Bikes, Blues, and BBQ

While living in COMO (Columbia, MO), my good friend and coworker, Chris Sullivan, introduced me to motorcycles. Of course, I knew what they were. However, I never though I would ride one. After riding around Missouri for the first time, I fell in love with motorcycles. It is actually a very relaxing experience when you are on the open road. I can’t wait to take lessons and buy a motorcycle of my own. Thanks Chris! This post is dedicated to you!

Last weekend, I attended Bikes, Blues, and BBQ Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. There must have been a magnet on Dickson that kept pulling me back.

Bikers drove up and down Dickson Street all weekend.

Bikes, Blues, and BBQ started in 2000. It is now one of the fastest growing and largest “open” motorcycle rallies in the country. It is held in Fayetteville, AR each year. Not only do bikers get to come together to ride, some of the proceeds from the event benefit local charities.

One of the many bikes that stood out to me…

Loved this one!

I guess the bunnies got the memo that it was an “open” rally.

I also found this rare treasure…

Red velvet funnel cake with cream cheese icing.

Fall Semester: Books, Clubs and Football

School has been in session for almost a month. I have to admit, fall semesters are my favorite. Not only do I get to take interesting classes this semester,but it’s FOOTBALL SEASON!!!! So far, Arkansas is 3-0. (Something told me this would be the perfect week to celebrate our winning streak. It may or may not have to do with the fact that we start playing teams in our conference very soon.) This will be a tough season for us. However, that will not stop me from calling the hogs each game day.

Go Hogs!!!! Woo Pig Sooie! Arkansas Razorbacks!

ACADEMICS:

This semester, I am taking the following four classes:

1. Accounting for Supply Chain and Retail

2. Managing & Leading Organizations

3. Ethical Decision Making

4. Shopper,Buyer and Consumer Behavior

In addition to my classes, I still work 15 hours a week at Land O’Lakes. I have been able to gain various valuable skills over the past few months. This opportunity truly helps set the University of Arkansas apart from other universities.

EXTRACURRICULAR:

Last semester, I was the vice president of S.L.A.M. (Supply, Logistics, and Marketing) Club. This semester, I am the president of this organization. I was able to plan the first event this semester. It turned out to be a success. Our club hosted a marketing panel for graduate and undergraduate students. The panel members have backgrounds in sales, shopper insights, strategy, product development, and category management. The goal of the event was to assist students in learning about potential career paths.

This is the flyer I created for the event.

Guest Blog Entry by Alex St. Amour – Studying Abroad: India 2013

The Walton College’s Business in India Study Abroad Program has been offered for five years and counting to students in the full-time MBA program. It is a three week visit to India that includes visits to businesses in India, interaction with people from all over the country, two safaris, and most importantly, a deep educational immersion into one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

On one of the safaris

The Business in India Program is led by the Director of the MBA program, Dr. Vikas Anand, and Dr. Alan Ellstrand, the Charles C. Fichtner Chair in Management and Chair of the Management Department at the Walton College of Business. Both Drs. Ellstrand and Anand are seasoned hands at travelling to India which you quickly realize through their five required day-long classes you take in the Spring semester to learn about India. In the classes, the students learn about the history, culture, people, politics, and etiquette related to India. These classes were invaluable when we finally arrived in India and we were well equipped with the knowledge required get the most out of our visit.

The Business in India program begins in Delhi and ends in Bangalore. In Delhi, we visited with MBA students from the Walton College’s partner Business School, the Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB), and carried out projects that involved conducting market research with Indian consumers. In addition, we broke into teams with the FIIB students and carried out a version of “Amazing Race” that involved travelling around Delhi on rickshaw, subway, and train. This was a highlight of the trip as it allowed us to forge bonds with the FIIB students and further learn the importance of team work and communication in a global setting.

