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TMMBA Student Resources 101

Saturday, February 2nd, 2013
Ally Wewers, TMMBA Program Coordinator

Today, TMMBA Class 13 students (who began at the beginning of January) have their first Saturday of class at Paccar Hall. TMMBA typically hosts one class per quarter on the Seattle Campus, which gives students an opportunity to see the other Foster Facilities and experience the campus environment. All morning, I’ve been listening to students ooh and ahh over Paccar Hall. “It’s like I’m back in my undergraduate days…” is a common comment from most.

Being on campus gives students a hands-on look at many other resources that TMMBA and the Foster School of Business provides for them.  Oftentimes, the 18 months of a TMMBA student go by so quickly that they forget to take a look around them and see what else is available outside of their classes.  I encourage all students to take advantage of these many benefits and resources:

  • Lounge for Foster MBA Students at Paccar

    Lounge for Foster MBA Students at Paccar

    Foster MBA Lounge and Access at Paccar Hall: With an activated Husky Card, students are able to access Paccar Hall, Dempsey Hall, and the MBA Lounge. Even when the Paccar Building is not open to the public, students are welcome to use the space for studying and group meetings. There’s even a dedicated space just for MBA students- the T-Mobile MBA Commons. This was a popular tour stop for our students today, and no- it does not come equipped with cigars and smoking jackets. It’s a study lounge- not to be confused with students other after-class haunts.

  • IMA (Intramurals Activity Building) – I was happy to hear today that a few students have already been working up a sweat at the IMA (only prompted in small part to the TMMBA ice cream cooler I’m sure). With a Husky Card, TMMBA students are allowed access to their fitness center and courts. UW Recreational Sports programs also provides the WAC (Waterfront Activities Center) where there are discounts available on canoe and rowboat rentals.

Husky Stadium

  • While we’re on the topic of fitness and sports, TMMBA students are always eligible for student tickets to Husky Athletic Events.  Some sporting events (baseball, volleyball, soccer) are free with a husky card, while others (men’s basketball, football) are subject to additional, discounted costs. Student tickets go fast for these events, so make sure to plan ahead for season or single-game tickets.
  •  UPass: Every UW student has a UPass which comes with their Husky Card. The U-PASS provides students with a variety of low-cost transportation options—from buses, commuter train service and light rail, to vanpooling and discounted carpooling. No activation required- once you get your Husky Card you’re ready to ride.
  • Foster Centers and Events:  The various Centers, including the Business and Economic Development Center, the Center for Leadership and Strategic Thinking, The Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Global Business Center- all welcome involvement from TMMBA students. Foster also hosts events, like the Leaders to Legends Breakfast Series and Meet-the-Firms. For an updated list of events, take a look at the Foster Calendar.
  • Finally, one of the advantages of being a student at the University of Washington is the world-class library system available for use. Today, a representative from the Foster Business School library came to speak to students about the amenities at their location in Paccar Hall. Available to students are recent business publications, database access, librarian assistance and much more. Whether it’s the Foster Library or one of the many other University Libraries, these student resources are not to be forgotten.

Husky Card

As you can see- many of these resources require a student to have their Husky Card. Getting a Husky Card is free to students, and only requires a visit to the Husky Card Offices. Other Husky Card benefits include discounts from a variety of merchants, free admission to UW Museums, access to UW Zip Cars, and many more.

In writing this, I know that there are still many other UW/Foster/TMMBA resources that I am not mentioning. From business cards to MBA clubs, to TMMBA Career Services and sponsorship affiliations, there’s always more to get out of the TMMBA experience. Hopefully, sometime between classes and homework and team meetings, our students will find time to take advantage of them all! Because TMMBA students always need one more thing to add to the to-do list…

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TMMBA + Seattle 2.0 Startup Day = winning combination for entrepreneurs!

Friday, September 21st, 2012

Written by:  Tracy Gojdics, Director & 2007 TMMBA alumnus

The UW Foster Technology Management MBA Program (TMMBA) is a premier sponsor for the 2012 Seattle 2.0 Startup Day on September 22 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue.  In fact, this is the third year we will have a presence at this one-of-kind conference designed to inspire, inform and bring together budding entrepreneurs as well as veteran entrepreneurs.

Why do we like to sponsor this event? 

  • We have a growing student and alumni network full of entrepreneurs.
  • 50+% of  TMMBA applicants want to start their own company.
  • Aligns with our mission to educate, inspire and support the aspirations of our TMMBA community.
  • We are fans of Geekwire!

