MSC Blog of Northwestern University

A school where employers will come to find you

2012-01-30T21:36:00.002-06:00

Last Thursday, I had a chance to join a workshop about The International Student Job Search, with presentation of Dan Beaudry, the author of the book "Power Ties: The International Student Job Search", most recently the Campus Recruiting Manager for Monster.com where he constructed and managed the company’s first formal university recruiting program. This workshop was open to all NU students to provide strategies for international students to approach the U.S. job search. There are many interesting information that I learned from this session such as why some employers deny to sponsor the H-1B Visa but finally do, what are the new strategies to approach an employer, would a perfect resume still be a good way? etc.

According to what Dan Beaudry said, spending time filling in an online application profile should no longer be a way. That will just facilitate the employers to screen through your profile quickly and then ignore it. What he suggested was writing emails and ask for an information interview with the employer. This will make you become more active and will show more enthusiasm for the job. However, we could have an exception.

There is one special thing about making application online that I feel very proud and interested. If you are students at Northwestern where we have an internal jobs site called Career Cat, do not hesitate to post your profile on!! Why is this difference? Because here is where the employers will come to look for the candidates. You will not be one of the millions out there approaching them. Make a good profile, and they will approach you! This is true.

I talked to an alumni now working for Neilsen. He said that the career site of the school used to be his best friend to look for jobs and thanks to that he has his job now at Neilsen. What a nice resource!! And let me tell you this, all of these nice things are for you, my MSC friends! Don't forget to take advantage of them if you are looking for a job! :)

Good luck my friends!!

What Orthodoxies Do You Serve?

2012-01-30T16:19:00.003-06:00

Underlying all these events is a question about the culture and ethics of the industry. It is as if, too often, people had given up asking whether something was the right thing to do, and focused only whether it was legal and complied with the rules. The industry needs to recover a sense of what is right and suitable as a key impulse for doing business."

Stephen Green – British Minister of State for Trade, and Former Chairman of HSBC

What “Values” do you use to evaluate potential business practices? Do they align with those of your business or employer?

Institutional Rhetoric, or Orthodoxies abound in every business, large or small. Some of them are phenomenal and helpful, others toxic and problematic for business and society at large. But a larger problem; one I’m profoundly thankful that I’m learning how to address in the MSC, is that most employees never examine or consider what orthodoxies and values they are serving! Yikes!

Therefore, in light of the recent troubles in the Finance and Sovereign State arena's, I encourage primarily my fellow MSC cohort mates, and secondarily those interested in and associated with our Program to consider the words of British statesman Stephen Green above again! For most everyone agrees that our actions reveal our most strongly held beliefs, and how sad it would be for us all if our professional lives were found to be in-congruent with those things we felt most important.

Northwestern’s Jason DeSanto on Chicago Tonight

2012-01-30T16:09:00.001-06:00

Speechwriter and Northwestern Senior Lecturer Jason DeSanto previewed the State of the Union on PBS’s Chicago Tonight. DeSanto spoke to the functions, goals, and audiences of the State of the Union address and also explained how we come to like a presidential candidate.

Watch DeSanto on PBS, Chicago Tonight

MSC’s Martin Ozinga IV Featured in Crain’s

2012-01-30T15:50:00.004-06:00

Featured in Crain’s January 30 issue, Martin Ozinga IV’s (Class of 2011) plans for building an industrial plant are showcased.

Crain's Chicago Business

We can't save the planet, but the planet can save us

2012-01-29T20:16:00.001-06:00

In International communications, it is becoming apparent that man has to do something about the state of the planet. Green is going to become more and more prevalent in everyday life.

Henry David Thoreau wrote ”In wilderness is the preservation of the world.” But man cannot thrive in an environment where he is part of the food chain. Man has to learn to regulate and control the planet, to be able to support the modernization of the entire worlds population. Man needs to conserve the “wilderness” not only for posterity, but also to uncover hidden solutions to current and evolving needs.

Man has to define a global social governance behavior, and develop technical innovations to support the sustainability of the planet. Man has to evolve socially and need to collaborate globally on core technical advances that minimise worldly impact.

Ironically, the world’s life is finite, the sun will burn out and die. To survive mankind will have to learn to live without its mother someday.

These social and scientific innovations will reduce damage to our environment, but could also provide the possibility to leave the earth and exist in “galaxies far far away”

Is it worth to take risk????

2012-01-29T13:11:00.001-06:00

I still remember how hard it was for me to decide leaving my family, my job, my country and go a broad for this master degree. Many of my friend said to me that "you have just graduated and are having a good job, why not spending some more time to work and get more experiences before leaving for a higher education?", Some others on the other hand suggested me to find a local master program and follow to be able to continue with my job. However, to my point of view, having a master degree is not an optional anymore. Nowadays, when a bachelor degree has become so popular and is considered as a must in every job requirement, a master degree will be a plus in my career. That’s why I can not put a delay in getting it. That does not mean that I can follow any program just to get a degree with no value in it. Any diploma or certificate can only be valuable when we get it from a good program of a right school. And up till now, I think I have made a right decision. With MSC program, I am able to save lots of time and living cost since it only takes ten month to get my degree. I am provided with lots and lots of practical knowledge that I need to know in the field of communication and most importantly, I am getting a degree from one of the top school in the US. If my decision to leave everything in my country and come here was a risk then I think that I was right in taking this risk.

The attraction of interesting topic!

2012-01-29T12:18:00.001-06:00

In a morning of the winter like yesterday, when it was only 27 Fahrenheit degrees outside and the flurry has made the roads became icy, it is really surprise for me to see all of my classmate still making effort going to the practicum seminar. These seminars are organized six times during this program and are devided into twice per quarter except for summer quarter. Students are only required to attend four of six seminars to get credit and the other two can be for audition. The first topic of this quarter is about "online reputation management". While I actually chose this one for my credit, lots of my friends came to class yesterday only to listen to this topic. In a cold morning like yesterday, they could have chosen to stay up late and spend their time more warmly at home but they decided to come. This, to me, have proven a very strong attraction of this topic. During class time, everyone participated very ebulliently in discussion and gave lots of interesting examples. I myself also realized many new things about online society that I join in everyday.

Culture+Economics+Environment=Global Workplace?

2012-01-28T14:08:00.000-06:00

I love firsts and as far as firsts go, this quarter is proving to be afirst for me. Firstly, let me mention that one of the biggest deciding factorswhen I was considering applying for the MSC program occurred during a classroompreview featuring the Global workplace by Professor Dillip Gaonkar: he read anexcerpt, addressing the impact of Bollywood on Nigerian and South Africanculture, then embarked on a fascinating discussion with his class about theinfluence of culture on the global economy, referencing Bollywood (Indiancinema) and Nollywood (Nigerian Cinema) - I was hooked and it was riveting.

Flash forward circa 2012 and I am back in this legendary teacher'sclassroom and this time, with unlimited passes for the quarter and I gotta say,he doesn’t disappoint. The Global workplace is an enigma, one that holds a hugefascination for the cultural enthusiast in me that longs to unravel theworkings of this central force within a constantly dynamic global economy. Howmuch influence does culture wield when it comes to the business arena? Are thetwo mutually exclusive or is one a driving force and the other a dependentfactor? I'm all questions and between the Prof, the texts, movie clips and thereadings, I’m getting most of the answers, making this truly a first.

So as far as firsts go, this is a first for me, sitting in on a preview ofmy anticipated first Northwestern classroom experience thinking...this has gotto be a true preview, no classroom is this constantly fascinating...thenfinding myself back in the same classroom with the same professor beingfascinated all over again and having it live up to my expectations. As far asfirsts go...this is good one and rapidly becoming a constant.

The Economics of Commuications?

2012-01-28T13:49:00.001-06:00

Life is full of challenges and they keep us focused, driven andinvolved...some would say without challenges why even bother? The excitement isgone; the reality is grey and the outcome of our output foreseen as a constant- Ergo challenges are good for our livelihood, reality and foreseeable futuresright?

Well, it seems I am about to put this thesis to the test and the challenge isshaping up to be my elective for this quarter: Communication strategy andcompetitive advantage, an intense look at strategy in the economic sense andgaining a competitive advantage in the communications arena - or as I like tocall it, the sum of all my fears.

Value/cost calculation???
Photo courtesy of (click)

Built upon an economics framework, the proposition that this highly interesting yet purelyunchartered territory presents to the always literary and communications driven studentin me, is refreshing to say the least. I was the kid that never, eversacrificed my love for words for the 'brain saving' numbers game; I studiedHistory, English Literature, Phoneticsand Phonology, Philosophy, even Divinity to escape economics...of all kinds andscales. So picture me puzzled when the opening statement is a value/costcalculation???

The course promises to be a mind opener about canvassing the background workings manifested in the decisions corporate entities make when looking at the market and their perceived position in and portion of its sphere, which in turn determines decisions regarding products made and services offered to their customers.

Debra Aron, who teaches this course, is an economist (a real one! Gulp!) andshe understandingly encouraged us (economics haters) to open our minds andembrace a different way of thinking by stepping out of our comfort zones tobroaden our knowledge sphere with this course. Well, I'm thinking that I'm challenged all right, plus itreally is about time I joined the rest of the world onboard the economics trainsince it’s unavoidable for my future communications career right? Check back in tosee how that goes.

Orientation to MSC 2012

2012-01-28T13:24:00.001-06:00

I have often believed that the best moments in our lives are just a heartbeat away, moments after the lowest points of our existence. I was seriously recanting this thought as I erratically carved through the throng of world-wide steel and plastic that dramatically adorns the nightmare that is Routes I-290E and I-294N between 7:00am and 9:00am on a Tuesday morning en-route to orientation at the Orrington hotel.

I-290E/294N on Friday morning(!)
website for this image

Forget driving school, I was literally the 'Fifth Element' right out of the Bruce Willis’s movie, driving for my life. Suffice to say that by the time I made my way to the hotel valet drop-off, I was in awe of my driving/survival skills. I had been honked at, sworn at, cut off, flipped off...you name it, I’d endured it in one trip and was in desperate need of some ‘feel good’ infusion upon arrival.

The MSC staff didn’t disappoint: right from the moment I exited my car and handed my keys to the valet service, it was warmth, welcome and courtesy- all the way to my seat. Orientation was a dream, the class talent pool unbelievable, the combined experiences and backgrounds remarkable. For the first time in my life, I encountered a room full of students that were all excited to be there…no long, bored and disinterested faces just dying to get through the day….this class was clearly an informed decision.

My day may have sucked at the beginning but it sure did end on a high note: this was going to be an awesome educational and personal experience, leading up to one phenomenal year in my life. We are in for a great ride and can only hope that it doesn’t go by in the blink of an eye. My fellow 2012 MSCeers (coined!), here’s to health, wealth and our owning this program.

The Color Green is Becoming Ubiquitous

2012-01-28T11:58:00.002-06:00

The push for utilizing more energy efficient techniques and green methods is not a new phenomenon. For many decades its been discussed, but in only recent years has it been broadcasted to the masses as something of much importance. In my Culture and Communication in the Global Marketplace course taught Dilip Gaonkar, I am given a multifaceted look into the many dilemmas that face the current global market. A history of what has happened prior to his point, provides me a solid foundation in looking at the bigger picture. In my assignments and readings, I am finding that the push for green is something of much significance.

As a communication practitioner, I find myself always thinking of what next and how I can utilize the conversations in class and bring them to fruition.

With the green conversation at the crosshairs, I am seeing that cornering alternatives to fossil fuels and figuring out ways to be less wasteful is beyond significant. Because of this heavy push in the green industry, I see it being lucrative for many. The green initiative has and will continue to include every aspect of the media. This is where we come in! This industry is going to be seeking the best and the brightest to engage. Those in the mass media will be called upon to catch the interest and make it glitzy and glamourous to save resources and uphold energy efficiency.

I have said it before and I will say it again, the MSC program provides you with an array of skills that will benefit you in almost any industry. We communication practitioners will need to make it happen!

