Experiences in the Executive MBA Program

I contemplated getting my MBA for quite a while.  After moving back to Rochester in 2004, I spent a lot of time researching and gathering information about all of the local MBA programs. Folks in the Upstate NY region are lucky to have so many great options.  What I found going through the process is that every program has their unique strengths, weaknesses and specialties. The turning point for me was when I focused on being completely self-aware about who I was and what I wanted to accomplish moving forward.

For myself, there was something that felt special about the RIT E. Philip Saunders EMBA program.  Maybe it was because I have a passion not just for business but innovation, technology and design.  Perhaps it was the excitement of the student innovation center, startup incubators and the new global village supporting the entrepreneurial and global mission of RIT available to all students and alumni.  Whatever it was, it just felt right.

I’m now beginning the eighth month of the program and it has lived up to and often exceeded my expectations.  Here are some quick insights of my experience so far:

Professors and Faculty:  Top notch in every respect.  Everyone to date has been passionate experts about the subject matter, typically has a strong blend of academic and real world experience while respecting and caring about creating relationships with the EMBA students. Classes are not boring lectures, they are interactive and stimulating.  The primary reason it may be tough to get through a class is sleep deprivation.

Workload:  Do not think this program is a walk in the park.  It’s incredibly demanding.  Outside of class, I put in at least an additional 20 – 30 hours a week reading case studies, writing papers, individual assignments and group projects.  After eight months, it has already transformed the way I think and make decisions.  I’m also applying just about everything I’m learning immediately at work.

Classmates & Networking:  I can say for a fact that I have established professional relationships and friendships that will last the rest of my life.  You not only have the professors and faculty but a group of amazing classmates from varying backgrounds that provide different points of view and experiences.  I can’t say enough good things about my classmates.

In addition, alumni and business community leaders are around from time to time.  Several weeks ago, I was at lunch sitting with RIT President Bill Destler, Home Properties CEO Edward Pettinella, the Schools namesake E. Philip Saunders and legendary accounting professor Dr. Dan Tessoni.  You look around and say to yourself this is awesome.  How else would I get this kind of exposure in such an informal setting?  As real business opportunities present themselves, these influential business leaders are a phone call or e-mail away.  Whether it be for advice, business partnerships or prospective customers the seeds are planted for those opportunities you just can’t plan for.

I look forward to providing additional experiences throughout the program.  In the meantime, feel free to connect with me via e-mail, Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter if you would like to discuss the RIT EMBA program or anything else for that matter.

Anthony

E-mail: anthony.barone@excellus.com
LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonybarrybarone
Facebook:  Anthony Barone, Rochester, NY
Twitter:  abarone
RIT Saunders EMBA:  http://saunders.rit.edu/executive

As of today, we are now half way through this quarter and half way through the program.  How does it feel?  What is your thoughts on writing cases?

All the classes this quarter are using case analysis.  This kind of work is new to me.  My undergrad is in Engineering so I am used to doing more problem based homework such as calculus and physics, where there are rigtht and wrong answers.  With case analysis however, we have to read a case, and then give an analysis on the case.  So there is no right or wrong answer as long as you use the material in the texts and learned in class to defend your recommendations.  

I had a real hard time writing my first case analysis, but the more I do the easier they become.  I also like it because I can use my own experiences and point of view to come up with a unique solution to the problems that the company in the case is having.  My group meets once a week to go over the cases that are assigned for the following week.  We usually discuss what we think the problems are and possible courses of action the company should take to address these problems.  I was surprised at the different points of view that my teammates have on these same issues.  It lets me look at the case from a different point of view.  Sometimes I even change my opinion of what to do in the case based on my teammates points of views.  In class we discuss the cases and even more points of views are discussed. 

I really like discussing the cases in class, but I don’t like writing the analysis at all.  I don’t think that I have ever written a paper longer than 4 pages, and these analysis are so in depth that it sometimes takes 10 to 14 pages to write them.  I have been utilizing the writing coach that is provided with the program and it makes this much easier and I’m even starting to become a better writer. 

I better get back to writing my cases, I’m going to hand in 5 this week!!!!  I miss TV.

I have been thinking about ways that EMBA class XVI could start to give back to the community.  I looked at several non-profit organizations and found one that hit close to home for me, the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County.  (more…)

This weekends class seemed to go by pretty quick.  We had to hand in a couple of papers and my team was also involved in two presentations.  I also liked that we had garbage plates for lunch.  A couple of people requested them and there they were!  I even liked the meaty hot sauce so much that I was thinking about putting some in a cup so that I could (more…)

A bunch of us went out to unwind and get some food after class on Friday and had some good times.  It was a pretty good turnout and we had almost 40% of the class come.  It is good to get to know some of my classmates in a non class atmosphere and I am really starting to form some close friendships with a lot of these people.   Next week will probably go to MacGregors so come out and have some fun with your classmates!  I hope to see all of you there!