I often get asked, “Does an entrepreneur really need an MBA?”   The answer is “it depends.”  It depends on business knowledge and experience, the kinds of issues and business problems one has been exposed to (and tried to solve!) and how deeply one understands strategy, microeconomic and macroeconomic factors, finance and market risk.  For some they will have a solid understanding of all of these areas, but the vast majority of people do not – this is when a well-rounded MBA experience is an asset worth having.  The time and investment of an MBA is small when compared to the great ROI with the ability to achieve a dream – strategically and intelligently!

TMMBA has the honor introducing the following speakers at the conference:

Adam Tratt – CEO, Giant Thinkwell / HaikuDeck (10am)
Brenda Spoonemore, Co-founder and CEO Dwellable  (3:25pm)

Here is a complete list of speakers and activities for the 2012 Seattle 2.0 Startup Day.  We will have a booth there as well – stop by to say hi to Ally and Tina. As always, we look forward to seeing TMMBA students and alumni at the event and meeting new and interesting people!

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Monday Myths: Part III

Monday, August 27th, 2012
Ally Wewers, TMMBA Program Coordinator
 
TMMBA Mythbusters

It’s the Monday you’ve all been waiting for- our final Mythbuster post of this series. Our first Monday Mythbuster post covered GMAT Scores and when to submit your application, while last Monday’s post tackled misconceptions about managerial experience and letters of recommendation. To wrap it all up, I’ve got three more TMMBA Myths for you- right in time for our September 1 final application deadline. If you’re still thinking about applying, we look forward to reviewing your application. Waiting for next year? That’s fine too- hopefully these myths help you get to the bottom of the application process.

TMMBA Admissions is a science guided by formulas:

 “ [ (GMAT x 3) + (50 - Work Experience) + (Recommendations/2 + GPA) ] / 3.333”

Truth: That equation above is not our formula – and you won’t find one here at TMMBA. We don’t believe in complicated ranking scales and unintelligible formulas to choose an incoming class. Admission is not a science. There are too many obscure, qualitative, immeasurable aspects to arrive at a simple number. Besides, if we could do that, wouldn’t the Admissions team just be replaced by automated computing systems?

Bottom Line: Prospective students aren’t reduced to simple stats during the application process. Every application is different, and has different strengths and weakness which are not explained by numbers and formulaic criteria. The TMMBA selection process is holistic, and based on a variety of factors.

English Majors need not apply

 

Truth: Who is going to write the papers if we don’t admit English majors?   We’ve had students who have studied English, History, Communications, Archaeology, Theatre & Film and over 15 other major fields of study.  Varied educational backgrounds enrich the class as a whole, and we strive for diversity with every class we admit.

Bottom Line: One certain major won’t prevent you from getting into the program. Rather, it is your performance while obtaining that major, and what you’ve done with your degree, that will truly influence your admissions decision.

Admissions interviews don’t really count- they already know enough about me from my file.

 

Truth: Not so- there’s a large interpersonal component that doesn’t come through in your paper application. We spend time to meet with prospective students for a reason! Your interviewer is paying close attention to your interpersonal skills, the answers to your questions, your ability to explain your achievements, and much more. TMMBA is a very personal MBA program- and the interview is a critical, personalized aspect to compliment your application.

Bottom Line: Put your best foot forward in your interview. It’s an essential component to a strong application and admittance into the program.

 

And with that, it’s time to put the myth-busting to rest for a while. I hope these past few Mondays have given you some insight into the “truth” about TMMBA admissions. Don’t forget: if you ever have a question about the Admission process- or anything TMMBA for that matter- feel free to send us an email (tmmba@uw.edu) or give us a call (206.221.6914). We’re always here to straighten out the truth.

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Monday Myths: Part II

Monday, August 20th, 2012
Ally Wewers, TMMBA Program Coordinator
 
TMMBA Mythbusters

Happy Monday Mythbusters! Today we tackle two more common TMMBA Myths- one regarding leadership experience, and the other about the letters of recommendation. Take a look at last week’s Myth #s 1 and 2 for even more myth de-bunking. As always, leave us a comment or e-mail (tmmba@uw.edu) if you have any myths you need solving.

 Masters of Business Administration? I won’t be admitted unless I have managerial experience!