Between Delhi and Bangalore, we visited the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Corbett National Park and the Himalayas. As expected, the Taj Mahal did not disappoint. It is truly a world treasure one must visit in person to appreciate. Another highlight included hiking in the Himalayas, where we visited a temple and received a lecture that included important life lessons from a Sadhu (mendicant) at several thousand feet above sea level.

Visiting the Taj Mahal

Group Photo at the Himalayas

During our final week we travelled to Bangalore. Our group visited several businesses including Tyson, Toyota, Wipro, A.C. Nielsen, and a call center. Each provided our group with strong insight into how large corporations operate in India’s business environment. In addition, our group spent a day at the Sumangli Ashram, an important charity that provides an education and home to young Indian girls and women who come from broken homes. This day was a program highlight because it allowed our group to not only visit India, but give back in an important way to children in need of many basic necessities. From visiting the Ashram to sitting in on calls from the United States at a call center and from seeing a tiger from less than 50 yards to receiving a first rate education on India’s economy, Dr. Anand and Dr. Ellstrand provide a once in a lifetime experience for the Walton College students that participated and most importantly, a lasting connection to this beautiful and inspiring subcontinent.

Company visit to Tata.

At the Sumangli Ashram

****************************************************************************************************************

Thank you Alex for sharing your experiences in India! – Carmen

Alex St. Amour – MBA Class of 2014

Scorpions, Squids and Spiders….Oh my!

What a summer! I had an amazing time in China. I previously shared my experiences from my first week in Suzhou. However, there is still more to tell. The best way to share my experiences is through photos. I spent a total of three weeks in China. After leaving Suzhou, I traveled to Hong Kong. Below are some of the sights I saw when riding on the double-decker bus from the airport to the hotel.

Another double-decker traveling ahead of us

Beautiful bridge

About to go through the tunnel

Nice tunnel shot

Hong Kong

Residential buildings

Game time!

The scenery as we got closer to our hotel

During our first night in Hong Kong, we decided to go somewhere to eat that was familiar. You can’t go wrong with McDonald’s, right? I was able to get my regular fish fillet sandwich with fries. However, the Hong Kong menu did differ some from the U.S.

In Hong Kong, the currency is Hong Kong dollars. A meal that costs 30 Hong Kong dollars is a little over 4 US dollars. Not a bad deal!

The items on the far left are very similar to what is offered in the US.

Same name – Different target market – Understanding your audience is important

While in Hong Kong, we had a day dedicated to business visits and one dedicated to exploring the sites. We visited Goodmark-Asia Limited (http://www.goodmark-asia.com/) and Li & Fung Limited (http://www.lifung.com/eng/company/). I truly enjoyed learning more about each business and how each company was able to operate successfully in Asia.

The front desk at Goodmark Asia Ltd.

Group picture at Goodmark Asia Ltd.

Group picture at Li & Fung Ltd. I absolutely loved this company and their facilities.

My favorite sightseeing excursion was Victoria’s Peak. The view was breathtaking. We took as much time as we could to take it all in before the rain decided to make an appearance.

Next Stop: Shenzhen & Guangzhou

In Shenzhen & Guangzhou, we were able to make company visits. For example, we visited Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club.

Wal-Mart’s Corporate office in Shenzhen

Group Photo

We visited the Wal-Mart DC

We stopped for a group picture during the tour.

We were able to check out how the Sam’s Club in the United States differs from China.

Exhibit A: There was a wet market inside of the Sam’s club. When I saw this layout, it gave the word “fresh food” a whole new meaning.

    In addition to business visits, we were able to experience more of the culture in Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

The Lotus Pagoda

Temple

Took a sightseeing cruise in Guangzhou

Another boat passing us by…

This bridge was beautiful.

The last legs of the trip: Beijing and Shanghai

At the Temple of Heaven in Beijing

Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

I love the attention to detail.

Sightseeing

On our way up to see the Great Wall

With Marsha and Maria

I absolutely loved our tour guide Frank!!!!