Alumnus Sam Logan Khaleghi Talks Marketing with Cadillac’s Don Butler

2012-01-27T13:17:00.001-06:00

Sam Logan Khaleghi recently had the opportunity to speak with Cadillac’s VP of Global Marketing, Don Butler. Taking place at the 2012 North American Auto Show, the conversation naturally focused on Cadillac’s hot, new compact luxury car, the 2013 Cadillac ATS. But, as an alumnus of the MSC Program, Khaleghi couldn’t resist the opportunity to delve into discussion about Butler’s role as VP of Global Marking.

“3 key words: nimble, quick, fun.” How’s that for marketing? That’s how Butler describes the ATS. The completely new ATS is “perhaps the most significant entry maybe in the history of Cadillac even because for the first time we have a credible entry in the compact luxury segment,” which, Butler explains, is the biggest segment for luxury cars in the industry. Butler continues, “What I really love about it [the ATS] is because we knew that we had to aim to win in the segment, not just show up, [the ATS is] all new from the ground up.” With a 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder model offering 270 horsepower, who wouldn’t love it?

Turning the conversation to brand, Butler affirms that at Cadillac “we are stewards for the brand, helping customers celebrate their success.” Speaking of his role as VP of Global Marketing for Cadillac, Butler shares, “In a way, I’m an ambassador. I’m both an outward ambassador in terms of portraying to customers, ‘Here’s what Cadillac is. Here’s what we’re about.’ But I’m also an inward ambassador. I listen to customers. I understand what is it that they want in their vehicles.” It sounds as though Cadillac’s VP of Global Marketing finds himself applying many of the frameworks covered in the MSC Program.

Watch the clip here

A Commuter’s Education

2012-01-27T09:49:00.002-06:00

Sometimes, when my mind is able to push through my commitments to work, school and family, I find myself on the other side of my obligations and joyfully filled with the gorgeosity that is the city of Chicago. What a beautiful place! Held-in on one side by 150 miles of reflecting fresh water, frozen and steaming, and on the other sides it is sprawling out to America’s destiny. A city filled with dreams that are yet to be realized, and people who are fighting for them. What a great place to seek my future. A future that is being shaped by the education I am receiving at Northwestern, a future that, like the sun’s reflection on Lake Michigan, is so bright I can barely stand to look at it. Thank you MSC, and thank you Chicago, for the joys and opportunities you are giving me.

Oh! So I'm Suppose to have ALL THE ANSWERS?!

2012-01-26T19:57:00.004-06:00

Just before starting this program, I, like many who searched, wanted to find that perfect communication program. As I searched, I researched and analyzed a variety of programs. I looked at their curriculum, prestige, financial obligations, among other things.

In my search, I stumbled upon a school, which I will let it remain nameless (contact me if you want to know :). This school made me quite nervous! Why? Well I remember these words verbatim, which gave me feelings of uneasiness. "When you go for your Masters you must know exactly what you want to do in life." In hearing these words, I immediately became nervous! I went to undergraduate school for communication. So, I had an idea. I knew that I wanted to be a communication practitioner in this industry, but to pinpoint exactly where I wanted to go, I cannot tell you that I did know.

When entering this program, I found that I wasn't alone. The myth that EVERYONE knows where and what they will be doing when getting into a graduate program, is simply not always the case. There are those who of course who do know and want to obtain a graduate degree to improve their skills or move up in their current careers, yet some do not know. I am one of those individuals. I have ideas and industries that I could really see myself in, however, I am not 100% certain.

I can say, that this program has provided me the tools, to become closer in narrowing that down. I am in classes (Global Communication in the Workplace, Change Management, Leadership and Decision Making, Marketing), which I feel has had a great impact on my decisions. I'm seeing that I want to be at the helm of a company dealing with both internal and external communications. This program is not designed for you to choose immediately where you want to go. But instead, it offers you invaluable skills to succeed wholeheartedly in the global market place. ***Notice that I didn't say a specific industry, but the GLOBAL MARKET PLACE. Taught by world-class professors, the skills here are designed to be applied in any viable industry!

...Just remember you're not alone in being confused. Coming here will make the career questions a lot easier!

Limitless Possibilities, Marketing Yourself to the World

2012-01-26T19:23:00.002-06:00

I am finding more and more that the MSC degree (at least for me) is not a degree that is solely for a job! This degree has much more to offer. I often ask myself questions such as: "How will I impact the world?" "What can I do to make a difference?" These questions are critical in order to succeed.

There is a false sense of understanding, I believe, that students have a divine right that once they graduate from an institution that they are automatically guaranteed a job. This in fact is not the case. You as a graduate with your degree in hand, must find a way to market yourself to the global market so that the benefits that are most important to you, whether they be monetary or status benefits, come to you full throttle. It very well use to be that education was suppose to provide you that "dream job," but now as the market changes, the contemporary education system is geared toward showing the student limitless possibilities! It does not fall on the shoulders of the institution, but rather you!

If you want more, coming to study at Northwestern University's MSC program, will be that investment in not only your career, but your life.

Check out Northwestern OPT program !!!!

2012-01-26T11:14:00.006-06:00

If you are international student and are thinking about whether it's possible or not for your to work in the US after being graduated from this MSC program, here is one answer for that. As an international student at Northwestern, after graduated, you can remain staying in the US to work and get more working experience thanks to the OPT program that is provided by the International Office. Just keep in mind all the important information and remember to apply before the deadline to make sure you are not too late. Below are some points that I found very useful on the Northwestern International Office website. Check it out!!!

Before proceeding with the OPT application process, please ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria listed below:

Be in lawful full-time F-1 status for full academic year
Be in good academic standing with the university
Have a valid passport
Have not had more than 12-months of full-time CPT
Be physically present in the U.S. at the time of application

Regardless of the type of OPT application, the general process is the same:

1. Gather the appropriate materials and bring all documents to the IO* during walk-in hours for review.

2. Pick up the new I-20’s from the IO* showing the OPT recommendation on the third page.

3. Mail entire application to USCIS.

4. USCIS sends Receipt Notice within 2-4 weeks of filing application

5. Wait to receive EAD card in the mail. Work cannot begin until you have the EAD and not until the start date listed on the card.

You can apply for a total of 12-months of OPT per academic level obtained (e.g. bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD).

Only access the I-765 form directly from the Form section of the USCIS website! This is the only way to ensure that you are using the most recent version of the form.
An offer of employment is not required to submit the application for OPT.
All work while on OPT must be related to the field of study listed on your I-20.
You CANNOT begin employment until receipt of the EAD card, and you are permitted to work ONLY during the period specified on the card.

Facing The Winter

2012-01-26T10:55:00.002-06:00

When I just received the email from MSC office informing that I was accepted to the program, I talk to a friend of my who was living in Virginia and let her know that I would be going to Chicago the coming September. I imagined that she would be very happy for me since Northwestern is one of the top schools in the US but she was not. Instead, she was very worried for me and said: “Don't you know what people say about that city on the shore of Lake Michigan? It's windy city and it is one of the coldest place here. Even when I have been living here, in a cold place like Virginia for more than ten years, I still not dare living in that city!” Ok, that was such a good way to say congratulation and I must confessed that I was scared somehow hearing what she said. But well, now that I am in the middle of winter and facing with the truth about what I have always been told about. What I could say is that, it is not that bad, as long as we prepare ourselves with enough warm stuff. In addition, on the days that temperature is so low like single digit, the school also provides two extra frostbite shuttles that go around the common points on campus so we don't really have to walk too much outside. Thus, for those who are thinking about going to northwestern but are worried about the weather here like I was, be brave! The value of what we will get is worth for us to face this little difficulty.

Survey, the start of everything

2012-01-26T10:20:00.003-06:00

This quarter, to get credit for my international class, I chose to do indepent research and learn about how to conduct a survey. After two days of class in addition to the readings that I was provided, I realized one thing that I've never really thought about which is "how important is a survey?" . I have always been wondering why the school keep sending me surveys to ask about my satisfaction after some seminars or my expectation for the future events or workshop. It really takes a part of my time to complete those surveys. However, now I got the the answer for that. To talk about it in a very simple way, how can the mother know when to feed the baby if the baby does not cry and show that he/she is hungry? Doing business or any other things are just the same. Supplies will always follow the demands. How can companies know what do their clients want so that they can provide them with the right things? They will have to conduct a survey to study about that. A survey can give us an understanding about the market before we start doing something and also help us evaluate our jobs in order to make it better another time. This is why I said that it is the start of everything. In understanding this, I found my class even more interesting and helpful for my future career. No matter what field of industry I could be doing after graduated, the knowledge about this will always be useful and applicable.

Tips for saving on transportation with NU Shuttles

2012-01-25T23:27:00.003-06:00

If you're thinking about paying for bus or taxi to go around Evanston or from Evanston to Chicago. Check this out first!! Here is the list of shuttles that you can use for FREE as long as you have your valid wildcard with you:

Shop-N-Ride Shuttle
"This shuttle provides students with access to Target, Best Buy, OfficeMax, Jewel and Lincolnwood Towne Center on select Sundays during the academic year." Although it is said "select Sundays", the schedule of this shuttle shows that it runs almost every Sunday, except during the breaks. The drop off/ pick up stops are very safe and convenient. You could find almost everything you need from the destination stores. So keep this in mind for your shopping at weekend!

Intercampus Shuttle
"This shuttle provides service between the Chicago and Evanston campuses. It operates Monday through Friday year round, excluding University holidays."

Chicago Express Shuttle
"This shuttle provides limited shuttle service between Evanston shuttle stops and four downtown Chicago locations on select Saturdays."

Both these two shuttles provide you an economic way to go from Evanston right to the central of Downtown Chicago. From there, you could walk only couples of minutes to many destinations of attraction in Downtown or to the biggest shopping area Michigan Avenue.

Saferide
"SafeRide is a service provided to members of the Northwestern community as a safe and free alternative to walking alone after dark. SafeRide drivers provide rides to and from destinations in and around Northwestern's Evanston campus." What make Saferide different from a bus or shuttle is that they would try to schedule the pick up time and locate the stop that most convenient for you. This ride helps you reach other areas of Evanston that the shuttles do not cover. Although it does not work as a taxi, it does help a lot when you cannot find a stop near you and have to walk alone to that stop at night.

Above are just the most helpful shuttles in my opinion. You could learn more about other shuttles on the websites:

http://www.northwestern.edu/uservices/transportation/shuttles/
http://www.northwestern.edu/saferide/getting-a-ride/index.html

Never feel bored being a Wildcat!!

2012-01-25T22:16:00.005-06:00

Guess what!! We just got some free cake this morning when visiting to the Norris Students Center of NU!! Why? Because Northwestern University is celebrating their Founder's day from now till end of this week with a series of fantastic events and activities. Check them out via this link!! http://www.northwestern.edu/founders/events.html

And you know what, this is not the first time that I've experienced something such awesome during my time on the Campus of NU. It could never be boring here! If you go to the webpage of the school and check the events list on Plaint it Purple, you would wish that you could have more time to join all the events that they have for you. There are not only the workshops that help you improve you resume or cover letters, give you some great tips to get a job; but also some very rare and special opportunities, such as meeting Doctor Ben Carson, "the remarkable surgeon who gives children a second chance at life", talk to him in person and have him sign in your book.

So, don't forget to take advantage of your time being a wildcat!! ;)

A-Two-Way-Street

2012-01-25T18:01:00.009-06:00

Mentorship in Communication, I'd say is crucial! Fortunately, potential MSC'ers, finding and connecting with mentors is easier than ever. Many communication professionals are eager to support their own social networks, especially online. This allows these communication professionals to connect with younger thinkers. As a student, you ought to take the information that you learn and employ it to find a mentor. Is there a contemporary journalist or anchor whose work you admire? Or maybe even a seasoned veteran in the field that you are appreciative of their work? Is there someone who is excelling in the world of new media who you want to emulate? Simple questions yet viable! You do not have be nervous to seek them out, connect and find out how they do what they do.

