So that last post somehow got stuck in the queue…I’ve been in class 2 weeks already, but hey–it’s still relevant.
That said, as you can see from my Twitter feed, here’s my “time management” from the last couple of weeks:
- Motivational speakers: 4 — 1 for every class session
- Educational conferences: 1 — for the Saturday class session
- Textbooks purchased: 2 for winter class, 5 for spring semester
- Money saved by textbooks purchased online: 50% for a total of about $500
- Group meetings: 1 and another Monday, to discuss 2 class projects
- Getting an MBA: priceless (meaning it’s too expensive to put a price on 
So to keep being Blonde MBA (even natural blondes have to maintain a little & to get ready for the holidays, I’m getting my hair done for the first time since going back to school. This normally dreaded experience has proven to be some much needed time for myself…
I don’t think it’s the hair styling due to the embarrassing amount of foil on my head. It probably has more to do with the stack of non-business magazines I’ve gone through…or just not thinking of schoolwork & mellowing out to wierd salon music…or the fact that us MBA students have been working nonstop for 14 weeks and need a break before finals!
Either way, I’ll enjoy this and Thansgiving break so I can hit books as needed again! I think it’s a good time management strategy!
Yeah…Blonde MBA is on the move, literally! I finally downloaded the iPhone Wordpress applet, so I can update this blog on-the-go from my iPhone!
My iPhone is now officially boosting my productivity, beyond just checking my email or playing solitaire ’til my thumbs hurt…now I can write whenever, wherever!
Just one more step towards a mobile work environment for Blonde MBA!
Well, I’m getting ready to settle in over the weekend a bit to study for the first 2 exams in my MBA program next week! That said, with every exam (or even just for weekly homework), the study groups are forming…during the week, on the weekends, between review sessions, and even on Facebook!
I’ve never been a big fan of study groups, but it really depends on the type of class and the people involved. In a study group, it’s easier, I think, to get into the “groupthink” mode, where everyone argues about the answer, decides unanimously on it, then they get the answer wrong and have to figure it out on their own anyway!
On the other hand, your weaknesses can be another study group member’s strength, and you can really learn things that you might not understand on your own. What’s your experience??
I’m going to check out 1 or 2 study groups for this first round of exams and see how it goes (i.e. if they add value to my study time, or simply add time!). I have to say, though, this is my normal study group…
So, as it’s been almost a week since I posted, I’ve obviously been still trying to figure out my schedule…i.e. I need to work on my time management. Luckily, that is the topic for our first workshop sponsored by the career management center this week!
At one of our career center meetings, we heard from some MBA alumni, who said one thing they had to learn was how to compartmentalize their life…i.e. using every hour for a specific purpose, and focusing 100% on the task at hand. As one said, he would focus completely on his work when he was there, focus completely on class when he was there. focus completely on his homework in his 2-4 hour allotted period, then focus completely on his wife during his ‘remaining’ time (a good idea I think
While I’m not working right now, so am probably not nearly as busy, my life is divided between school (just a small portion of the actual MBA experience), career management (including workshops, distinguished speakers, networking, and resume-building), building up my transferable skills (i.e. leadership through professional organizations, skill certifications) outside of class, oh, and taking care of my home, husband, and tennis skills…
Life is busy and hectic, but anything in life worth doing is worth doing well !
