by Kevin Prechtl, MBA 2008

On August 27th, Melissa Cummings of Aetna and Doug Gambrel of CIGNA were on campus to discuss, from a recruiters perspective, what you can do to get past the first screening and make your resume shine.  A few key items addressed during the presentation included:

We are off to a great start and many of the MBA clubs are beginning the new year with elections and other activities.  Now is the time to get involved and show some leadership to recruiters that will be on campus when the 2^nd semester begins. 

Upcoming events include “Mock Interview Session with Jim Pellegrino” and 2^nd year MBA student Conor Tracy on October 1^st and Mock Interviews for 1^st year students on October 11 and 15.

All 1^st year students will be scheduled for a 30 minute mock interview with either CIGNA or Alumni & Friends Society volunteers.  Prior to CIGNA’s mock interviews all GBA members are invited and encouraged to attend a 1 hour presentation with CIGNA on “Questions Interviewers Ask and How to Prepare”.  Those students interested in a 2^nd mock interview session will have an opportunity with The Hartford on a first come first served basis at a date to be determined.   

Remember that all events for the GBA, clubs and BPCC are posted on the
MBA 2007-08 Events Calendar.

by Kate Miller, MBA 2009

“Navigating the Cocktail Hour” on September 6th was a great opportunity for students to practice their networking skills and form relationships with influential members of the business community.  Recruiters from Aetna, ING and Pratt and Whitney and members of the Alumni and Friends Society were in attendance with practical advice and insights gleaned from years of experience.

To recap:

Other notable pointers:

by Shelly Ouellette, MBA 2008

"Just go in, grab a drink, and say hi to T.I.  I'll find you in a little while," advised David Miller, VP of International Urban Marketing at Atlantic Records and one of my mentors for the summer, as he ushered me through the velvet rope.  It's early; just a few people including T.I., his entourage, two Entertainment Tonight reporters, and some colleagues I recognized from the office mingled around the bar.  Since Courvoisier sponsored the pre-release listening party for T.I. vs. T.I.P. that night at Manor, the obvious drink of choice was the complementary Courvoisier on the rocks.  I laughed while it burned its way down my throat as I recalled the Navigating the Cocktail Hour PowerPoint and thought to myself, "Hold your drink in your left hand so you can shake T.I.'s with your right."      

This past summer I worked at my dream job as an intern at Atlantic Records in the International Marketing Department.  I have stories that are unbelievable, incriminating, and funny… I can't share those with you.  What I can tell you about, however, are the exciting projects I was involved in throughout the summer.  International Marketing is small, consisting of the head of the department, two vice presidents, a manager, two assistants, and me (for three months and some change).  The department acts like a microcosm of the label as a whole, implementing domestic marketing plans on an international level.  Therefore, the amount of work the tiny department cranks out is impressive and every day is unique and full of surprises. 

Among the many highlights from the summer, I organized and managed three International Media Days.  These were publicity/promo events that consisted of international media contacts and affiliates coming to the office, listening to a new album a month or so before it dropped, and then interviewing and photographing the artist.  I managed media days for T.I., Yung Joc, and The Click Five.  Other exciting tasks included creating and implementing international marketing plans for James Blunt, John Butler Trio, Pretty Ricky, T.I., The Click Five, Twista, and Yung Joc.  A month into my internship, one of my mentors allowed me to manage the development of and distribution for Twista's marketing materials to all international affiliates for the remainder of the summer.  On a daily basis I monitored international sales and charts for all artists and assisted with maintenance of international marketing budgets.  The best learning experiences included attending the weekly Bad Boy and Urban Marketing meetings.  There's nothing like hearing an industry powerhouse like Julie Greenwald or Harve Pierre take you to church.