At the Olympic Park in Beijing

The Bird’s Nest at Beijing Olympic Park

Loved this statue

Chinese dining

We were able to take a cooking class. This was the first dish I made with my helper, Paul.

Snack Market – Beijing.

Spiders anyone?

At the snack market in Beijing

Frank is such a brave soul. He ate a scorpion.

At the Great Wall of China

It was foggy but the Great Wall of China was beautiful.

Tiananmen Square

Another view from Tiananmen Square

At a garden

I was born in the year of the dragon.

The best meal I had in China. It was at a restaurant near the Great Wall.

We went to a play.

With Marsha

More sightseeing

Coming to China

The Journey to China:

Right after my finals, I drove down to Little Rock, AR for a few days to spend time with people I truly care about. I hadn’t been back home since January. It felt really good to be home again. Below is one of my favorite pictures from the weekend.

With my beautiful niece Alise at the River Market on a Saturday morning

On May 12, I started my journey to China. My mother dropped me off at the Bill and Hilary Clinton International Airport in Little Rock, AR around 4 am. I knew I was up too early when I made it to the airport before majority of the TSA and airline employees. Thankfully, everything ran smoothly that morning. I left Little Rock around 6:20am to head to Dallas. I had a layover for a few hours in Dallas. This gave me an opportunity to study my Mandarin course. As a part of the program, each student was required to complete a 15 hour language course on Mandarin. I have the utmost respect for any American that can speak Mandarin fluently. It is a very complex language with four tones. I could not look at the spelling of a word and sound it out. For example, in order to say thank you in Mandarin one would say Xièxiè. The pronunciation is Shi-eh Shi-eh.

Once I arrived in Los Angeles from Dallas, it finally started to set in that I was about to leave for China. I had been talking about going on the trip for a while. However, it didn’t really hit me until I started to board the last leg of my flight. The flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai was approximately 13 hours.

Just landed in Shanghai

This is the vehicle we rode in to get to Suzhou from the airport in Shanghai. If I remember correctly, it was a two-hour drive.

Week One: May 12-18

During my first week abroad, I stayed in Suzhou. The University of Arkansas’ relationship with Suzhou University allowed us the opportunity to meet with faculty and students. The faculty provided insightful lectures on China’s history, culture, economy, and current challenges. The students were so friendly and eager to educate us on their life experiences and culture. They were very eager to learn about life in America.  Below are a few pictures from my week at the University.

The lotus flower shaped library

My view from the top of the library

Group picture with some of the students at Suzhou University

In addition to our daily visits to the university, we were able to visit the Suzhou Museum, Pingjiang Road, downtown and the Humble Administrator’s Garden.  Below are some pictures from these experiences:

At the Suzhou Museum

Suzhou Museum

Suzhou Museum

Celebration outside of the garden

In the garden

Our lovely translator and guide, Meng Chen

WINNING!

Wow, I can’t believe that this semester is almost over. I am officially done with classes. Next week, I will be taking my finals and heading to China. I am very excited! Before I go, I want to catch you up on my life.

March Madness Update:

I’m not one to brag BUT…I won! Louisville came through for me on one of my brackets. Thank you Dr. Jandik for teaching me about diversifying my risks.

SEC Case Competition (April 11-13):

SEC Case Competition 2013
(Hosting University: University of Missouri)

This past February, faculty and staff selected me to represent the University of Arkansas in the inaugural Southeastern Conference (SEC) MBA Case Competition. This competition was developed to show the world that the SEC can be known for more than just sports.  The event was hosted by the Crosby MBA Program at the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business. Four MBA students from each of the 14 SEC schools were selected to compete on April 13. I felt extremely honored to be given this opportunity. Not only was I the only female in my group, I was also the only first year student.

