Walton MBA Class of 2014- Welcome!

Over the past week, the Walton MBA class of 2014 met for orientation at the Walker hall. As always the faculty had done a awesome job of planing the orientation with information sessions, fun activities, some really awesome speakers, visits to company offices/distribution centers and a case competition. Orientation is a fun time when the students get to know each other better and start prepping for the fantastic journey that lies ahead. Since I am a student mentor I was lucky to be part of some of the activities. The energetic, smart and talented group of people had a blast as did we in welcoming them.

Walton MBA Class of 2014! 34 students.7 nationalities. Woo Hoo  or should I say WPS!

On Day 1 I got a chance a meet up with my mentees.  Someone pointed out that I only put up those pictures, on my blog, in which I look good. Well, I hope this proves them wrong. Most of the day was spent in ice breakers and getting to know the program better. 

Day 1 ended with dinner at Garden room. Walton MBA alumni  attended the dinner and answered questions posed by the  new students. At Walton ,I feel this is one of the biggest advantages the students have- NETWORKING, right from day one. 

The new class are bright and eager and kept the alumni panel on their toes with questions covering a variety of topics from what they should do right in class and what skills to work on to prepare for the job market.

On Day 2 students were split into a group for a scavenge hunt that took the students to  important landmarks in Fayetteville. The teams had to design a flag and come up with a cheer for their teams. This was a fun task

Teams presenting their cheers . On this day the students also got to know about the study abroad opportunities to  India and China  that they can be part of during summer.

During the scavenge hunt, I was waiting for the team at the campus Starbucks. The seven mentors in undisclosed locations had special tasks with extra points. 

Day 3 was Retail Immersion day and students visited the J B Hunt office, Walmart Distribution center and the World Trade Center. This is another fantastic networking opportunity that is only at Walton College of Business. Awesome business partners and a strategic location.- right in the backyard of  company head offices. In the picture John Roberts, Walton College Alumni, and CEO of JB hunt addresses the students at the JB Hunt office. 

Day 4 - This is a brainstorming day when the students are split into teams and given a  case that they have to prepare and submit by evening. The teams then present the case the next day in front of  a panel of illustrious judges. 

Day 5-  The teams presenting in front of the judges. The judges  comprised of  Walton college faculty and  representatives from companies like Wal-mart, Kelloggs, Land O'Lakes. The teams did a fantastic job in presenting a case within 24 hours. For some this was the first time that they were working on a case presentation. 

The winning team- Marsha, Jenna and Andrew. Congrats guys.

Classes start from tomorrow and I am looking forward to meet my classmates again. Last semester at Sam M. Walton College of  Business- " Here we come!"

Happy New Year

This winter I spent time with my brother and his family in California. It was supposed to be a quiet family time and while it was definitely "family time" my niece and nephew ensured that it was not so "quiet". The big highlights of the break were the visits to Disneyland and Universal  studios. The rides and the shows made me a kid all over again. I am in two minds as to whether I enjoyed the rides at Disneyland more or the fantastic 3 D shows in Universal. For now I will just call it a tie. The holiday was also a time to enjoy some home cooked meals and my sister in-law made sure that I had all my favorite Indian dishes all through the winter. After the break I am fully recharged and looking forward to my last semester in the Walton MBA Program.

At Universal Studios I met with Bumblebee and he actually wanted a picture  with me.  I did give a few pointers as to how to deal with Megatron. Now if only he listens!

My Brother Kaif, his wife Tasnim and the kids Sanna and Zoran at  Snow Whites's Castle in Disneyland.

A major attraction, in Disneyland, for the kids was the Christmas Parade. Is it me or is Cinderella's step sister more beautiful?

Like I said - There was no "Quiet Time". At the Universal Studios.

Zoran with his friends. I am sorry I cannot introduce you to them. I just know Scooby. 

Sanna did not want to be clicked with her brother.

Another family member-  Frankenstein. 

A most memorable Christmas with the worlds best brother and  his family.  

Its been exactly a year, give or take a few hours, that I first lay eyes on the University of Arkansas the campus.Over the past year the campus has grown on me and I was looking forward to meeting my classmates after the month long break. The faculty at the Walton MBA program is busy preparing for the orientation program for the incoming Class of 2014. You can get more information about the incoming class from Rebels blog. As a student mentor I will be participating in some of the events and I am looking forward to meeting everyone. Yesterday co-mentor Sara and I met a few incoming students and were blown over by their excitement and passion.

Clockwise- Sara, myself, Mai, Katy, Carmen and Nathaniel  at  Common Grounds  Gourmet Espresso Bar on Dickson Street. Meeting them made me realize how quickly time has flown by. 

2013 will be a eventful year for each one of us in the Walton MBA class of 2013. All of us met a year ago with aspirations about the future and this year we shall begin to go forward and realize them. For many the dream has already turned to reality with job offers while others are still trying to achieve what they had wished for. I pray that this year may all the dreams come true and I wish everyone and their families - "Good Luck and Good Health".