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

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.

The YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County has been a beacon of help and hope for local women and families since 1883. Today, their programs focus on providing support for pregnant and parenting teens and their babies, and on offering a continuum of housing for women in need of all ages and family situations.

During these economic times it is especially hard on those that need assistance the most.  As leaders in the community we must not forget about those less fortunate and should try and do as much as possible to help these people out.  We must also give back to a community that has given us all so much.

I have been in contact with the YWCA and am currently trying to set something up where a representative can stop by during one of our lunches.  The main reason to have this person stop by is to let us know a little bit more about YWCA and it’s services and also to answer questions that any of you might have.  I will give you more information concerning this visit as it becomes available. 

So next weekends class I will be having a fundraiser of some sort for the YWCA.  Right now I’m thinking it will be either a 50-50 raffle or maybe a raffle with prizes.  So remember to bring some extra money, and I also wanted to thank in advance those of you who plan to donate to this cause.  If anyone else wants to become more involved please let me know. 

below is a link to the YWCA’s website.

YWCA website

My favorite part of the weekend had to be the team building field trip to one of our professor’s office during our break.  The office was not big enough for everyone that came so we entered in shifts.  It was very kind of him to show us where he works.  The trip was probably my favorite part of the weekend not because his office was anything special but because of the team building that went on, I actually spent most of the tour in the hallway with others.  Opportunities like these are a good way to get to know my professors and classmates more as people.  The conversations are always rich and diverse with a group like this.  I remember having a conversation with some people about what was better to drink out of; paper or plastic cups, and how much of the liquid actually gets absorbed by the paper cup, and how long that would take.  I also remember talking with others about my cd collection after seeing cds in the office.  Good Times.