Mentors, whether in the professional or academic world, have a keen knowledge of how the real world of communication works. It can be "a two-way-street" relationship that you can use in concurrence with the Master of Science in Communication.

Mitt Romney's Crisis Management

2012-01-25T15:25:00.003-06:00

This Tuesday, after pressure from fellow candidate Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney released his last year's tax returns. According to the Los Angeles Times, it revealed a "sophisticated low-tax investment strategy that includes offshore funds and a now-shuttered Swiss bank account."

In the last two years, Romney and his wife have reported an income of $40 million, ranking them among the top fraction of 1% of the richest people in the United States. With Romney paying a tax rate of 13.9% in a country of people facing fiscal struggles and school teachers are paying tax rates up to 25%, one question remains... Pertaining to his offshore funds, as long as the money is reported to the I.R.S., it's not illegalI, but is Gingrich's claim true? Is Romney out of touch with the majority of voters?

Romney could be losing votes right now. Now, when I look at crisis situations like this, as an M.S.C. student, I think of the two spectacular seminars I have attended by Irving J. Rein. He took us into a different perspective of popular culture through crisis management training. Through real case studies, we learned different ways to handle different crisis situations, and honestly, we found it harder than we expected. The classroom definitely got heated, because both ends of a crisis take it personally.

So, with Mitt Romney defending himself, and the people of the U.S. angry, what should he do? His campaign carefully controlled the release. On Monday night, they released his tax returns to a select group of news outlets, and let the story spread on Tuesday. They are taking on an angle claiming that Romney has done nothing wrong, has a range of incomes that caused his low tax rate, and is still fit to be the next President. Do you agree?

If not, what steps should Romney take to extinguish this crisis? In my opinion, I think that he shouldn't have showed resistance to release his tax returns. When Barack Obama was facing pressure to release his birth certificate, he showed resistance, but then revealed that he had nothing to hide, making Donald Trump look less than good. It seems as if Romney's resistance has not done anything for his public relations, and made Gingrich look correct. I think that he now needs to continue to be honest with the people of the U.S., cooperate with people wanting to look more into this, and continue to feed off of other traits to portray himself as the candidate we should vote for.

Whether it is a large-scale political crisis, a crisis we are facing in the office, or even a crisis we are facing in our personal lives, this training proves to beneficial. I have learned in my life that in most cases, the truth always comes out, but it's the fashion in which we let that happen that shapes the events of our lives.

State of The Union

2012-01-24T20:04:00.007-06:00

Today is one of the biggest political days of the year. In previous years I watched and listened intently to hear what the President had to say with regard to our country's status. But, never before have I been so excited to tune-in, as this year. I say this not because it's an election year, or that I am a concerned voter, nor because I favor either political party. I say this because after a quarter spent studying communication at Northwestern University, I feel more prepared to comprehend the message than ever before. Because of the MSC, I am both more informed and equipped to analyze the President's address.

Obviously, given the importance of our nation's status and the fact that this is an election year, tonight's address is very significant. During a time where politically we as a nation need to regain our confidence and re-establish leadership, tonight's address provides a snapshot of our nation in order to better protect our future. However, it is typical of any political leader to present information in a manner that leans in one direction or another. The simple fact is, no matter whose political party you side with, our nation needs informed voters. In order to become an informed voter, you must first become an informed citizen and becoming an informed citizen requires that you comprehend information beyond just the shallow depths. While, the MSC will certainly help prepare future business leaders, media members, and human resources professionals, its most significant contribution is preparing future leaders of the community. By challenging its students to take the initiative and become more informed, the MSC enables its already skilled students to reach a level of potential that was otherwise unattainable.

Because of my experience since being accepted to the MSC, I will no longer just hear the dialog of tonight's State of The Union, but rather, I will be able to accurately decipher the message with objectivity. The ability to watch this address and recognize nonverbal communications and identify key words that are used to "frame" a message or to separate party responsibilities without actually stating the bias, is the MSC difference. Apply to the MSC, and challenge yourself to become part of the difference that must makeup our future community leaders.

Collaboration trumps Competition in MSC Program

2012-01-23T14:12:00.004-06:00

To Quote Professor Paul Arnston,

“This isn’t a program where the person sitting to the left of you and the right of you won’t be here next quarter. It’s a program where the person sitting to the left and right of you will be the reason you finish the program next July.”

Approaching the halfway point in our MSC Journey, I can’t help but think that Dr. Arnston was so right. The members of my cohort in this program ARE a reason in and of themselves for my continued attendance and full participation in this program.

The amazing thing about that is, I am as different ethnically, politically, and from a religious perspective as possible from some of my classmates. However, it’s these differences, that through attentive and respectful dialogue are helping me learn and enthusing me more than anything else in the program.

I’m not learning how to be someone I’m not either. For I don’t necessary aspire change my views or who I am. However, I am gaining perspective that I imagine few will be able to obtain. In doing so, I am finding myself capable to interact and collaborate in a way that I feel strongly that our world needs more than ever.

So as we press on into a new year, and the gut check portion of our experience, I want to say thanks to my classmates who have in abundance, exemplified three of the finest academic virtues that exist:

Humility - to accept and acknowledge that all of us has something to learn from our peers and a willingness and posture of attentiveness to each other

Courage – to boldly participate and share their insights and understandings

And

Tolerance – showing patience and deference to others whose exposures and understandings are at times radically different than their own

So I just want to re-up and re-visit that initial orientation theme of Professor Arnston. I’m in, and I am working hard to bring as much value to your experience here, as you have to mine.

The MSC and Globalization in Business

2012-01-23T12:44:00.005-06:00

Are you positioning yourself to do business in a multinational context? If you’re not, consider if you truly work in a world that will remain regional, national, or community focused.

Over the past year, our politics and economy have been more affected by Europe’s Sovereign Debt Crisis, growing instability in the emerging markets in Asia, and other international events than anything else. It’s been several years since the US economy has demonstrated classical recession tendencies, our economy is actually growing, and our corporate balance sheets look better than they have in many years. Fundamentally, the US, has very much recovered in some analyst’s opinion. However, and more to the point, the rest of the world has not recovered from the events of 2008 , and it’s profoundly affecting the climate HERE. So moving forward, we, those currently studying or preparing to in order to facilitate our careers, MUST engage with the topics of global economy and global business.

One of the significant strength’s of the MSC experience is that opportunity. All MSC students take a class titled, Communication in the Global Workforce, which does a tremendous service to us all in unpacking the current global economy and diligently examining its key drivers, players, and interactions. This brings perspective, which will enable all MSC graduates to engage and make decisions that are prudent in light of our current times in their workplaces. Further study on the globalization topic is included in most every class, but particularly in the Managing Global Teams elective, where class-members actually work on developing skills and understandings necessary to lead teams that are located around the globe.

MSC student or not, it’s a certainty that your business and workplace will be affected by the globalization happening now. Will you be prepared? MSC graduates will be, and that alone is a fantastic and truly worthy reason to engage with this program.

Catch MSC Alumnus Sam Logan Khaleghi at Detroit’s NAIAS Charity Preview

2012-01-23T11:11:00.001-06:00

Class of 2010 MSC graduate Sam Logan Khaleghi attended Detroit’s Charity Preview of the North American International Auto Show. There, Khaleghi spoke with Oakland County Commissioner L. Brooks Patterson, learning that "Oakland County [is] among the top 365 counties in America to be ranked as ninth in job recovery and new jobs... It’s because of the auto industry here in Michigan.”

Although the preview was a chance to highlight recent success of the “Big Three” automakers and Michiganders, children’s charities were made a priority. Patterson explains, “They set a record tonight. I think they’re gonna raise over $3 million for, I think, 10 local charities that support children’s causes, which makes it the largest single night fundraiser for charity in the world.”

Read Khaleghi’s column and watch his interview with Patterson here

Picking Your Way Through the MSC Program

2012-01-22T21:12:00.006-06:00

Electives, there are many wonderful choices, but you can only pick one. So how do you pick? The first quarter I had a really hard time picking my elective, but I had a couple of strategies that helped me decide. First I asked myself if there was one subject that appealed to me more than the others. Then I read through the postings on this blog and the professor descriptions to see if I could gleen any information that might help me decide. Finally, I looked at the course offerings for the upcoming quarters and thought about what I wanted my knowledge base to look like when I complete my degree.

First quarter I chose the elective, Leadership & Decision Making. This is a fabulous course. I learned about about group dynamics, how to help groups make the right decision, building creativity and productivity in groups and how to be a leader without being a total jerk. This quarter my elective is Marketing Strategy. So far it is focusing on analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of a company’s marketing strategy, using a holistic approach, and learning to create successful venture plan. The class lectures and readings are fascinating. If you are looking for some insight into this class, I highly recommend a book that the professor, Richard Kolsk y, has mentioned in class. The book is Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness by Richard H. Thaler and Prof. Cass R. Sunstein. It will transform the way you think about your own decisions as a consumer.

There are other courses that I wish I could take as well, and each time I have had to make a course selection I have felt like a child in a candy shop who has been told they can only pick one. Not a bad place to be.

Light at the end of the Tunnel!

2012-01-21T21:42:00.006-06:00

4AM wake up's! 400 miles! And over 6 hours in a car! All part of my commitment in this this program. Now before that turns you away, DON'T WORRY!

For the majority of the students in this program, I'd say that's not always the case. However, it is the sacrifice I make each week. Many may wonder why? Yet, I see the possibilities and benefits of this program skyrocketing in my future! My cohort, is wonderful

and highly supportive. I am not sure if they actually realize it, but their kind words are more than I can ask for. Before our first class, many of my classmates ask how my drive was into the city. Although a simple question, feelings of thankfulness and happiness cross my mind. I'm thankful that I am surrounded by such positive individuals.

For potential MSC'ers, you will be surrounded by individuals who are supportive and really care about you. How do I know that already? Well, this program was strategically constructed to do so. I can remember during my orientation that several professors stated that the nature of this program was not highly competitive. The ideologies of leadership, management and practical skills are emphasized so that we all can successfully compete in the global economy. Competition is good, however, in order to effectively communicate with various demographics, lead, decision-make and learn -the word competition does not seem so important. Those ideologies are common threads throughout this program.

As an MSC student, there will be sacrifices you will have to make. Yet those are the obstacles that will make you stronger in this journey. The long hours and drives in the car and the early mornings are all apart of my story. Those are the sacrifices that I am making. When I take my MSC degree at graduation, I will know that it will be WORTH IT.

Once again...why do you ask? Well, I see my light at the end of the tunnel!

No Job Needed.

2012-01-20T17:10:00.005-06:00

The deeper I delve into this program, the more I think I will not be looking for a job once I take my Master’s degree. This program has allowed me to think beyond the obvious scope of an application, interview and a job. This program is allowing me to recognize my untapped potential.

In the future, I believe I will be able to impact the lives of many people with my 21^st century global communication skills. Great professors, great classmates and unbelievable ideas and the wealth of information reminds me that each of us has unlimited potential.

A Little More than Half Way...

2012-01-20T16:57:00.003-06:00

Wow! Can you believe it! In six months something that I thought that was so very far away, is now so close. When I was accepted into this program, the sheer thought of being a graduate student was overwhelming. Even as I approached my second quarter, feelings of nervousness still lingered. But now, when I think about how quickly time is going it is both a bittersweet feeling. I have so many ideas like many of you! How this new acquisition of knowledge will be applied –in the work world and society as a whole.

Wrong Communication.

2012-01-20T14:59:00.008-06:00

It's hard to remember a time without texting. But now, I'd say texting is ubiquitous. In the past, you'd look around and see people talking on their phones as they walked to their next business meeting or strolled down the street casually. Oddly enough, we are not far removed from that, I'd argue that now everywhere you turn, someone is clicking away on their cellular device. In a world, where technology is king, I often wonder what it would be like, if there was none. For the Baby Boomer generation and those before, many understand what it was like without a cell phone or a colored television. Yet, those non-existent items in the past are now in the present. No matter how much past generations talked about the days without much technology, its obsolete now. Because, even they know now that these devices are second nature.

