Hello fellow philosophers. I know it’s been quite awhile since my last communicado. I’ve been super busy and wayworn, and could not focus on trying to find the lessons of my many journeys. I guess when you’re in the midst of something, instinct and drive take over. But once all is said and done we can then reflect and add meaning. Make sense?
This was the same beginning to part one of this article. While repetitive, still holding true, even more so now than ever. Who knew this semester would start off so hectic. Okay, there are of course (in no particular order), classes, events, job interviews, and then less I forget my role as VP of Sigma. Quite a lot and believe me it is takes it toll. In fact, thanks to one of my new ALPFA friends, I was reminded of my failure to finish this story. By the way, just want to say this now before I forget, my relationship with ALPFA has truly blossomed, I found yet another place to call home. That’s kind of funny, that makes about five or six places I call home but isn’t that what we go to school for to become wealthy so we can have several homes? Being rich isn’t only about money.
Okay, so I left off part one talking about my inebriated comrade. For those of you who read part one you may or may not know which teammate this was, and for those of you who haven’t read it, here is an incentive. I wont go on about the subject anymore, just to say alcohol in excess has it effects even for me (see me last Friday hanging out with ALPFA people). Although in my case, there was no blacking out or no embarrassing moments of almost going to jail. Isn’t college life fun?
The competition consisted of 29 schools competing nationally for bragging rights as the best accounting school. There were seven to eight teams in each of three rooms with last year’s winner, the runner up, and the host school (Florida) getting an automatic bid to the final. Each team was given 25 minutes to present their case and each team member was required to speak for at least three minutes. The audience consisted of three judges, 20 – 30 professionals and 40 – 50 competing students. The top two teams from each room advanced to the final round, which was the following day.
As I have already told you, we were eliminated in round one. The feedback we received was that our presentation was inconsistent. The knowledge and technical side was on point, but the oral presentation was weak. Our energy level was inconsistent. We were a bit rigid and too professional. I have heard this several times about Baruch students, that were all so focused and driven and come across to business like. They say we need to loosen up a bit. Too business like? Sounds silly, but it goes back to that old too much of anything ain’t good thing. Moderation. Need to be professional yet relate-able. Whatever. While we all did a fantastic job, I definitely feel I could have personally done better. In preparation of next year’s competition I have committed to doing more public speaking and have gone to Toastmasters to seek help. While my busy schedule has not allowed me to be as active as I like, I plan on becoming more active in the spring. For anyone who doesn’t know, Toastmasters is the International organization of public speaking. I think it’s very important that we recognize things in ourselves and seek out ways to improve.
Well other than that, there is really not much more to tell, I mean there was a career fair, and several networking events, all of which I exploited. I even got flown to North Carolina a few weeks later for an interview with Bank of America. I also met several recruiters and executives who through my new ALPFA family I recently seen again, and this time they insisted on me sending my resume. Again, the more networking opportunities the more job opportunities. I can not stress this enough, especially when at this time of year MOST LARGE COMPANIES THAT STUDENTS WANT TO WORK FOR HIRE IN THE FALL FOR FULL TIME POSITIONS THAT BEGIN AFTER GRADUATION. MOST LARGE COMPANIES THAT STUDENTS WANT TO WORK FOR HIRE IN THE FALL FOR FULL TIME POSITIONS THAT BEGIN AFTER GRADUATION. I thought I needed to say this twice as it seems to fall of deaf ears anyway. This is mostly for seniors, the same ones who are buried in books and other things and thinking a job is coming by their house after they graduate. I will say it once more, if you don’t have an offer by December, chances are you will be working someplace you really don’t want to be and you will be making less than you should. Case in point, I know of an honor student who graduated and is now working for free. Are you kidding me, how do you go to Baruch College, with its great reputation, graduate with honors and don’t have a job. Well ignore networking opportunities, and skip the fall job search rush and that’s how.
Well my fellow philosophers, I think I can close off this edition of SigmaVPSpeaks. The greatest lesson of all; is put yourself out there. Networking, job opportunities, and team participation, each has great results. I mean as a result of the competition, I made two life long friends, who by the way are now Sigma members (go me). We still hang out and talk as often as we can. Also, the interviews are stacking up. Which reminds me, this is for juniors and sophomores, when you get to the semester before your last, take a light schedule. Try not to take two or three of your major classes that will require you to be buried in books. Take classes that will afford you time to land a great career. Also, I have been able to cultivate several relationships through networking; hence my newest home.
And now my fellow philosophers brings this cummunicado to an end. I hope that you have heard the messages and lessons that I have intended to include in this writing. As philosophers like me and explorers seeking knowledge I am sure that there is something for everyone. And if not, maybe next time. Until then………………………..Carpe Diem
