Bachelor in Business - Carnegie Mellon University - (Winner)
Editors Note: This student story essay was selected as second place winner in BrainTrack's Business Schools Scholarship for Spring 2010. At the time of submittal, Christine Warner was studying for a Bachelor in Business Administration and Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.
Wishes Had Known | Program Likes/Dislikes | Choosing Business
What do you wish you had known about selecting and entering your business school that would be helpful to others going into business?
When I first entered the Tepper School of Business as a first-year student, I felt a bit overwhelmed and unsure of my place in the business school. As I was in the process of selecting Carnegie Mellon as my college destination, I realized that there would be many opportunities and resources available, but I was not aware of the immense number of opportunities available for first-year students in the business school. It was not until my sophomore year when I realized all the resources available that I had not previously taken advantage of. As a first-year student, I figured that most opportunities were mainly offered for the benefit of only upperclassmen, as I did not effectively gauge how many opportunities were also available for new students. As a result, I was not very immersed in the business school. As a sophomore, however, I have learned the importance of taking advantage of such resources, as so much can be gained outside of the classroom.
I have started attending lectures, and other business related events, while becoming a member of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). Within SIFE, I am part of a group of four other students who consult and advise a small, environmentally friendly computer business. I am personally responsible for locating grant money and planning a recycling day for used computers and monitors. Another inspirational highlight of my year thus far has been a lecture that I recently attended by Michael Kobold, founder of Kobold Watches, who was a graduate from Carnegie Mellon University. Telling his story of starting his business while still in college and his recent journey of climbing Mount Everest made me realize the importance of becoming a dedicated individual and in believing in oneself no matter the circumstances.
Being engaged in such activities outside of the classroom has helped me develop into a well-balanced and more experienced individual. I would advise other students who are going into business to take advantage of the various opportunities when they enter as first-year students and not to be overwhelmed by everything surrounding them. First-year students should make it a priority to become engaged in and to communicate with upperclassmen, as well as professors and career consultants, so as to ensure that they are utilizing all business resources available while making the most out of their first year. Through time and experience, all students find their niche and their place in the business world, and I believe that I am well on my way to finding mine.
What have you enjoyed most and least during your business degree program so far?
After one and a half years at Carnegie Mellon University, I have begun to mature as a future businesswoman and as a unique individual. Such growth has been due to the many interactions and connections I have formed with fellow students, as well as my professors, which has been my favorite aspect of my business school experience thus far. On a daily basis, I am surrounded by brilliant, diverse students who are not afraid to express their ideas, which creates an environment where students can learn from others. Being able to learn from other students allows me the opportunity to broaden my own mindset and to really appreciate what other business minds have to offer. I have been part of such a diverse group of students, and each and every day I have the opportunity to exchange ideas with them and to consider new perspectives from totally different but equally important points of view.
Forming relationships with professors has been such a rewarding and exhilarating experience for me. Not only do I have the opportunity to learn from such talented, informative professors, but I have also formed close ties with many of them. Meeting on a weekly basis with most of my professors, I have been presented with personal knowledge and inspiration while learning the importance of developing into a strong, inquisitive individual. These professors have pushed me to my limits and have encouraged me to break through barriers. Through such interactions, I have been able to grow and to broaden my horizons while forming a network with brilliant individuals who I can count on for advice and guidance.
Although my college experience has been extremely beneficial and stimulating, my least favorite part about the business program is the focus on core classes, such as history and English, rather than business classes throughout the first year and a half. Upon entering college, I figured that directly upon my arrival I would be immersed in business, but I do understand the necessity of building a strong foundation in areas other than business. For instance, communication is such an essential part of the business world, and the ability to effectively communicate often distinguishes a mediocre CEO from a top-notch CEO. At the time, I did not realize the importance of taking a class such as Interpretation and Argument, but now I am beginning to understand how essential that class was towards my progression as a businesswoman. Now as a second semester sophomore, the opportunities ahead of me in various business areas truly excite me. Having a stable foundation in other areas will help me in business and will guide me towards becoming a well-rounded individual.
What led you to choose business as a career path?
Ever since I was a child, I have been enticed by all aspects of business. As a young girl, I would accompany my father to his office, sitting in my own little desk and fantasizing of taking part in the various business activities surrounding me. During my early school years, mathematics was always my strong suite, and I developed a love and talent for effectively communicating and expressing my ideas to others. Due to such qualities that I developed at a young age, it was only natural for me to consider business when I entered high school and had the option of enrolling in business courses. I was eager to find out if business truly was an innate love and the right path for me.
After two years of accounting and one year of business management as well as various computer and mathematics classes, I knew that it would be a mistake if I did not choose business as my career path. Everything came to me naturally, and as I dedicated myself to becoming the best possible student I could, I found myself becoming interested in business on a deeper, more personal level. As a natural leader and encourager of my peers, the interactive and team building aspects of business as well as the individual focus on hard work particularly interested me. My innovative ideas as well as my methodical mindset strengthened my decision to follow business, as I was aware of the creativity but also the organization and meticulousness needed as a businesswoman.
Along with building knowledge about the concrete concepts of business, I was able to gain hands-on experience through a business leadership program at Bryant University. Appointed the accountant of my team, I had the task of effectively allocating our budget and making business decisions about our expenditures, enabling me to apply what I learned in the classroom to real life situations. Having the opportunity to immerse myself in business transactions and to experience the business world on a first-hand basis, I knew that my interest in business was very real and that I possessed a raw natural ability that I would be able to strengthen and further develop at the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University.