 

Truth: While it may seem contradictory, formal management experience is not required for admission into TMMBA. To us, applying for your MBA signals a desire to gain the tools necessary for effective leadership. We do strongly encourage showing examples of leadership in your application; whether it is in your career, in a volunteer capacity or in other areas. As criteria for admission, we look at leadership potential and the motivation to develop these skills.

Bottom Line: You may not have the title or the legions of direct reports, but that’s not a problem for your TMMBA application. Getting your MBA means you’re working towards becoming a leader- show us your potential in the TMMBA application.

 

Getting a CEO to write my letter of recommendation means a lot more than a lower level manager.

Truth: There’s no checkbox that we mark for “esteemed status” when we see your recommender’s name and title. We only require a recommendation from your current supervisor and a professional reference. To the admissions team, status and title don’t matter as much as quality of the recommendation. It’s not who you know- but who really knows YOU. We’d rather have Joe Smith- your colleague for seven years- write a thorough and detailed recommendation than a short, vague statement by Jeff Bezos.

Bottom Line: Don’t get hung up on the name and title of your recommender. Select someone who will give the most comprehensive insight about you as an applicant.

 

Still have questions about the application process? Take a look at the Application Requirements for more information. See you next week when we straighten out two more common admissions myths!

 

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The SWOT analysis essay and the four questions we are (really) asking – Tracy Gojdics, Director & Class of 2007

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012

SWOT image

One of the application essay questions asks applicants to analyze their career using the SWOT technique.   As a student you’ll become quite comfortable with SWOT analyses, but as an applicant it can be a bit confusing.  The information below is provided to help you as you think about to write for this required essay question.   We’ve taken the S, W, O and T and translated them to the four questions we are really asking.   I hope this helps as you contemplate your essay.   Upon completion you’ll not only feel better about having the essay done, but you’ll have a great career analysis to boot!

 

 

1.    S = your strengths.   Your strengths = what are your competitive advantages?

You will want to convey what you think your 3-5 competitive advantages/strengths are in thinking about your career and where it is today.  Be sure to explain each.

Ex:  I am a skillful negotiator.  I have negotiated numerous important contracts for my organization, which have resulted in lower costs and increased services from our vendor partners.   While negotiating contracts is part of my job, it is also something I enjoy doing and have mentored others in my organization through the negotiating process.

2.   W = your weaknesses.  Your weaknesses = What do you need to improve?

The admissions committee isn’t looking at your “weaknesses” so much as they are looking for whether or not you know what you need to improve as it relates to your career.   You should discuss 3-5 areas for improvement.

Ex:   I’m not a strong public speaker.   Giving presentations is something that I have been working on for the past year as I am sometimes asked to give presentations to various groups.  I get very nervous and am not super comfortable presenting, but recognizing this I have enrolled in a corporate class on giving better presentations.  

3.  O = Opportunities.    Your opportunities = how can you enhance or advance your career?

Unlike strengths or weaknesses, opportunities come from your external environment. You might think that “getting an MBA” is the answer we are looking for, but you’d be wrong.  Advancing your career means being proactive.  How are you being proactive with your career?  Discuss 3-5 things you are doing or could do to enhance or advance your career.

Ex:  Attend targeted association meetings.   Because I am interested in Product Management I have attended several speaker events and workshops through the Product Management Consortium.  Attending these events has also broadened my professional network.  

4.  T = Threats.   Threats = what could derail your career?

Just as with opportunities, threats come from your external environment.   The economy may always be a threat, but how is it a threat?  What else might be a threat?  Think about your product or service, your competitors, your customers, the global landscape or your industry as a whole.  These are just a few ideas to help get you started.  List and discuss 3-5 things that have or could derail your career.

Ex:   Our customers decide to go with another provider.  As budgets get tighter and margins begin to shrink, many of our corporate customers are talking with multiple vendors and are no longer willing to stay with our company just because that is what they have been doing.   The competition is fierce and losing customers would mean deep cuts to our organization and my unit in particular.

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Khan Academy – my favorite website (and pastime) for 2011 (Tracy Gojdics, Director TMMBA)

Monday, November 28th, 2011

Have a hard time remembering exactly how things work  or exactly how to explain something?  Then you’ll want to check out my favorite website for 2011!