My last day at work was truly sad, as I formed strong friendships with many likeminded colleagues.  I tried to bring the Atlantic love back to Storrs by returning to school as a Street Team Marketing Representative.  I cover shows in the area and report back to my friends in the office.  Next week I'm covering ZZ Top, the week after I've got Regina Spektor, the week after that I've got Van Halen, and I guess the week after that I should study for mid-terms.  Somewhere in there I need to make time to scout talent for my own label, Red Handed Records.  Like David Miller said, "Ya gotta hustle while you're young."

http://www.atlanticrecords.com/
http://www.badboyonline.com/flashindex.htm

by Kevin Prechtl, MBA 2008

To help as you research career opportunities and develop your job search strategy, the Business Placement website has an abundance of advice and information on the job search and links to job search resources.

Go to: http://www.business.uconn.edu/cms/p842

Click on MBA Career Strategy Resources for a variety of information specific to MBAs … resume samples, interview suggestions, etc.

Vault On-line Career Library:

Click on Vault On-line Career Library Link.  This resource includes information on:

          Career Topics Guide (advice on resumes, interviews, search strategy, etc.)

          Company Profiles

          Industry Overviews

          Occupational Profiles

          … and much more

On the VAULT opening page, click on "Get Your Password Now!"

Enter your UConn School of Business email address and click on SUBMIT.  VAULT will immediately email you a password that will be valid for 24 hours.  Use this password on the VAULT opening page to login.

The Wetfeet Career Resource Site:

Another resource is Wetfeet.  Click this link and you will find numerous resources for job searching to cover letter writing. 

Check out the “Web Resources” page on the School of Business web site and you will find numerous resources to assist you with your job search!!

For International Students Looking for JOBS

The Business Placement & Career Center has subscribed to a database service called "H1 Base".  Through our office subscription, any UConn MBA can have unlimited, free access to "H1 Base".

There you will find continually updated databases of companies and organizations that will/have hired international students.  Included are specific databases by career field:

* Finance

* Marketing

* Business Management

* Computer Technology

* Health Care

* Teaching

The individual databases are searchable by state, company name, etc.  Many company listings include the name of a contact person.

In addition, H1-Base has extensive information on immigration law issues, advice for international students, and links to a variety of other information sources.

If you have any questions or problems with the system, please contact Amy Reiman in the MBA Placement Office

To access H-1-Base:

Go to: http://www.business.uconn.edu/cms/p842

Click on H1-Base.com – H1B Career Solutions

You will need a username and password which can be obtained by emailing Amy Reiman in the Business Placement office

Take advantage of the upcoming Career Fair on October 3 to connect with recruiters and learn more about the companies you are interested in.  The Career Fair is open to all UConn students so even though the recruiters will primarily be on campus to talk to undergrads, use this as a chance to network and see if the companies have opportunities for MBAs.  Bring business cards and resumes and wear business professional attire.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Gampel Pavilion

For more information, go to UConn Career Services at
http://career.uconn.edu/career_fair_the.html

For a list of participating companies:
http://career.uconn.edu/career_fair_participate_employers.html

The MBA Finance Club elected a new crop of officials on Wednesday, September 12, 2007. The new officials are

President:	Philip McDonald
Vice Presidents:	Katherine Avery
	Julia Druganova
	Samuel Lee
	Nilay Safak
	Mutlu Sevim
	Benjamin Smith

The elections also served as an orientation on the club for new MBA students. The MBA Finance club was established last year as a student-run organization to assist students in understanding job opportunities available in the financial marketplace. The club also serves as a forum where students can cultivate interviewing and networking skills. Last year's activities included seminars on Hedge Funds, LBO's, and M&A. These events also accorded students opportunities to network with distinguished alumni working in financial services.

This year, the club plans to build on existing relationships with alumni, professors, administrators, and corporate partners to create new opportunities to build finance skills; create new in class and experiential learning opportunities, network, and chart career paths; and reach out to other MBA programs (for guest speakers and coordinated finance club events) in the NY-Boston area.

According to newly elected President Phil McDonald, the club's mission is "to educate students about career opportunities in finance, strengthen skills needed to be successful in finance (pursuit of CFA Charter, finance club simulations, case studies), and enhance the recognition and value of the UConn MBA brand and the Finance concentration."