My expression with this blog post is not to bash texting, but the combination of texting and driving. As a communication practitioner, I feel it is my duty to try an advocate the dangers of texting and driving. We all know those dangers, but it's almost as if there is a mindset of carelessness or an "above the influence" view. I've communicated with friends who have texted and drove countless times, but nothing is really ever done to stop. We all live in a communication world. We breathe communication. We are communication. But, it seems as though the videos we see, the stories we hear and the pledges that some celebs voice, often fall on deaf ears.

There is no blame game here. However, I am hoping that my words and passion in this particular blog, create a sense of awareness and firmness about this issue. Texting and driving is simply DANGEROUS and DESTRUCTIVE.

In the MSC program, we learn effective and well-balanced communication, yet texting and driving goes contrary to that belief.

Take advantages of your free time!!!

2012-01-19T11:15:00.001-06:00

When I first knew that MSC is a part-time program and that classes will be held only on Friday or Saturday every week, I wondered: “well, so what would I do in the other days of the week? Maybe I should go and find me an internship somewhere.” But then I was told that as an international student, I would not be allowed to work during these ten months either. So, I was quite worried that it would be very boring and wasting of time sitting at home all the week like that. However, after coming to campus and starting the program, I realized that I don’t really have much of free time like that. Every week, in addition to all the reading and the assignments for the main classes, as an international student, I also have an extra class which has not less things to do with it. These extra classes not only help me maintaining my full-time status to get my visa but actually are very interesting and complement a lot to my knowledge in communication. Beside classes, I also found lots of other events and activities of Northwestern on the school website. There are lots and lots of interesting events, workshops or group discussions, etc…taking place everyday during the week. Each event I go gives me a broader understanding about the US culture, the school’s tradition and is also a good way to networking with more people. The rest of my free time is spent in the school’s gymnasium. This is a very big and well equipped gymnasium which is totally free for full-time students so why not taking advantages of it to loose some weights? J. After the first quarter, I looked back and said” Well, I did not really have too much of free time, did I?”

Hoot ALL DAY! Hoot ALL NIGHT!

2012-01-18T20:17:00.003-06:00

Marketing Strategies: HOT TOPICS! A course that so far, I am pleasantly surprised with! I mentioned my nerves prior to the start of the winter quarter. (TO REITERATE: THIS WAS A NATURAL FEELING).

A dissemination of information on an interactive forum is just one of the highlights in this course. The HootCourse is basically designed like 'Twitter,' but with an educational twist! Just some of my cohort who are currently taking the Marketing course with me interact on a daily, hourly and in some cases a minutely basis. Our conversations are often informative and highly charged. We respect one another but freely discuss our thoughts from the readings we are assigned and the marketing concepts and trends that we come in contact with daily!

The Marketing Strategies:Hot Topics course is one that is becoming highly informative! I am learning a great deal which is helping me shape what I plan to do in my future. I will be able to extrapolate and apply the concepts that I am learning now, into my career and future.

A Scary Thought: A Life without GLOBAL COMMUNICATION

2012-01-18T19:22:00.006-06:00

Communication is essential to LIFE. If you didn't that, well...NOW YOU DO! You'll learn this concept among a great deal of others in the MSC program. While your are in this program, you are taught how to effectively communicate with a variety of demographics, critically analyze information while sharping leadership skills. With that said, I must share my thoughts about what I came across while at work on my computer!

I'm sure (and in fact I'm hoping), it's not brand new news to anyone regarding what's been seen on 'Google,' and 'Wikipedia.' The censorship that may take place on the Internet and its dissemination of information is scary. Members of Congress are trying to do the "right thing," by going after pirates and counterfeiters but SOPA and PIPA are the wrong way to do so.

An immediate example of this CENSORSHIP is with 'Wikipedia.' I understand that teachers, professors and some of the intellectuals in society, may not be fond of 'Wikipedia,' yet, for quick compact information, it's a wonderful resource! ...Well, for the dislikers of 'Wikipedia,' they've received what they wanted. Today, there is no Wikipedia. They are protesting and making a statement for 24 hours, to demonstrate what it would be like if there was a censorship of information on the Internet.

It's hard to believe there was even a time where Internet was nonexistent! For those of us who were born in 'Generation Y,' its almost MIND-BLOGGING! This censorship that could potentially take place is an extreme attack on global communication. The Internet is a forum for the integration of ideas and shared thoughts. And with that in jeopardy, future and current communication practitioners should be infuriated! I know I am.

In the MSC program, we're not forced to retain information, we're given the tools to think for ourselves and critically understand information that is fed to us. This is why on January 24, MSC'ers, potential MSC'ers, alumni from the MSC program, faculty, adminstrators and anyone else who believes that communication is essential to life and that communication must be free to all, should take a stand against Congress and vote NO on PIPA and SOPA!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ3wkJIhAA8&feature=player_embedded

Unfair Fight, MSC Edition

2012-01-18T15:24:00.003-06:00

ESPN.com recently published an "Inside The Lines" piece that was thereafter picked up by many major news sources about the management practices of the best known MMA fighting organization, UFC. The President, Dana White, who has long been a frequent topic of discussion due to his immense success and his immense ego, did his part to bring this article to the front page by responding to ESPN in a barbaric out lash that could only be described as frantic. Traditionally, the MMA is not of particular interest to me; therefore, I probably wouldn’t have paid the story any attention if it weren’t for the subsequent response by Mr. White. Given our weekly MSC conversations, White’s response immediately stood out to me as a failed effort to reduce the value of the news report. (For those of you applying now to the MSC, this will become a regular occurrence – that things you previously overlooked now become increasingly more interesting under your newly sharpened lens).

To give a short synopsis, the UFC has rapidly built itself a considerable brand and considerable revenue; they have done so in a fashion that most management people would consider monopolizing. UFC controls all rights and likeness of all of its contracted fighters and it is a privately held organization and as such, nobody except Dana White knows the true amount of revenue and thus compensations. This means by default that those who do not go along with his policy must find work elsewhere (which means no access to the high purse bouts) and if you do sign with Mr. White and UFC, then they (he) own you, literally.

As has always been the case with sports built on fighting, the management and overall operations tend to be somewhat brutish, but then again, so are many of the participants. This however, is something like even boxing has never seen. As the report indicates, it was impossible to find one single current UFC fighter who would agree to speak on camera or on record. We are talking about some of the toughest and largest men in the world, scared to go on record. Reason being, their boss, Dana White, owns them. He controls their likeness, their titles, brand and future. He has done so mainly by bullying some of the biggest men on the planet. Mr. White has accomplished this feat by doing what many political dictators have attempted (and always failed, eventually). He controls the media releases, keeps the lawyers at a distance and has thus far avoided the creation of an official union by his fighters.

For me, before the MSC I probably would have thought, “what a jerk. That must be difficult to work for such a bully”, and that would have been the end of it. Now, I hear his curse-ridden response to ESPN.com, calling the reporters “Stupid” and “pathetic” and I realize this is a person trying to demonize a media source and diminish the value of its findings. In short, I can use what I have already learned to see Mr. White's response more clearly, I see a person under tremendous stress who hears the mob forming.

For the fighters, I suggest you lawyer up and take what is rightfully yours and let Mr. White twist in the wind, as it will eventually become his fate, regardless of his childish condemning of the news media. Because, using physicality or bully tactics will only last so long. Eventually, those involved will realize that the bully lashes out and attempts to cut down the adverse opinion out of a fear of resistance.

In summary, coming July 2012, expect the UFC to be seeking the employment of MSC graduates (speaking facetiously, maybe…)

Get Stress Management Tools for free at NU!!

2012-01-18T11:32:00.003-06:00

Hi all!!

I just received this piece of message from the International Office, but as you can see in the message, this program is open for everyone, as long as you have your wild card. What a nice benefit of being a student at NU!!!! Actually I don't think that the study at MSC puts us into such stress that we need a stress management tool, but why say not to a such great experience?

The link below will provide further information for those who feel interested

https://go.dosa.northwestern.edu/caps_workshops/workshops/26

Check it out!!

Go play outside, be home by 6, and watch out for the lions on Elm and Lake!

2012-01-15T01:06:00.000-06:00

Friedman encourages everyone who is struggling to come up with a solution to man’s impact on the world, to go on Safari. There we will get a good understanding of how systems work in an “Integrated way” (Hot Flat, and Crowded p244).

The ‘system’ he is describing is the incredibly beautiful Okavango delta in Botswana-Africa. Friedman describes how much natural activity there is going on that city dwellers would not notice, this activity maintains a natural ‘balanced system’. I know this part of the world. I have lived just north of the Okavango in an area known as the Caprivi strip, and it can be a scary, tough place.

Nature's balance involves culling. Too many Zebra’s and the lions are feasting, not pleasant for the Zebra’s though! No lions, means too many grazing animals eating all the plants, and before you know it you have a desert and the animals are starving. It is a balanced system, but it is not a system in which man can flourish and evolve. Humans don't like to be killed by animals, how can we advance as a species under such a basic daily threat?

Imagine sending Johnny off to play baseball, and you knew there was a pride of Lions living among the the trees behind the rec centre. How sympathetic is the Iowa farmer going to be towards the plight of the elephants, when his corn crop has just been trampled by a herd last night? As soon as man responds to the threats in the system for whatever reason, the system is broken.

We overlook the fact that in that beautiful view, there is a lot of bloodshed and discomfort. Nature’s law is survival of the fittest, and that's not a system that is humane or moral.

Systemic thinking is the way to go! But always assuming that Nature is the perfect system for our needs, is incorrect. Nature does not tolerate a dominant species. I’m not sure if there is a precedent in nature that we can learn from. We have to figure this out for ourselves. But it is also clear we cannot completely destroy our environment.

Assocations

2012-01-13T14:46:00.000-06:00

Today in our Global Marketplace class, we talked about the idea of associations. We learned that the idea of living in a “nation” or a “world” is new. We used to be accustomed to the idea of living in a “village” or an “empire.” Now we are understanding that we live a much more vast existence.

This strongly correlates with the M.S.C. program. We use advanced technologies on a daily basis both inside and outside of the classroom in order to research different nations and worlds. Without these, our education would be limited to our environments. However, I don’t’ think that it’s the advanced technologies that makes this program what it is. I think it’s the people.

Due to these evolving ideas and advanced technologies, we are increasingly associating with strangers, and we trust them. Without this trust, none of us would be here. We had to create profiles in our application materials that created a trust with the people running M.S.C. Trust that we would come here, contribute to the classroom experience, perform academically, network, and utilize our education to the best of our abilities.

I’m confident our associations helped this trust created between us and the people running M.S.C. Often when people are applying for things, whether it’s a school or a company, they look for multiple associations. People used to only have one association. Through history we can see this change through globalization. People used to have associations like hunter, blacksmith, or businessman. Now people are multi-faceted. Something that I love about this program is that the majority of students are women. Strong women. I’m not saying that men are not equals, or lesser, but it’s nice to be a part of something that is outside of the dominate norm. This is an excellent example of modern associations. Women used to have the association of mother. Now, we can be so much more. There are a lot of mothers in M.S.C., but they are also bosses, community members, travelers, and now students.

Not just women bring such wonderful associations to M.S.C. We also learned in class today that due to globalization, our associations move with us. M.S.C. is the perfect setting for people to give and take. Everyone contributes so much from their associations, sharing experiences and lessons learned. In return, they take away something from other people’s.

I’m glad that I have various associations. I’m fulfilled with the life that I have lived so far. However, I’m gladder that I can be a part of M.S.C., where I can come and have peers like this. Their various associations have complimented my education and experience here in a way that is invaluable.

And We're Off!

