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!"