Chances are good if we have talked for any length of time in the past month that I have probably mentioned the entreprenuerial venture Khan Academy (KA).  I am one of its biggest fans (along with Bill Gates).  I first became aware of KA during the 2011 Eastside Leadership Conference hosted by the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce.  During the conference they featured innovators/leaders in the education space with companies such as DreamBox Learning and KA.  For KA  they showed a Ted talk featuring Salmon Khan where Khan discusses the use of  video to reinvent the classroom (also referred to as “flipping the classroom”).  I have been hooked on KA ever since.   

There is so much to learn via KA - from GMAT Prep to Organic Chemistry to Statistics to the Credit Crisis.  I have learned something about all of these subjects, I am by no means an expert.  In fact, I find that sometimes it can be difficult for me to explain concepts such as confidence variables or currency trading to others.  I know that I know the basics and  maybe more than some given the rigorous TMMBA curriculum, but watching the 10-12 minute video segments has really helped to cement my learning. 

The videos are not for everyone as you do have to watch them instead of just listen, but I really recommend giving them a shot.  Some of the topic areas will make a wonderful supplement to your in-classroom learning.   For me,  they have served as a great refresher for subjects and topics I’ve learned  over the years and best of all -  KA is free. 

Some people wonder where I find the time to watch these videos.  Good question.   I usually read for an hour every night.  Now I read for 30 minutes and watch 3 videos.  I’m up to 4 books and 30 videos since October.   Check out my favorite website for 2011 and leave me a comment with your thoughts.   

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Takeaways from Pitch, Don’t Spin: How to Create Buzz Around your Start-up

Sunday, October 16th, 2011

Rae Wang, TMMBA Class of 2003

TMMBA sponsored an MIT Enterprise Forum Northwest entrepreneur meet up last night, the topic was Pitch Don’t Spin.  I was very excited that the TMMBA program reached out to the community to connect with other tech enthusiasts, meanwhile making such events available us, the alums, to attend.  I have a two years old startup and customer acquisition through new media is always on my marketing agenda, so this topic caught my interest right away.

The panel consisted of the co-founder of GeekWire, Founder of Newsvine, editor of Seattle Business Magazine, Seattle Times Technology Columnist, and the senior editor of Xconomy.  They gave us a wide range of opinions on how to approach media in this new media age. General challenges in the tech media today are:

  • Too much information is flowing around
  • A lot of people are writing
  • New media and old media provide a lot of choices for entrepreneurs, it can get overwhelming

The panel presented very interesting points and suggestions on how tech entrepreneurs can effectively tackle these challenges:

  • Be authentic, be honest, and be yourself
  • Sell your true story not your credentials
  • Have a story: just because you have an app, it does not mean you have an interesting story
  • Explain your technology in layman terms
  • Get the reporters interested in you
  • Know your audience and use the correct channel to pitch: no need to do Twitter etc if nobody reads it
  • Get your interesting nuggets of news prepared ahead of time before meeting the press
  • Rethink press release and don’t be afraid to use new media, such as emails

If you would like to learn more about this event, my fellow note taker over at fireundereverybutt.com posted a visual note from the event. Check it out at http://fireundereverybutt.com/visual-note-taking/.

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Bye Bye Summer and Hello Fall Quarter

Friday, September 16th, 2011

Wei Huang TMMBA Class 11

Summer quarter ended on August 28, 2011 when our Macro Economics and Marketing exams were due. Now, there is a nice break before fall quarter, which starts on September 22 to 24 for the Monday section and September 29 to October 1.

Fall quarter 2011 will have a new twist. Every student will have new teams. There was an option for students in the Monday section to move over to the Wednesday section and vice-versa. A total of 6 students from each section swapped sections so a total of 12 students from both sections. Come to think of it, this sounds like reality TV show. We are all going to have all new study mates and some will have all new sections.

I am one of those students who will be switching sections. Originally, I was in the Wednesday section and I will be moving to the Monday section.  It will be interesting to see Monday class’s culture and inside jokes.  Honestly, I’m a bit reserved because I have been so comfortable with the Wednesday class.  It’s going to feel like going back to school again.  At the same time, I’m going to meet new people.  I know most of the Monday class students but not all of them.  Someone once said ‘Get comfortable with the uncomfortable.”  I take this quote to heart in these situations.

September 22, we start the Fall quarter with the Leadership Immersion on enhancing our leadership skills.  This is a 3 hours on Thursday and 8 hrs each on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  We had something similar when we started.  It was great to work with my current team (C5).  As I type, I just forgot I need to turn in homework today.  It’s a set of questions that will determine what my leadership style is.  Ok, got go…

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