2012-01-11T14:50:00.003-06:00

The winter quarter started off with a bang! Although a great deal of information came my way, I see a great deal of promise and excitement for the futre. I believe this quarter will be busy, however, I anticipate my learning curve to be exponential.

My Global Communication course taught by Dilip Gaonkar seems exciting. Our class discussion on the different yet highly successful companies around the globe, created a wider scope on the global market for me. In just the first class, I have become engaged to a whole new level. I cannot wait to see what's in store! During the class we even had a highly charged, yet stimulating discussion on water bottles and their need in global market, which provided me with a whole new found perspective. When other places around the world (nearly 80% of other countries), do not have potable drinking water I have myself saddened yet not surprised. In just a 3-hour class, I found myself involved. His discussion has made me think twice about the water bottle industry. Professor Gaonkar has stressed that he wants us to know more about the global market and make sound decisions as practitioners. I find this critical in the learning process.

My marketing course, taught my Rick Kolsky, is one that has been equally stimulating. He is not only a professor, but a pracitioner with real-world experience. He has made the course highly interactive and releveant to today. Our main discussions will be relevelant to the hot yet contemporary marketing topics, which will provide me with the skills needed to undertsand and develop marketing strategies in my career. Again, I know I will learn an immense amount of skills that will be transferrable in any industry I plan to jump into.

With just one class down, and nine more to go, I see that the winter quarter will have much to offer!

...And we're off!

Waste as a commodity?

2012-01-09T21:37:00.000-06:00

In this weeks first lecture on “Communication in the Global Workplace” we discussed how trends and fads lead to production of unnecessary items which end up as unusable waste.

The example was given was the evolution of the water industry, that has turned a free necessity into a packaged status symbol. In a year the oil used to produce the bottles is evidently enough to run a million cars for the same period. Once used, the majority of the bottles end up as waste and are not even recycled.

Today I came across an article about a company called Wasteventures, that is essentially organizing and industrializing waste processing, providing employment as well as generating profit.

Hopefully, initiatives like this will help innovate ways to process and organize waste into a profitable commodity. Following basic capitalist principals, as soon as people recognize an opportunity to make money, an industry will evolve with organized infrastructure and logistics.

As with all developing industries, initial efforts will probably be inefficient and disjointed. Hopefully the Wasteventures effort is an indication that waste processing is viable, and can evolve into an efficient, standardized industry, while providing employment and profit.

Leaders and their Ego's

2012-01-08T22:52:00.000-06:00

This week I was reading an article about Wilbur Ross in Bloomberg Businessweek magazine (January 9 - 15, 2012, page 70). Wilbur Ross, is an investor who is currently very successful at identifying ailing smaller banks, that can be “flipped” for a profit with the necessary capital injection.

Now, I don't know Mr Ross, and I have no issue with what he is doing, he is keeping people in work, by keeping their employers in business.

The issue I do have, comes from Mr Ross describing himself as “a guy who likes to run into burning buildings”. Mr Ross has dedicated his life to business and finance. What justification does he have in comparing himself to someone who actually puts his life at risk, and is clearly the antitheses of everything Mr Ross is and does? Does a chess master compare himself to a tennis pro? Why say something like that?

I think it is a very revealing statement, Mr Ross is not just making a casual analogy. He is so sure of himself, and self confident, that he feels the comparison is justified. He could actually do it if he wanted to. This is indicative of a core problem in the corporate world. Individuals who become leaders, often as a result of lucky financial successes, become so self assured, that they feel they cannot fail at anything.

Jon Corazine is a prime example, he drove a company, MF Global into bankruptcy 2 months ago. A company that had a perfectly good business model until Corazine got his hands on it only 2 years ago. A company that traced its roots back to 1783, and employed over 3000 people globally.

I wonder if any fireman ever sits in the Firehouse describing himself as a “Corporate Venture Vulture”?

MSC and Measures of Personal Success

2012-01-08T15:58:00.004-06:00

Have you ever had to negotiate your salary? To ask for a raise, or needed to address a co-worker’s misconduct? I have had to do all of these things, and in the past I have had limited success. I walked away from the conversation with my employers feeling like I was not heard, or worse, that I was not taken seriously. Both of the MSC courses that I took in the fall, Change Management, a core course taught by Professor Michael Roloff, and Leadership & Decision Making, taught by Professor Paul Arntson, have taught me how to address these difficult issues with confidence.

Professor Arntson’s class gave me the tools to speak confidently in group conversations. It showed me that while I thought I was being assertive in group conversations, more often I was acquiescing to the group’s whims, or what he calls “the politeness norm.” I also learned to analyze the unspoken side of my business conversations and use these insights to improve my work relationships.

In Professor Roloff’s class I learned how the changes in my work environment are affecting my coworker’s attitudes. I also learned successful negotiation tactics that have given me powerful approaches for professional dialogues.

The knowledge and insight I have gained from these courses are tools that I have already used to my advantage in my workplace. They have created numerous successes for me and my co-workers, and I can’t wait to discover how many other doors they will open for me.

To the New Year

2012-01-07T12:29:00.002-06:00

As I sat on the plane, coming back from the holiday vacations, I found myself reflecting a bit as the year comes to an end. What am I pondering about? I am thinking about how fortunate we are—yes, all of us MSC students! Although we have different careers that might lead to different paths, we are all so fortunate to be part of the MSC program—getting an education from the renowned Northwestern University. While some might not think it is a big deal, others might beg to differ. The ones that differ might think, “It is not anything huge… Since I got in, I am in!” But let’s step back and take a broader look at what is going on in MSC. It is a big deal and we should all applaud ourselves, as well as respect our classmates for taking / exploring a path that is not the norm. There are many people that pursue a MBA, M.D., and J.D., and there are also many individuals that majored in Communications during their undergraduate time—but what I am trying to say here is, “Let’s not undermine ourselves!” We are here, at Northwestern, for a reason. I am a strong believer in that everything happens for a reason. Let’s rejoice and give ourselves a pat in the back for what we have done thus far.

It is not easy working and studying at the same time. For example, when my colleagues find out that I am working and pursuing a Masters degree at same time, they often ask: “How do you do it?” Then I ask myself, “How do I do it?” I find myself saying, “I don’t know… I just go it!”—all my classmates are doing it as well. It is like the old saying, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” I think that is true—I think we are all here because we all have a strong dream, determination, desire, aspiration, passion, or what have you—there is something in us that makes us want to receive a higher education and participate in the phenomenal Masters of Science in Communications degree at Northwestern University. Well, cheers to us in this New Year. May this New Year bring us joy, contentment, and happiness in whatever we do and want to follow / pursue.

One quarter down and three more to go! Although three more quarters honestly seems like a long time to me, deep inside my heart knows that the time will fly and we will have to depart sooner than we know it. So…—to this New Year! Let’s have an awesome Winter Quarter and enjoy each other’s company. I look forward to getting to know more of you (my classmates) in the upcoming year.

Cheers!

All the Pieces of the Puzzle are Fitting so Perfectly Together

2012-01-06T19:06:00.006-06:00

Excitement and joy are basically what I'm feeling at this moment! The first class of the winter quarter begins tomorrow, and I cannot wait. In my previous blog, I mentioned my nerves and my anxiousness for the new start. But like I said, it’s a good feeling.

Another good feeling was the weather! At least that was the conversation at work today. The fact that today’s weather peaked to 60 degrees was unbelievable, especially in January. And tomorrow’s weather is equally pleasing, reaching 50 degrees. Now, you may wonder, why am on tangent trying to be a weather forecaster? Well, as many of you may know, Chicago/Evanston is infamously known for treacherous and unkind weather. As we reach into the sixth day of January, we all know that it very well could be snowing, icy and cold. I hope I’m not jinxing myself, but I have to comment on the weather. I feel as though, all the pieces of the puzzle are fitting so perfectly together; the weather, the fresh start of the quarter and the excitement to see my cohort.

All are appropriate and all are making me feel a sense of ease. I understand tomorrow is going to be a big day, but I’m ready! See you tomorrow MSC’ers!

Richard St. John: Secrets of success in 8 words, 3 minutes

2012-01-06T18:18:00.001-06:00

Found this video by chance and I think that it is quite interesting to share with you all. I believe that some of you might have different stories that show some other secrets to success. So if possible, please share it here! I really love to make this blog not only a place to read but to interact with each other. In my case, I don't think that I have any significant success yet so I don't have any good story to tell. But for some small success that I have so far, I think the secret that I find most meaningful and true to me among these eights is the "Serve".

New habit after first quarter

2012-01-06T17:29:00.001-06:00

How fast! Cannot believe that I am now the second quarter of the program. Almost half way! Looking back to what I have achieved so far, I am surprised that I now have a new habit that I never thought I would have an interest in: reading books and going to library.

Well, it might be embarrassing to say this but I used to have no love for books. I preferred to watch a movie rather than reading a novel. The books that I read were usually the textbooks that I had to work on for the exams at school. I rarely went to library, couldn’t find a good reason to go there. Now, things have changed!!

Firstly is the interest for books. I found out that it was not because I didn’t like reading books but it was because I didn’t find the right book. Most of the books I read before got me bored after a few pages because they talked so much about the theory, which made me think: “well, easy said than done!.” The books that I read in this program are different. I feel like I am getting good advice from someone when reading those books and I just want to get more everyday. How amazing!

About the library habit, I started going to the library only for my curiosity of how a library of a big university would be like. Now, I love to go there because that place is so good to take advantage of: huge resources of information, latest technology, private study carrel, great connection to other big libraries in the states that helps you find whatever books you need, and a lot more benefits that you could discover. I had to say “Wow!” when I first entered the Main Library of Northwestern in a library tour. Yes, some of you might disagree if you have been to some better ones, but to a student from a developing country like I am, this library is awesome!!

I used to doubt the affect that a good school could have on its student but now I see how it works. I’m curious about and looking forward to see a better me in the next 3 months!!

A new beginning...

2012-01-06T16:14:00.002-06:00

Second quarter, it is like my second year at college. I am not like a fish out of the water any more but yet still not very familiar to everything. Tomorrow will be my first day of class and I believe that my sense of eager is not less than that of the day before I went to the student orientation session. On that day, I was eager to see who were going to be my classmate and how the program was going to be compared to what I read in on the website. Today, I have a feeling of excitement to see how have my friends been doing during the last five weeks and how different it could be between the courses in this and last quarter. Some professors have already posted the syllabuses for their class on blackboard system or send them through emails so that we all have general ideas about the books we are going to read and the other courses requirements. When I woke up this morning and looked over the window, the road was no more deserted but filled up with lots of students passing by. I know, now that holiday season has ended and a new quarter has just begun.

MSC’s Jason DeSanto shares importance of speeches in Iowa elections on WGN

2012-01-06T12:22:00.006-06:00

Speechwriter, consultant, and Northwestern Senior Lecturer Jason DeSanto was featured in “Speeches can make or break in Iowa” on WGN Evening News. DeSanto explains, “Election night speeches are always a great opportunity. That’s particularly the case with the Iowa caucuses and the presidential election.”

As an MSC professor, DeSanto understands the need not only for leadership but also the importance of mastering the ability to communicate it effectively: “Election night speeches are great for demonstrating core leadership skills of somebody who’s running for president.”

DeSanto’s thought-provoking commentary leaves a positive impression wherever he goes. WGN reminds him, “We love having you here, sir. Come back anytime.”

Watch the clip here:
Jason DeSanto on WGN>

Is the MSC Communications program relevant?

2012-01-04T11:10:00.000-06:00

The first quarter of the MSC program coincided with an extremely busy work and personal schedule, a workload that is partly responsible for me not making any blog posts to date. Of course the MSC studies added to my overloaded schedule, but as it turned out, the course could not have been better scripted to help me out.

My company was involved in a significant acquisition due to a major competitor unexpectedly being forced into bankruptcy(As a result of extremely poor executive management). Suddenly the Change Management theory became practice. Negotiating strategies, and theories all were used as reference. The initiative I was proposing for my paper, is now being executed!

