.
Finally, last but not least, finish my homework assignments and prepare for my final exam on Federal & CA income taxes. No love lost there...
Dear readers, I may be MIA on blog posts for awhile, but I hope you enjoyed the story of my path to my own personal success and please subscribe if you haven't already. Thanks for all your support! Until next time...
Yours truly,
Garmeon
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Re: "JD Waitress"
http://waitressjd.blogspot.com/2007/06/who-am-i-kidding-bar-exam-is-way-of.html
Spurred by the blog in the link above, today's thoughts made me reconsider my career plans. I know I don't have any subscribers and it's unlikely anyone will see or comment on my first post, but this is for my own future reference.
As with anything worth having, good things have a price. This summer has been a crucial turning point for my life, planning and deciding the path to my future career. After considering the benefits and costs (still evaluating all the possibilities), I've become doubtful whether law school is a good investment.
Cons
1) $100k+ debt
2) A LOT of unemployed JDs or ones that end up with a low-end job (waiting tables, taxi driver, etc.)
3) Those who don't attend the top 10 law schools are at a disadvantage if they want to practice at a large firm. Aside from that, if you're not ranked in the top portion of your class that does you no favors.
4) At my age, three more years of rigorous academics is three more years of experience I sacrifice (which I desperately need).
Pros
1) Interesting and critical knowledge to have, even if I don't practice.
2) Prestigious credential on my resume.
3) More time to mature before facing "the real world."
4) A personal goal/accomplishment I'd like to have
*Sacrificed income isn't really an issue at the moment because I do haven't entered the work-force .
Until I find out more, more on this later..
Cons
1) $100k+ debt
2) A LOT of unemployed JDs or ones that end up with a low-end job (waiting tables, taxi driver, etc.)
3) Those who don't attend the top 10 law schools are at a disadvantage if they want to practice at a large firm. Aside from that, if you're not ranked in the top portion of your class that does you no favors.
4) At my age, three more years of rigorous academics is three more years of experience I sacrifice (which I desperately need).
Pros
1) Interesting and critical knowledge to have, even if I don't practice.
2) Prestigious credential on my resume.
3) More time to mature before facing "the real world."
4) A personal goal/accomplishment I'd like to have
*Sacrificed income isn't really an issue at the moment because I do haven't entered the work-force .
Until I find out more, more on this later..
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