Team Arkansas
(Left to right: Saif Mir, Carmen Williamson, Dr. Rebel Smith, Dr. Marion Dunagan, Bin Li, Chris Reed)

During the first night, most of our time was spent touring the Clinton Club and mingling with students from other universities. The next morning after breakfast, we were given our case studies. We had from 10 a.m. on April 12 until 7 a.m. on April 13 to complete our case study presentation slides and submit it to the officials. Although I can’t go into details of the case, I can tell you that it was a live case study on AT&T. Besides taking time for lunch and dinner on campus, my group and I worked nonstop on our case. I got 2.5 hours of sleep. For those that know me well, I truly value my sleep. However, I had to take one for the team. The hard work and dedication paid off. I won an award for the best Q&A in my division. My group made it past the first round and won 2nd place overall! First place went to the University of Florida. Third place went to Texas A&M. Everyone did an amazing job.

Awards

Being presented a check for $5,000

Accepting my individual award

Happy Birthday!!

I turned 25 this month. I can’t say I feel any older. However, I did feel the love on my birthday. After class, my coworkers treated me to Shogun’s in Bentonville. I love going to hibachi restaurants. Later that night, a group of friends came to celebrate my birthday with me at Red Lobster.

Red Lobster

They all came to celebrate my day.

Red & White Game

So we have already established that I LOVE my hogs. I was very excited to attend the red and white game this year. This was my first time in the football stadium. That’s our secret. I try not to make that a known fact. The view was amazing! Check out the sea of red below. I cannot wait for football season this year. I plan to go to as many games as I can.

With another huge hog fan

In the stadium

Here come the football players…

John Legend

My experiences at the University of Arkansas keep getting better and better. The student-sponsored Distinguished Lecture Series host an “Evening with John Legend”. This event was free to students and the public. Mr. Legend spoke to us about his views on education. He even sang five songs for us. His voice is so beautiful.

John Legend

And the Countdown Begins…

Extended winter Spring Break is officially over. During my break, I chose to work full-time at Land O’ Lakes. By working 40 hours a week compared to 15 hours, I was able to gain more insight into the sales field. I was able to work on projects for Customer Development Managers and attend meetings. The projects I was assigned helped me to gain more confidence in RetailLink. RetailLink is a decision support system that acts as a bridge between Wal-mart and its suppliers. If you plan to work in retail and sales in NWA, it is an essential skill to have.

Since I did not leave NWA, I decided to explore what it has to offer a little more. Below are some pictures from my visit to Crystal Bridges.

Crystal Bridges Entrance

Admiring the art

Beautiful Scenery

Picture this…

I want to try my best to keep you informed on the life of a MBA graduate student. Yes, academics consume a significant portion of my time. However, I still try to make time for other things. Below is a snapshot of what’s been going on with me lately.

MIDTERMS:

On my first day back from spring break, Dr. Kali greeted us with a midterm for Economics of Supply Chain and Retail Management. That was the last midterm of the semester. I can’t even express the joy I felt once my last midterm was over. The weeks leading up to our midterms were very demanding. Now, my peers and I can take a little breather before preparing to dive in for the home stretch. This semester will be over in less than two months. Time truly is flying.

MARCH MADNESS:

There’s no way I can end my March blogs without mentioning March Madness. The “madness” has been taken to another level this year. As I’ve mentioned before, I am very competitive. It hurts my heart to say this but my bracket is FAILING. I think I may have shed a tear when Georgetown went down. They were playing like they didn’t want to win. It felt like every time I blinked they were sending FGCU to the free throw line. Since the games start back tomorrow, I need Indiana or Louisville to pull through for me. Yes, I have two brackets. Dr. Jandik has been teaching us lately about diversifying risks. I am trying to apply that concept to other areas in my life. I hope that it pays off.

SCANDAL:

One of my favorite TV dramas is ABC’s Scandal. Kerry Washington (Olivia Pope) is a force to be reckoned with. She has people around the world wanting to be a gladiator in a suit. Thankfully, a new episode came on last week. This show is the highlight of my Thursday nights. ABC should not be allowed to go three weeks without playing a new episode of this show. If you have no idea what I am talking about, you are missing out. You should get on Netflix and start watching from Season 1.