Phil added, "I believe that the energy and enthusiasm of the finance club officers as well as the regular club participants will allow us to make significant progress this year."

MISSION:

The mission of the 2007-2008 MBA Management Club is to give each of its members hands-on experience in an area of business that interests them. As part of this year's agenda, the club hopes to create a successful business plan for an entrepreneurial company, consult with local businesses, and work with real-world professionals to become better adjusted for a career after graduation.

NEW OFFICERS:

MEETING TIMES:

8:30-9:30a.m. Every Tuesday

The UConn MBA Marketing club welcomed new officials for the year 2007-2008 after a meeting held September 12, 2007. These are the new officials:

The MBA OPIM club provides educational, career research, and networking opportunities for students interested in the high-tech sector, or to business areas impacted by operational management and information technology. The club works with the faculty and administration of the business school to formulate a world class MBA curriculum in Operations and Information Management at UConn.  The club also is a social and professional community for MBA students interested in making a difference in all business aspects that integrate technology. Club members have broad functional interests and expertise across all business concentrations.

Mission: 

• To increase students’ awareness of operations and IT and how both fit into the business world.
• To provide resources, guidance, and support to club members exploring and pursuing careers in OPIM-related fields.
• To promote the UConn School of Business to prospective employers as a source of recruitment talent.

The MBA OPIM Club seeks new officers for the following positions for the year 2007-2008:

President: Responsibilities include promoting the club, maintaining membership and assets, and leading and coordinating club meetings, discussions, and activities. Additionally, the President is the liaison with other groups, and represents the Club on all external boards and committees. The President also oversees progress of projects undertaken by the club.

Vice President, Professional Development: Responsibilities include scheduling speakers, presentations, and workshops, gathering feedback from members after educational or training events, and arranging clubs’ participation in various Operations and Information technology competitions.

Vice President, Career Development: Duties entail working closely with the MBA Career Center/Alumni to promote current MBA students interested in the Information Technology industry, attracting more IT recruiters on campus, and helping students with their job search efforts.

For more information, contact Sukant Sharma

The Association of Women MBAs seeks to create an educational and networking forum for women in the UConn MBA program. Through speaker events, social activities, and e-newsletters, the club fosters an open discussion of issues pertinent to the female MBA. The strength of the association is rooted in the talent and diversity of women in the MBA class.

This is the first year that the club will meet on a monthly basis. Therefore, there is room for new members to take leadership roles and shape the direction of the club. Events planned thus far include a Women's Lunch during the 50th Anniversary Celebration on October 13th. Additionally, the club will be sponsoring a speaker series of UConn Faculty currently invested in Women and Gender studies, golf lessons, and networking events.

Please join us as a member and potential leader in the club. Officer positions will be chosen at the October meeting. They include VP Communications, VP Programs, VP Social Activities, Treasurer, and Corporate Liaison.

For more information, contact Jess Berman, Alex Stein or Kim Tomlinson.

The Strategic Marketing Committee (SMC) was established to steer projects that will increase the value of the UConn MBA brand. The Committee’s efforts have focused on recruitment of strong MBA candidates. Our goal is to increase the number of applications to the Full-Time program. Past projects have included the planning of MBA orientations for prospective students, writing personalized note cards to interested students, maintenance of the MBA Blog, and focus groups and surveys to better understand the needs of prospective MBAs. This year we are looking to launch additional programs to increase awareness of the UConn MBA program. It is our hope that a new crop of SMC members will bring innovative ideas for club projects. Some proposed projects include:

• Researching effective online marketing methods. Through an analysis of the current website and of online marketing techniques, the SMC hopes to provide feedback to the current Business School web staff that will increase the number of hits to the MBA program site.
• Maintenance of the MBA Bulletin Board in the MBA office. This board has traditionally been maintained by the MBA office staff. They have asked the SMC to take over the board and refresh it.