The Leadership and Decision making programme was remarkable in its relevance. Week after week the subject matter was hitting the right spot. Communities of practice, Bad leaders, System thinking, dealing with difficult people. I was referencing the books and study articles daily, and found myself using the materials as background in advising other managers. In the class discussion sessions, I could bring my experiences into the conversations and was amazed at how these sessions helped me identify and proactively clarify potential upcoming issues.

Rather than add to the stress, the programme has helped me build, and operate off a strong base with regards to decision making, as well as dealing group and individual dynamics.

The endings you go through, bring about the beginnings you’ve been waiting for!

2012-01-03T15:52:00.009-06:00

With only three days into the New Year, much excitement and anticipation has started. New Year’s resolutions, new beginnings and new approaches have made its way into the psyche of many. As I am getting ready to begin my second quarter, I have thoughts about both courses I am enrolled in: Global Communication in the Workplace and Hot Marketing Strategies. As NERDY as it may be, I have read a great deal over this vacation and I am ready to share my thoughts with my cohort and my professors. I believe both courses will offer a breath of information and a practical approach in applying certain ideas and theories in my employment position and career. Although I am ready, I still find myself a little nervous.

I believe these feelings of nervousness have the ability to encroach when any new class begins and are even indicative of any new beginning. New beginnings can come in the form of:

· Starting a new job

· Moving to a new city or state

· Networking with unfamiliar people

· Or even starting a new relationship

ALL have the ability to bring in nervousness. Graduate school in itself is a little nerve-wrecking. Meeting new people and wondering if you will be able to succeed, are all thoughts that go into almost every new grad student’s mind. Granted, there are exceptions to every rule, but for the most part, I think most of the graduate school population feels the way I do.

At the start of this blog, I mentioned to you that we only have marked three days in the 2012. We all know that with every New Year come’s a great deal of change.

I know it may be a little silly that I’m still nervous with the upcoming quarter, and you’d think that with one quarter under my belt, I would have already gotten the hang of this. However, as I reflect, I have been brought to the conclusion that new, although nerve-wrecking, can also be good! …As a new potential MSC’er, undergraduate student or even graduate student, it’s okay to be nervous and unsure of what’s coming next. It’s all apart of this cycle we call life.

When Politics and Reality TV Square Up!

2012-01-02T18:12:00.007-06:00

With almost a week until the winter quarter starts, I have feelings of anxiousness and excitement. I must say, that I had a wonderful time off from school, but like everything else, all good things must come to an end. Since about the middle of break, I have been reading and paying attention to politics and the latest gossip that's filtering through the hot cities across America.

As much as I am disappointed that John Huntsman is not receiving the recognition for his political accomplishments, compared to others in the Republican pool, I am elated to see that Tiny and rapper T.I. are receiving positive reviews for their debut and continuing reality show success.

Now I realize, some of you may say..."Jon Huntsman!?" and "T.I.!?" in the same thought process...Whoa! But this is what makes me totally in line with the N.U. motto, "Quaecumqe sunt vera," that's Latin for, "Whatsoever things are true!"

Let's be honest, reality TV is a truism just like what's going on in the Republican Presidential pool, both capture my interest and show the diversity of what I like along with what's hot in media communications.

I predict that 2012 is going to be a great year. For politics and reality TV. I can't wait....how bout you?!

Power Shifts Towards The People

2012-01-02T10:05:00.005-06:00

First it was Bank of America that had seemingly offended the senses of its customers by the introduction of a debit card fee. Previously, all we could do was call our banks and whine amongst each other. Until, part-time nanny, Molly Katchpole and her idea of starting a petition appealing to the masses for assistance. Miss Katchpole introduced the "pass-the-buck executives" to the future, where there is no need to go door-to-door for signatures; just post a petition on Facebook. Thus, resulting in a monumental victory for BoA customers because within a months time Molly Katchpole had amassed over 300,000 signatures and the Bank of America fees were no more.

Now Verizon Wireless has caught the attention of Miss Molly Katchpole and her online petitions. Only, this time, it took less than 48 hours to enact change. The common theme here (other than Molly Katchpole) is the use of online networking sites such as Facebook to gather the masses necessary to make change. Additionally, petitioning and posting online comments reached Verizon CEO Dan Mead in less than a business day, unlike the relatively long process of reaching BoA executives. This means, we the people are actually gaining power against big business by gathering large numbers in literally minutes to immediately apply pressure to those that we oppose.

This is a tremendous tool for change and if used properly, this can actually be the long-awaited answer to protecting ourselves against unjust decisions by those in power. It is no longer just about counting friends or passing time; networking sites possess the potential to become our virtual congressmen. This is again, another example of how powerful networking sites can be if used responsibly and with purpose.

Verongelijkthied

2012-01-01T23:01:00.001-06:00

While I am currently reading “Murder in Amsterdam: The Death of Theo van Gogh and the Limits of Tolerance” for our Global Workplace class this upcoming quarter, I came across a term presented in the book that stood out to me. The term is “verongelijktheid.” It’s a Dutch word that means, “…To be wronged, not by an individual so much as by the world at large.”

I wrote down this term, because I feel like it’s not just applicable to Dutch society, but to ours in the United States as well. This past quarter, I learned in both our Change Management class and my Leadership and Decision Making class that people in the workplace immediately assign blame to almost anyone and everything except themselves. When something good happens to us, we often attribute it to ourselves. When something bad happens to us, we often attribute it to the world.

Learning about these processes that people go through in an academic setting has been very affective. We learned that when people face failures in the work force, they start to assume that their superiors or co-workers are out to get them. Sometimes, this can truly be the case, but regardless, it is in our own hands to change this situation. This has caused me to assign more responsibility to myself, whether I’m facing success, or failure. Although this is sometimes difficult, I think that it’s necessary in order to grow as a person. This doesn’t always mean to take the blame for everything, and feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, but rather, to take every experience as a lesson learned. When I began to practice authority in my life, I realized that I have control over more situations than I thought I did. You can’t control everything that happens, but you can control how your react to everything that happens. My dad always told me that he never was the smartest, but he out-studied everyone. He wasn’t always the best at things, but he out-worked everyone. This has lead to his incredible success.

The M.S.C. program does an exceptional job in combining academic and personal lessons. Often, I can take what I’m learning outside of the classroom, and not only apply it professionally, but personally. I think that’s what makes education invaluable.

Packaging Myself

2012-01-01T22:17:00.004-06:00

“Product is king, but distribution is God.”

- Prabhakant Sinha

I just graduated from undergraduate last spring, moved to Evanston this fall, and am currently in the hunt for a job. When I initially began this hunt, I started looking at part-time jobs around the city, primarily in the areas of restaurants and retail. I’m all about setting goals, so I told myself that I wanted to be making at least $10.00 an hour. In my mind, they're was going to be good and bad, as long as the outcome was income.

Then, the more that I emerged myself among my peers, in this program, and in N.U., I realized that I’m worth more than that. I accomplished a lot on the road to earning my bachelor’s degree, and I am inspired through being here to set my goals higher. As Dr. Sinha stated in our “Pathways Out of Poverty” practicum seminar, I have a product, myself, which is king, but how I distribute myself, is God. I changed my mentality from, "Money is money." to "Money is something to be gained through experience." Why would I waste my first year living in Evanston, doing something that I'm not finding fulfilling, only to occupy space on my resume? It wouldn't be benficial in any way.

During the "Pathways Out of Poverty" practicum seminar, we discussed ways to create a business that both generates an income, but also helps people in poor communities. In my mind, this is a wonderful balance. Applying this mentality to finding a job teaches me that as a person, I want to create an income for myself, but I also want to have a job that is going to do more things for me than giving me a paycheck every other week.

I can feel ready for a job, and project images of me receiving that payroll, expanding as a person, and gaining professional experience, but unless I utilize everything in my power to package myself, and put myself out there, all of that ambition is emaciated.

The M.S.C. program has done an exceptional job in bringing this quote to life for me. Witnessing my peers speak of their professional lives in the classroom, or seeing my peers that didn't have careers when we started emerge into their professional lives is inspiring. I don't think that I have heard anyone in the program proclaim their hate for their job, or go through an experience that they learned nothing from. Everyone has distributed their product in a way that has placed them where they are meant to be. I am going to remember this quote while I am in the hunt for a job, and probably apply it to more of life’s situations even after one is found.

Why The MSC?

2011-12-31T20:58:00.005-06:00

As this new year marks the time when I began to really consider the MSC program, I thought I would reflect on why prospective students should choose the MSC. Obviously, there are many choices for prospective graduate students, but some programs simply advance your title while not advancing your skills. The MSC is not such a program. The MSC adds a great degree from a great university while teaching you the ability to actually succeed at the new title you so desire.

Your most important consideration should occur while determining what tools are most necessary for your success. Obviously, if you wish to practice law, law school is it or if you are looking to take over an executive management role, an MBA might be of value, but before you earn those degrees, ask yourself, what is most vital to success in those careers? The answer is communication. I say this because no matter what your career, if you cannot effectively communicate (and I don't mean speak clearly - I mean motivate people and use theory to manage entire groups of people to achieve collective goals) you will never maximize your potential in any respective career.

What the MSC offers its students is the opportunity to advance their career or redirect their career, just as any high level graduate program would do, but the difference is, the MSC offers much more. The MSC actually teaches the vital communications tools that are necessary to successfully manage the responsibilities required of that executive position you wish to acquire. The MSC will give you the opportunity to view every person, coworker or client in a completely new light, because you now possess such an elite understanding of what makes people do and say what they do. Perhaps most important, you will have the opportunity to reflect on every business decision you have ever made and dissect exactly what went wrong and how to avoid your failures in the future.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the ever growing Northwestern MSC Alumni network. That too is invaluable.

Seize today!

A Chance Meeting

2011-12-30T12:32:00.006-06:00

This past Tuesday I decided to go to dinner with a few friends at Eddie Merlots in Burr Ridge (restaurant plug). Little did I know, this random dinner would be one of the most unique experiences of my life! I sat down and within fifteen minutes, down sat Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville. After a short time, he began to chat with us and by the end of the hour, he and I were fully engaged in conversation topics ranging from hockey to Kim Kardashion's appearance fees.

As we begun to discuss the impact media can play on a sports franchise, Coach Q pointed out that the gap between professionals and the general public is closing at such a pace that shortly we will need to address each team as a business and each individual player as a subsidiary entity. At this point, I decided to tell him that I was a graduate student at NU focusing on crisis management as to continue this conversation at full strength and to not slip into "fandom".

He then decided to explain to me some of the issues he faces as a professional head coach and how his job has been immensely complicated over the years by the advancement of reporting and the closing gap between his players and the society they inhabit. After discussing some particular players and incidents that I cannot divulge we concluded that the need for crisis management in professional sports and probably all major business operations was never more necessary. He believed that people who either lack an American cultural background or a college education having control of press conferences or social media accounts that go public is asking too much because the potential negative repercussions far out way the positive value. Obviously, he was not suggesting that each person should have a handler, but rather that each team have an in house crisis team to refer to, just as they would a team doctor, legal or marketing teams. Far too many things can go wrong and if they do, there is nobody trained to pick up the pieces.

For me it was a realization that as the media and the gap closes, the market for crisis managers in entertainment and sports grows infinitely. From there it is only natural to then expect the gap of information sharing to begin to impact both large and medium market businesses alike. The need for employees with an extensive communications background will continue to rise and if you can provide a more specific service such as crisis management you are all the more valuable.

Seize today!

2012 Rising Prices

2011-12-29T12:57:00.004-06:00

I stumbled upon this Deal News article from a friend and thought it would be great to share with everyone. If you don't want to open up the link, you can view it below :) I've copied and pasted into this blog the 11 things that will be more expensive in this upcoming year in 2012 (written by dealnews writer Laura Heller). I have bolded Chicago when it is referenced and inserted comments (*) after some of the number items.

