1st Semester vs. 2nd Semester Differences

So I have received a lot of questions about the difference between first and second semester. Well, it is really a difference between individual work and group work. Second semester is all about group work. We have group projects in Operations, HR, Economics, Brand Strategy, and Marketing Communications. Some are as easy as simply doing homework problems together, while some are as challenging as developing an IMC (integrated marketing communications, don't worry I didn't know what it meant either until the first day of class) from scratch for a client.

I would say there are fewer exams and only two midterms so that is manageable. However, getting together to meet for the group work is challenging. I spent most of this weekend going from one group meeting to another, but ultimately we are getting the work done. Since the groups are mostly cross functional (at least in the core classes), our schedules aren't always easy to coordinate. Luckily, I have a great group that works very well together and is willing to pick up the slack for each other.

Something that is specific for Brand students is the addition of a Nielsen training course for first years. Over the last three weeks, we have had three classes aimed at teaching us about Nielsen data and how to incorporate it into our internships. It all culminates tomorrow with group presentations. We have been divided into teams of four and challenged to analyze the last three years worth of data for Gold Medal Flour. The goal is to find some key insight that would lead to a marketing change for General Mills. Needless to say, this project is very difficult, but very practical. It will be interesting to see what each team comes up with.

I guess the other big difference between 1st and 2nd semester is the time that extracurricular activities take up. 2nd semester is the time that 1st years take over leadership positions in the various MBA organizations. Brand students are some of the more involved students on campus so our time is stretched particularly thin.

Brand Student Leadership positions:

GBA (Graduate Business Association): President; Vice President; Development Chair; Community Service Chair; 2nd Year Rep
GMN (Graduate Marketing Network): Co-President; Treasurer; Logistics/Communications Chair; GMN Challenge Chair
Net Impact: President; Treasurer; Webmaster; three Action Officers
Consortium Club: President
Out for Business: President

With only one week before spring break, I know that most of our minds are on warmer climates and umbrella drinks. It is only two midterms and a two group projects away.