ZUMBA:

This semester I have been extremely busy. I haven’t made as much time to work out as I would like. However, I did get a chance to attend a Zumba class at World Gym this week. Now that was a workout. I am looking forward to going again this week. Operation “Get Fit” is in full effect!

Well that’s all I have for now. I hope you make the most of the rest of your week.

Wise Words…

Finding My Place at the U of A

My New Home
Willard J. Walker Hall
University of Arkansas

Wow! This time last year, I had just finished taking the GMAT and started applying for graduate school. My brother that attends Howard University came to visit me in Columbia, MO for spring break. We thought it would be a great idea to visit NWA (Northwest Arkansas) to visit family. While on my trip, I was able to visit the University of Arkansas and speak with Rebel Smith, Associate Director of Admissions. She told me about everything the university had to offer and advised me to read the Walton MBA student blogs. The unique experiences of Walton MBA students set this program apart for me. It became clear that the U of A was where I needed to be. Who knew that this one trip would be a game changer? I am very happy with my choice. To have received a stipend and a graduate assistantship that waives my tuition each semester is just icing on the cake. Who wouldn’t love to have their graduate school education paid for at the school of their choice?

::crickets chirping::

Exactly!

After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis with a double major in Marketing and Human Resources, I wanted to obtain a career in either field. However, due to the economy, it was a challenge. Therefore, when I realized that I could get a quality education at an affordable price AND have a strong likelihood that I would be employed upon graduation in my field, I knew I found the right match. The Walton MBA program is ranked #2 by the U.S. News & World Report in graduates employed at graduation. If that isn’t impressive enough, another great thing about becoming a part of the Walton MBA program is being considered an “official” Razorback. No more holding down my hogs while being outnumbered by Mizzou and LSU fans at work. Don’t get me wrong, I truly enjoyed my coworkers. I just like that I can now yell, “Woooo Pig Soooie” and feel the love around me.

First game of the year
Arkansas vs. Vanderbilt
We won!

During my first week on campus, I had orientation. There were several events that helped me get to know my classmates, professors and staff. We were also given the opportunity to network with executives and participate in company visits. Close to the end of that week, each student was randomly placed in a group and assigned a case. We had a few hours to review the case and submit our presentation slides. The presentations were judged by faculty and potential employers. This is just one of the many opportunities you have to showcase your talent and network with potential employers. This year, my group won 2nd place in the case competition. I was very excited! Let’s just say I have a competitive side. 😉

As I stated before, I have a graduate assistantship. I was able to meet my employer at the case competition. I am currently working as a sales analyst intern at Land O’ Lakes. I work 15 hours a week during the school year and all summer at their regional office in Bentonville, AR. I have been working there for a month now and truly enjoy it. I just have to keep reminding myself, there is a learning curve. It’s ok if I don’t know everything just yet.

One thing I do know is that I am trying to make the most of my experiences in the Walton MBA program. In May, I am traveling to China for 3 weeks with the university. We will visit Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing. I cannot wait to tell you about those experiences. As far as campus involvement, I am a MBA Ambassador, member of Women in Logistics, and Vice President of the S.L.A.M. (Supply, Logistics, and Marketing) Club. S.L.A.M is a new club that was just chartered this year. It feels great to be able to say that I was a founding member in an organization at the University of Arkansas. We are committed to educating and raising awareness about the marketing and supply chain fields. We host speakers on campus and will provide numerous networking opportunities in the future. There are so many opportunities to get involved in on campus. Each person’s experience is what they make of it.

Walton MBA Class of 2014

If you are interested in applying for the Class of 2015, please apply soon! The deadline is April 1st if you want to be eligible for financial assistance.

http://gsb.uark.edu/appdeadlines.asp