1. Domestic and International Airfare-Greater demand and fewer available airline seats will likely lead to higher ticket prices for flights next year. American Express predicts prices within North America will increase up to 5% for economy seating, depending on the length of the flight, and up to 7% in business class. Things look more bleak for European travel. A new "green tax" implemented by the EU is aimed at reducing emissions, and it will levy a fee of roughly $15 per passenger, each way, for flights to the U.S. Fees on shorter flights within the EU will be taxed slightly less.

*It is sad that airlines are rising ticket prices once again. I enjoy traveling and seeing the world. Boosting ticket costs makes it more difficult for people to travel as well as visit family members for the holidays!

2. New Digital Camera Models-Smartphones have quickly replaced budget friendly point-and-shoot cameras, so manufacturers and retailers are focusing more on higher-end digital SLRs. This year, consumers may have a hard time finding a newly-released digital camera with an inexpensive starting price, as the market is moving towards more feature-rich products. "Lower cost products just won't come to market and those that will be out there, will be priced more and more for profitability," says Stephen Baker, Vice President of Industry Analysis at the NPD Group.

*Smartphones are taking over the world and everyone's lives! But as a consumer/user, I must say it is definitely nice being able to take decent pictures with my iPhone instead of having to bring a camera with me all the time. Many people still buy digital cameras and SLRs, I wonder how much the prices would really jump.

3. Hard Drives-There's been a shortage of hard drives thanks to epic flooding in Thailand in 2011, and some retailers have actually been rationing hard drive–based products. As a result, we've seen fewer hard drive discounts. Expect continued shortages throughout the first quarter of 2012, which is when experts predict that production will begin to catch up to demand.

4. Desktop Computers-The consolidation of desktop features into monitor-integrated units — many with touchscreens — will drive desktop prices up in 2012, according to Baker. Expect average selling prices to increase roughly 30% on new desktops.

5. Food for Home Preparation-If your grocery bill seemed higher in 2011, you weren't imagining things. Most retailers have reported that food prices are rising and those increases are being passed along to shoppers. Food costs rose 6% last year and will likely go up at least 2% more in 2012. Increases are likely to affect food eaten at home, rather than restaurants where those costs are easier to absorb when combined with sales of liquor, says Harry Balzer, Chief Industry Analyst for the NPD Group.

*I love food and food prices have already risen so high. When will food cost finally stop increasing??? I have a sad feeling that the answer is never...

6. Mobile Device Data Plans-Data plans in the past have had a tendency to decline, but as carriers build out 4G services, and move away from unlimited plans, data is set to become more expensive in 2012, according to Ross Rubin, Executive Director of Connected Intelligence at the NPD Group.

7. City-Enforced Fees-As municipalities look for ways to make up for budget shortfalls, fees for everything from dog licenses to vehicle registration and parking rates are going up, as is enforcement of fine-related infractions. In Chicago for example, a non-registered dog can elicit a $500 fine, while parking fines in Portland are going up 18% as the city tries to make up a $16 billion transportation budget deficit.

8. Water-Most communities in the United States will face water rate hikes this year, even places that are rich with the natural resource. Water rates in the greater Chicago area will increase by as much as 25% next year, while the parched high desert Denver market is set to rise an additional 5.5%. Like the above-mentioned fees, this increase is mostly a result of cities needing to increase revenue to balance their budgets.

9. Gas-Fuel prices began inching up just before the holidays, and 2012 is looking to be another budget-breaking year at the pump, with prices once again topping $4 per gallon.

*I see this will make my commute to Northwestern every week more costly, lol.

10. Gold-The precious metal is poised to achieve its 11th straight year of growth. Gold prices bounced around a lot in the second half of 2011, but analysts expect it to rise roughly 12% in 2012. It's a conservative estimate and a lot lower than the 17% annual growth rate of the past decade, but most believe gold will be more expensive. Take that to the bank.

11. Shipping-Unfortunately for avid online shoppers, the U.S. Postal Service will raise rates by an average of 4.6% next year, while both FedEx and UPS are hiking small package rates by 4.9%. Personal shipping will certainly cost more and it's anybody's guess how long retailers can continue the ubiquitous free shipping offers as rates rise.

Hope you all found this interesting!

Communications: B-Schools Missing Link Identified

2011-12-29T00:20:00.000-06:00

When deciding to pursue a graduate degree, I was tornbetween getting an MBA, A Master of Science or a Masters of Arts degree. At George Washington University, I struggledwith Economics and Finance as a Marketing major in the School of Business. MBA programs seemed to fall short in the areasthat really interested me—namely, public relations and communications.

When I read It's about time: Comms and PR added to MBA courses (Ragan Communications), I wasn’t surprised that only four surveyrespondents in 10 said they found the skill sets of recently hired graduates tobe strong in reputation management and corporate communications. In the digital age, it seems impossible tostudy marketing or brand management without a thorough study of social media,public relations and/or communications. As business schools go to great lengths tofoster a well-rounded skill set in their graduates, communications is afundamental missing piece of the puzzle.

With more than 10 years experiencein the field, it has been difficult to have a profession, which I find intrinsicallyand extrinsically valuable, easily be undervalued as core corporate functions. But the study commissioned by the PublicRelations Society of America referenced in the article and with businessschools starting to embrace communications as part of the core curriculum bringhope. This is an important step for thecommunications field. Recently, publicrelations and communications have been listed among the fastest growingemployment industries. In addition, itis increasingly easier to demonstrate the monetary value of communications,tying public relations efforts to a corporation’s bottom line.

I was, however, a littlediscouraged that only four schools will be working with PRSA to includecommunications in their core curriculum, with only one school currentlyidentified according to the article. Hopefully, we will see more of this forward thinking in years tocome.

Shopping Malls in China

2011-12-27T15:48:00.002-06:00

The retail market is experiencing strong growth as Chinese consumers swap saving for spending. Brand and image are becoming increasingly important as the consumers desire brand goods to show off this new found wealth. They are beginning to mirror their Western counterparts, with more discerning tastes and paying increasing attention to the quality and price of goods. Department stores with strong brand equity and good locations are key drivers for success as consumer trends are driving demand for fashionable apparel.

As shopping has increased in China, there has been a direct correlation in the development of shopping malls. More than 400 large malls have been built in China in the last six years. The South China Mall is the largest, in gross leasable space, shopping mall in the world with more than seven million square feet of shopping space. By the end of the decade, China is likely to have at least seven of the world’s 10 largest malls.

When Emotions Run Wild!

2011-12-27T11:43:00.002-06:00

How do you have a productive conversation with someone who is upset or otherwise emotional? Well, the short answer is: YOU DON'T.

If people worked like web browsers you could just check the “history” button or look at the log files and figure it out. Since people are biological beings, you need to take a more biological approach. It may have taken quite a while before their emotion reached the level that it is visible to you. The more controlled the person, the more startling it may be when they “burst out” at you. Warning: I am not a psychiatrist; my observations come from my practical experience from my employment history and experiences. With that said here are a few tips for getting through an emotional conversation:

1. Don’t defend yourself. People who are emotional usually feel that their point of view is rational and justifiable, and you won’t get anywhere telling them otherwise.

2. Verbally recognize the feelings at play. You don’t have to think the emotions are justified or find the conclusions logical. Simply try to confirm that you have recognized the proper emotion and let the person know that the emotion, at least, is legitimate. For example, “It sounds to me like you are feeling quite angry about this.”

3. Try to understand and play back the “emotional history.” Ask questions to help you understand how the person got to this point. Usually this won’t be difficult because they are probably burning to tell you the story of how they were wounded or offended.

4. Don’t feel that you need to solve the problem immediately. If you can solve the problem instantaneously, great. If you need time to think about it, or need to gather more information, tell the person that you understand the importance of the issue, and you need some time to think about it/get more information.

5. Follow up. If you don’t solve the problem immediately, make a promise to follow up at a later time with resolution. Be specific, as in “I will get back to you by the end of the day.” Then be sure to make good on your promise.

6. Above all, don’t get emotional yourself. If you find yourself going there, take a deep breath and remove yourself from the situation as diplomatically as you can.

Communication Tips to get through 2012...

2011-12-27T10:01:00.004-06:00

As many of us made our way through the most fattening yet, family-oriented holiday season, I’m sure we were all filled with much excitement. Of course, I am sure some feelings of nervousness crept in because family has the potential to make us all little crazy (at least mine can). However, thankfully, this time of year has the ability to let us transition into a warmer spirit. Excitingly enough, we have New Year’s Eve and Day to get through, and it’s crazy to think, that another year has gone by!

With that said, as we get through our New Year’s Eve plans with family and possibly friends, I would like to provide you some helpful communication tips to help make your plans festive and enjoyable. Bookmark this post, as it may come in handy…

1. Forget previous holidays, discussions, disagreements, and conversations. Go in with a clean slate and an open mind as 2012 should be a time for new beginnings!
2. Everything, may not be just right, but enjoy this holiday break (because if you are like me, work and school will start soon). RELAXATION is KEY! This is a time to mingle and have great conversations.
3. Just remember not every comment or statement requires an answer. Silence and a smile can be very powerful. In other words, bite your tongue, when some family members get on your nerves.
4. Enjoy this time with family or friends. Try and disregard those unruly comments. Some people unfortunately do not have time with their family or even get to see their family, so enjoy it! The phrase, “Isn’t that interesting?” If Uncle Grouch starts in at the table with off-color remarks, could help. Recite these three magical words. “Isn’t – that – interesting?” This neutralizes virtually every situation.
5. Wonderful food will surely be a nice addition. This definitely will bring levity to the day. I’m sure there will be plenty of Mmmmm hmmm’s!
6. Family can be crazy, but that comes with the territory. Try and have neutral small-talk or stories in mind. Be ready to drop one in and if things get awkward or tense.
7. Time “ing,” is everything! Try and be that person who calms the mood and lifts the spirits. The dynamics will shift and the conversations will lighten up.

If you could not tell from the first word in each step above…I’ve pretty much spelled everything out:

FORGET EVERYTHING… JUST ENJOY WONDERFUL FAMILY TIME!

Enjoy this holiday with friends and family. Happy Early New Year potential MSC’ers and the MSC family! 2012, here we come!

Faculty Member Noshir Contractor on Social Media within the Community

2011-12-14T11:04:00.003-06:00

Professor Noshir Contractor talked to ABC7 about community uses for social media—like finding Fido: "Now, as people are getting more literate and savvy with Facebook, they are beginning to see its potential for creating opportunities for creating collective action," said Contractor.

See Noshir Contractor on ABC7>

1 Down. 3 To Go.

2011-12-12T22:23:00.000-06:00

The first quarter is officially over. We made it. It was hard. It was stressful. It was expensive. The worst part is we're only getting started. The best part...we're only getting started. This quarter has been one of the most intellectually challenging and stimulating experiences I have ever had. I remember the first day I met my classmates at orientation; everyone was the director of this company or a project manager at that company. I sat there thinking, "What did I get myself into? I'm only a high school teacher, at a struggling high school no less, not even one off the prestigious ones that rich people send their kids to." I felt a little better when I saw how many recent graduates there were in the room. They didn't even have jobs. I chuckled inside and tried to refocus on the massive amounts of information we were being fed over breakfast. I kept trying to imagine what class would be like. I felt like I was starting high school again. There were so many questions going through my mind. Would people like me? Would I like them? Would professors really be understanding of my schedule? Would I be able to balance school and my life? Affirmative on all counts; I love my classes and the people in them. Although many of us are at different stages in life, we share a common desire for intellectual stimulation we get in the MSC program. This commonality in addition to the classroom culture, drives us into an interdependent learning environment that encourages everyone to contribute their life experiences. Regardless of our differences in age, ethnicity, life experience, or socio-economic status, we are equals when we get to class. It's like taking a deep breath of fresh air.