By joining the SMC, members will gain a new appreciation for the challenges of brand-name maintenance. Additionally, members have the power to directly influence the value of their degrees by getting the UConn name out to highly-qualified prospective MBAs. By bettering the reputation of the school, we can literally increase the value of our degrees!

For more information, contact SMC Chairs, Alex Stein and Kim Tomlinson.

The Student Managed Fund is a student run investment portfolio which gives students invaluable real world experience in equity investments.  Under the supervision of an experienced faculty member and an investment advisory board, students manage a $1,000,000 portfolio of stocks.  Students are responsible for equity research, valuation and individual stock picks.  Analyst reports are created for each stock under consideration and no purchase can be made until the stock is presented to the entire group and a majority vote for purchase is reached.  Twice a year the students make a presentation to the investment advisory board explaining investment philosophy, strategy and individual picks. 

The overriding goal of the Student Managed Investment Fund is to beat the S&P 500 and create value for investors by carefully selecting stocks, periodically re-evaluating sector allocation, and consistently monitoring our portfolio and the underlying economic changes.  The program gives UConn students a competitive advantage by providing them with real experience in equity investments before graduating.  It also exposes students to many experienced professionals and alumni in the investment field providing excellent networking opportunities. 

MBA Fund Managers for 2007-2008:

Faculty Advisor:    Dr. Chinmoy Ghosh     Chinmoy.Ghosh@business.uconn.edu

For more information, contact Prof. Ghosh or visit the SMF website at http://www.sba.uconn.edu/users/SMF/index.htm

by Lindsay Castonguay, MBA 2008

The Center for Real Estate and Urban Economic Studies exists to serve alumni, professionals and students in the Real Estate industry through its dedication to real estate education, research, and service.  The real estate concentration prepares students wishing to enter one of the many professional fields in real estate, including investment analysis, consulting, financing, brokerage, appraisal, development, and corporate asset management.  The center also conducts extensive real estate research and was named the top University for research productivity. 

The Center serves as a resource to government and business, and brings the Real Estate community together through various events. Each year students have many opportunities to meet and network with industry leaders.  Annual events include a golf tournament, New York City trip to various real estate firms, and UConn football and basketball networking events.  Students are also involved in various educational and industry activities giving them a competitive edge, such as the Connecticut Commercial Conference, Capital Markets Presentation, and the professionals in the classroom series. 

For more information or if you would like to join the real estate concentration, please stop by the Real Estate Center on the 4^th floor of the Business School.

by Kevin Prechtl, MBA 2008

Many of you know my history as the buyer of wines for the United Nations.  This privilege allowed me the opportunity to try thousands of wines from around the world.  Although I am not a professional buyer any longer (only social), I try to offer some tips on choosing wines and some recommendations every month.  If you are looking for beer recommendations I am not typically your man, but my favorites include Sam Adams White Ale, Boston Lager, Oktoberfest or my all time favorite Summer Ale.  Also very fond of Blue Moon.

Autumn is fast approaching, but it’s not too late to find some great white wine deals at the local package stores. 

Here are my September recommendations:

Sauvignon Blanc:
Sauvignon is a versatile and generously flavored grape. Also called Fume' Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes said to be more popular with experienced wine lovers because of its pronounced flavors. There are so many styles though that newcomers to wine can find a Sauvignon Blanc to love. By either name, Sauvignon or Fume' Blanc is easily identified by consistently pronounced, aromatic flavors. They range in style from light and dry to full and sweet. The best approach is to taste, taste, taste and experiment with this ever-so-versatile white wine.  Two of my absolute favorites include Firestone Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley and The Jibe from New Zealand.

Semillon:
This honey like grape of Southwest France yields its best virtues when raisined by mold. Prevalent in Australia, used as a blender for dry wines with Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux and California, and the source of the immortal sweet wines of Sauternes, Monbazillac and imitators elsewhere.  It is often difficult to find an inexpensive stand alone, but the Sauvignon/Semillon blends are delicious.  Take your pick from Australia and New Zealand, but if you ever come across Four Emus, don’t pass up the opportunity to try this one.  Remember to serve ice cold.