It's been such a whirlwind that I couldn't remember my initial impressions and expectations. (Fortunately, I can just go back and read old blog entires.) I'm happy to say that—though it took me a while—i have figured out where i want to concentrate my energy in the year i have remaining.
Before i reflect on my second semester, there are a couple recent events i want to mention:
Sloan Follies
The annual Sloan Follies (held last Thursday) was a ton of fun. I was really surprised and impressed at the quality of the production the organizers put on, and also the many talents of my classmates. Some videos should be up on YouTube now or shortly (will hopefully come back and insert links later).
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Year-End Reception
I'm really happy that Abhinav, Sandy and I got to plan a year-end reception and send off for the inaugural E&I class. It was a bit last-minute and stressful, but well worth it. While listening to some of the graduating students speak about their own startups that they're working on after school, i suddenly realized a big reason i'm happy to be at Sloan and a part of E&I. Many of my classmates plan to go out and change the world—whether in clean energy, social entrepreneurship, helping developing nations, or in tech entrepreneurship—all of which is really quite inspiring. Some are going for it right away with their own startups, but i'm sure many others will eventually have large impacts on people's lives.
Sloan Olympics
The Sloan Olympics were a lot of fun and a great chance to re-bond with my fellow Pacificans. Dan Morash, Steve Rullison, Lauren Hunt, and i won the medley relay (despite having me on the team). There were also a lot of fun field events to watch and participate in. The BBQ afterward wasn't bad either.
AdMIT Weekend (Round 2)
I didn't get to help out with the Round 1 AdMIT weekend so was happy i got a chance to lend a hand the second time round. It was bizarre to think how i was in the shoes of the admits just a year ago. I really enjoyed seeing the energy and enthusiasm, and especially enjoyed observing people who arrived uncertain about which school to choose, leaving convinced and committed to attending Sloan. The awesome Southeast Asian C-Function and Net Impact house party featuring the Rolling Sloans probably didn't hurt.
Onward to a brief semester recap and reflection:
Classes
I realize i never touched on the classes i took this semester. They were:
- 15.012 - Macro and International Economics (H1)
- 15.025 - Game Theory
- 15.351 - Managing Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- 15.390 - New Enterprises
- 15.847 - Consumer Behavior (H2)
- 15.900 - Strategic Management
Macro/Int'l Econ was useful for gaining a better understanding of monetary and fiscal policy, as well as efforts in international aid to developing countries and the many challenges involved there.
Prof. Frederick was extremely enthusiastic while teaching Consumer Behavior, and it was interesting learning more about the irrationality of consumers and how some of the simplest variations can affect the way people perceive things.
My other three classes—Managing I&E, New Enterprises, and Strategic Management—gave me practice in analyzing industries and companies (with emphasis on my interest in tech), both big and small, and gave me a solid foundation to approach strategic decision making.
Sloanies
I'm happy that in the past four months, i've gotten to know many of my classmates better. A sizable chunk of my class will be in the Bay Area this summer, so i look forward to some summer Sloanie fun. And i look forward to our 2nd year together, though it's sad that the 2nd years (class of '08) are graduating and we won't be seeing them around regularly.
Now i just need to wrap up some loose ends and pack/move before i jet off to Cali and start my summer internship at FriendFeed!