Let's not kid ourselves though; Northwestern University's MSC program is no picnic. I doubt we would have applied to such a reputable institution if we expected our program to be easy. Critical assessment is vital for growth in any organization. I remember one week I had about five class readings and a case study to read for one class. In addition to the readings, I had to prepare a reading response paper and make preparations for the group discussion I led over our case study. All of this was due four days after I turned in my twelve page midterm paper. I almost didn't make it through that week. My broad support group, which includes friends, family members, and coworkers, provided the shoulder I needed to get through. Based on some conversations I have overheard the past couple weeks, I think I may be calling on them frequently over the next three quarters. The best part...we're only getting started.

What Occupies your time?

2011-12-07T10:08:00.004-06:00

I had a conversation last week with my Brother, an executive development program employee at GEICO about the occupy protests. He said,

“Aaron, you’re either a genius, and have the luxury of dropping out of college to start a successful company, or you finish your undergrad and “get a job.” And if you go the “get a job” route, you can be content with where you land, you can go and join “the occupy protesters” somewhere because you’re disenchanted the world that doesn’t deliver Happily Ever-after, or you can continue to develop yourself. We’re developing ourselves, knowing that in doing so we’ll be capable of adding more value to our current or prospective employers. The hopeful return on that development is increased compensation and responsibility. But nothing is guaranteed, except maybe that for you and I, we are probably always going to have the ability to find food and shelter if we stay in the US.”

I believe he’s right on. Most of us either aren’t capable, or aren’t willing to pay the price of time and energy it takes to start our own successful business. We therefore, make the decision to work for others. In doing so, we willingly acknowledge a degree of dependence on them and should be thankful for the opportunity they provide us. However, we also live in an incredibly resourced society that’s capable of providing easy access to capital in order for us to reach for more – on faith in our word to repay it. Without this system, I would not be able to afford to attend Northwestern unless I did so homeless and starving using every penny I had simply to pay for the tuition.

The end-point of all this is that in the US, we are all extra-ordinarily blessed. We are all in the 1% of the world. There are Billions of people in this world that work 12 hr days for $1 to $2 dollars – A DAY! They can’t get access to capital in many cases at all. And it’s because of this respect, that I am appraising the opportunities present to me and seizing them with appreciation! Few are so fortunate, but I’m sincerely blessed and thankful to be one of the 1% in this respect.

And on July 28, 2012, further resourced by my new MSC, I look forward to when I will also hopefully be seen as worthy of additional compensation and responsibility by those on whom I depend. But if I don’t see that return immediately, I’ll still know how blessed I am to live and work in a culture that offers boundless opportunity in an environment with extremely little worry of starvation or destitution to occupy my time.

End of the Semester...My How Time Has Flown!

2011-12-02T21:13:00.001-06:00

I can’t believe today was the last class of thesemester. With only one last paper due,time has flown by. It seems like onlyyesterday, I was introducing myself to a room of 80 or so strangers,strategically trying to pick out my classes. While I knew MSC and Northwestern was the right choice, the change inlocation and climate was a little overwhelming…until the first day of class.

Stepping foot on Northwestern’s campus for the first time asa graduate student was emotionally overwhelming. It was the beginning ofsomething I knew would be life altering, but how, I still have no idea. While there was some intimidation as I got toknow my classmates, Dr. Roloff’s jokes in Change Management quickly put us allat ease.

The Change Management course has had a profound impact on myprofessional life. He gave me the confidence to question processes and policieswhile offering solutions and practical data to support my opinions. The lectures and papers gave me the ability toobjectively dissect my work environment in a way I could never have donebefore. They laid the groundwork for anorganizational change project I will start implementing at the end of theyear.

A quick four and a half hours later, it was off toLeadership and Decision Making, where Dr. Arnston distributed his philosophyof learning. I expected the class toprovide a hands-on “checklist” of do’s and don’ts on leadership. I read books that I wish I had had at mydisposal as an undergraduate. For 5weeks, I was able to critique myself in group and leadership settings duringthe videotaping group sessions. I have enjoyedthe pleasant surprise of realizing 10 weeks later that everything I put intohis class I got out of it. Dr.Arnston’s road to leadership and decision-making was one that each student gotto pave.

Now that classes are over and we toasted each other at theholiday party, I am far from the communications professional I was weeksago. And I look forward to the one Iwill become at the end of the MSC program.

Competent Culture

2011-12-01T22:04:00.005-06:00

Have you been in a group you adore?
How often was that an assigned group for a class project?

In Managing Global Teams, our group finished our final group paper and final group presentation slides, ahead of schedule. Each member contributed, we had productive discussions, gained greater intellectual depth about the subject, and we also learned more about the other team members.

When a new group is pressed for time (such as an impending final project) stages of team formation are compressed, often causing friction and hostility, but leaving little time for effective resolution. Over time, this can lead to a negative view on group projects.

To give you a glimpse into our recent success as a team I will use the framework of Tuckman's "Group Development Model," where he identifies the following stages of team development "forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning." The class team formed amicably (reintroducing ourselves, discussing our interests and experience), storming was productive (tweaking ideas and professionally critiquing the deliverable), norming was efficient (we formatted and changed the presentation and paper both stylistically and in content). I can hardly wait to "perform" tomorrow with our presentation to the class. However, I am not looking forward to this team adjourning. I would work with my current team members on any project.

Entry to the MSC program is competitive. The program attracts intelligent people with diverse backgrounds and skills to form the cohort. Because of these aspects, and my recent group success, I have reason to believe the rest of my MSC classmates are equally capable and am sincerely looking forward to our next quarter together.

Casualties of Change

2011-11-30T23:47:00.001-06:00

Corporations have long since been fascinated with the practice of “getting younger”[i]. Originally, this practice was in an obvious attempt to trim the overhead or to substitute the satisfied with the motivated. However, the economic climate (including production costs), technology and an absence of corporate loyalty have lead to wholesale changes in most marketplace environments. No longer are companies using the youth just to hedge expenses, they are relying on young professionals for survival.

Every industry is now subject to these changes, and the shopping center management company that employed me, as property manager in 2006, is no different. As was customary, my company hired me to replace a retiring manager and given the then thriving economy, they saw no reason to view that as anything other than a low cost/high return venture. As the only sub-thirty (year old) manager employed at my company, I certainly didn’t feel that I held any great advantage. The simple fact was, given the conservative corporate culture; nobody foresaw revolutionary creations such as, telecom (iPhone, iPad, facetime, etc.) and marketing (networking sites) tools having such an immediately impactful on their corporate environment.

Time changes things, and by the fiscal end of 2008, the economy had become so unrecognizable that no longer was experience in the previous market any more valuable than classroom experience, thus leveling the playing field[ii]. The fallout of the above mentioned, according to Jeremy Rifkin, will later be described as a major contributor to the birth of the third industrial revolution. As the year advanced we saw our company profits begin to reflect the beleaguered economy. Beyond just tenant loss, due to a poor retail market, we also struggled developing long and short-term prospective tenants. There was, however, something to take solace in, not everyone at the company was failing to produce. Many of our young professionals were able to maintain 85% occupancy at our centers, in addition to, filling vacant space previously thought not to be leasable.

Soon, what management had previously regarded as an aberration became a trend. By 2009, upper management wanted to know the secret, and those of us experiencing success didn’t have any (secrets) to offer. I was just doing what I had done since graduating from Marquette: logging onto Facebook, texting 24/7 and Google Maps. In essence, we did what the “old buffalos”[iii] didn’t know how to do, we shrunk the market by making our tenants, prospects and ourselves just a click-a-way. This new philosophy on conducting business is prompting the kinds of change that can restructure an entire industry overnight. In order to continue to be competitive in the new marketplace, our company had no choice but to introduce change agents, with the primary change agent being modernization. By making an initial investment in the development of a new website and operating network, the company immediately increased its intrinsic value. However, an increased prevalence of innovative forms of telecommunications can potentially divide an office and become the single largest contributor to a failed change management[iv] plan. If successful, this change could potentially enable the company to rapidly develop prospects and react to market changes almost immediately, thus giving those experienced in online media an inherent edge and reason to feel highly motivated. Whereas, those who aren’t tech or telecom savvy must attempt to avoid the presence of Operant Conditioning-Behavior Modification[v] when determining whether they are capable of remaining competitive within the new marketplace or predestined to subjugation.

Entering the second fiscal quarter, our management held a meeting to announce that based on market research, the company needed to reallocate assets to develop a primary source of marketing, client communications and prospect development by creating an office network for which all commerce will be available remotely (preferred). Change was in motion, in the form of modernization. We were going to take our office online. It was finally time to liberate from the limited system of cubicles, snail mail and window ads. It was time to be on Facebook and Google Maps, we needed to use every medium available and discontinue paying for crutches to supplement an obsolete staff if we wanted to be at all financially viable in the future.

The thought process behind selecting a business-renovation model over specifically shifting directions or splitting a company up (Reference Netflix[vi]) is that by management can control the pace by making adjustments such as adding or subtracting change agents[vii] in order to help guide the transition. According to University of Redlands Professor Jim Spee, when companies decide that addition by subtraction is their strategy, they have a tendency to over-subtract and thus decrease their value by eliminating previously unrecognized assets. Consequently, those responsible for change management should always install target indicators throughout the process to differentiate assets from obstacles. One of the more obvious threats to a successful change management plan is Vicarious Classical Conditioning[viii], which develops as a result of employees viewing themselves as incapable and thus limiting their potential once the change has been implemented.

In any environment where change is necessary, it is commonplace for an organization to navigate through obstacles such as stated above. Unfortunately, sometimes despite all preventative measures, the organization is still reduced to laying off workers who simply couldn’t satisfactorily adjust their occupational approach to fit the new landscape. Unfortunately, this will be a typical effect to the massive changes taking shape and not just in retail and real estate, but also in every industry. The simple fact is that in the grand scheme of global organizational change, structural unemployment causes the first casualties.

The future of office space is not having an everyday office where people herd together in cubicles, sharing landlines and sipping coffee beside the communal printer just waiting to punch the clock. Prepare yourselves for a time where, “See you at Regus[ix]” is as common as “see you at yoga”. For better or for worse (and I sense for better) this is the future of business in America and certainly abroad. It is hard for many old-fashioned business owners to admit this, but if they don’t accept these changes they will be watching from the sidelines. In direct response to the economic recession (or whatever they are calling it on Capital Hill these days) companies are trying to reduce overhead at a feverish pace, but they know they still have to produce with some consistency so through trial and error they are quickly coming to the realization that their biggest cost savers are right under their noses (or in this case directly above their heads). According to Jonathon Guthrie,

“Regus’s revenues went up 9.8% between January and June of 2010 and most analysts attribute part of Regus’s appeal to its flexibility, offering everything from office suites to economical business lounges geared to the peripatetic business people known as “road warriors”.

So it is fair to say, those of you looking to begin your careers or those of you trying to just restart one, familiarize yourself with the methods of the future so that you don’t become an unfortunate casualty of change.

[i] The practice of continuously replacing experienced employees with less-experienced youth.

[ii] The level playing field empowered young professionals with the opportunity to compete with their experienced coworkers.

[iii] The term “Old Buffalo” is something of a term of affection used at Northwestern in reference to older professionals who tend to rely on outdated methods.

[iv] Change Management is a function used by organizations to successfully implement change with minimal disruption to the daily operation or production.

[v] Situation reliant on a variety of behavior responses, built on a reward v. punishment outcomes. This method typically produces stimulus generalizations.

[vi] Netflix has lost 800,000 subscribers in the last three months following the June 2011 announcement of corporate separation, in combination with price hikes.

[vii] The change agent is in reference to change management, whereas the agent is the specific variable of change introduced or withdrawn in the primary effort of effective organizational change.

[viii] People tend to condition themselves by watching their peers go through the same experience. In doing so, people tend to create an assumed fate for themselves.

[ix] Referring to Regis Corporation, which offers offices for rent on short term or time-share leases. Regis offices are rapidly becoming the answer to I need an office to hold weekly meetings but I don’t need to overhead that comes along with annual office space leasing.