Student of the Month - October
The Student of the Month for October is Ms. Lisa Adams, a career person, a fitness instructor as well as a mother of two children, who finished her MOC residency at Switzerland this month!
Name: Lisa AdamsAge: 38 Nationality: Canadian Country of Residence: Canada (of course!) Profession: Contract work for Sales and Marketing in the Engineering/Foundry Industry Qualification: B.A. Administrative and Commercial Studies - University of Western Ontario (London), almost MBA (Dec 2007) Course: Master of Business Administration |
1)
How about giving us a brief introduction about yourself, your multiple roles as
a career person, fitness instructor as well as a mom?
As
you've indicated, I'm a stay at home Mother with 2 young children (ages 3 and
almost 6). I take on contract work
of Sales and Marketing for an Engineering firm in the Foundry Industry, as well
as part time work as a Fitness Instructor.
I enjoy working with people, mediating contracts and meetings.
As with
everyone, maintaining a balance is key, and I find that the fitness aspect
(particularly teaching yoga) helps me to stay focused and energized.
As for
my aspirations, I've really tried to focus on completing this MBA and stop
myself from casting my focus too far into the future. Wonderful opportunities have been
presented to me when I wasn't expecting them.
2)
Why did you opt for an MBA?
MBA has
always held high esteem in my opinion.
My Dad graduated in the 60's from the University of Western Ontario
(London) Richard B. Ivey, an esteemed Business School. He instilled a very deep
appreciation for this degree and for the case study method in me. I knew early on that I wanted to do this
at some point in my life. With that
said, it has always been a life goal for me, and not merely a means to an
end. With that deeper appreciation
for attaining this goal, it's kept me focused well past what an executive MBA
would do for me in terms of a job.
3)
Did the college meet your expectations? Was the college different from the
initial image that you had in mind?
This is
my first experience with the online distance learning format, and I had been out
of the University setting for over 10 years - so I really didn't have a
preconceived notion of what to expect.
For me,
the College has excelled in terms of content and support. It is clear that RKC has mandated
constant improvement for the College.
Now that the school is accredited with UoW, that bar has been raised even
higher. The respect for elevating
discussions to a more thorough and challenging level has been the biggest
challenge and most rewarding part of this learning
experience.
4)
You have been with the college for some time and currently doing your
Residential in Switzerland, how satisfied are you with your MBA
studies?
I really
feel that I received quality education at a reasonable cost. The courses are practical and thought
provoking and clearly reflect a hands-on executive MBA. I really enjoyed the opportunity to
learn and interact with students from around the globe. It's truly an international school.
The Residence has just taken the whole experience up to the next level. What a joy it's been to be able to work face to face with my peers and learn first hand in a great group environment. I know that all students will really benefit from this Residence experience. If you take your Residence early on in your studies, I believe it will greatly help you to be better prepared to tackle the case study method in the rest of your courses.
5)
How was the online learning experience as well as the residency experience at
RKC?
As you
mentioned, I've been at this school for a while now, and have experienced the
improvements in the platform first hand.
It's an excellent opportunity to learn at your own pace, study in your
own time zone - when it works for you.
The faculty, and particularly the support staff are very helpful and
understanding. At some point in
your academic studies there are bound to be extenuating circumstances, and I
found the staff very reasonable during those times.
The
Residency is intense - fast paced, comprehensive and demanding. That said, it takes the whole learning
experience up a notch. I was
fortunate to land in with a fantastic group of people. They each had a lot to offer with their
own work and personal experiences and their passion for learning. The participation level was very high -
we could've talked about the Harvard case studies for
weeks.
6)
Being the mother of two beautiful children, I guess you'll have something to
share with us about your personal life and
family.
Thank
you! It's challenging for
anyone who is studying at RKC-UoW and balancing their home life. My children are young, and don't
understand yet why I'm pursuing this.
I hope that they will eventually see my commitment to studying and
furthering my education, and in turn it will raise their own aspirations. The behavior was modeled for me and I
hope to do that for them.
My
children are also the reason that I never took on more than one course at a
time, and avoided sessions altogether when my daughter was born. RKC provides you with the flexibility to
move as quickly or as slowly through the program as your life dictates. I don't believe any other school program
would have worked for my lifestyle.
7)
Normally, how much time do you devote a day or in a week for your
studies?
That
really depends on where we are in the session. I find if I can devote at least an hour
or two daily to reading the text and/or cases, that it's much easier to keep up
and feel comfortable about my progress.
(Except for Financial Management - I needed more time!).
When
we approach the midterms or finals, I definitely put a considerable amount of
time aside (particularly on weekends) where I could work uninterrupted to keep
the thought process flowing smoothly.
The biggest challenge is self-discipline.
8)
We are really interested to know how you balance your work, home, children and
studies?
This
is a challenge for everyone today.
My goal of attaining an MBA is important to me, and I've given it the
priority and commitment it deserves.
Something has to give, and in my life, it's watching television. I've been able to keep up with my book
club and recreational reading and let TV slide. With regard to the kids, it was really
important to me not to miss any family time with them. Since my children are small, I've
capitalized on nap time and early bed times to get my studying done. Sometimes you need to get creative
(calling in backup babysitting!!), but for the most part, if you can stay
organized and committed, you can do the work and get a lot out of the
courses.
9)
Would you recommend RKC-UoW?
Absolutely. The reason I enrolled was on the
personal recommendation of a good friend.
I knew from her experience that the school offered exceptional quality, a
well-rounded education, a flexible schedule and learning environment and was
very competitively priced. I'm very
pleased that I chose RKC-UoW.
10)
What's the message that you would like to give to all those MBA aspirants out
there?
You can
do this! Stop procrastinating. If this is your goal for personal or
career reasons, then do it - get started.
Get one course under your belt, and you'll be amazed at the confidence it
will instill. It will also get your
brain working. If you have been out
of school for a while, this is an excellent way to engage in a stimulating
intellectual environment with your peers around the world. These are like-minded individuals coming
together for a common purpose - to learn.
In your
work setting, you'll be amazed at how much you can apply your new skills to your
workplace. These are practical and
timely analyses that will help you in anything you do.
It's a terrific experience and an accomplishment that you can be proud of.
Good
luck!
Reader Commentary
at 12:22 pm
Dear Lisa, Congratulations on your achievements and experience with RKC. I am exploring the opportunities of taking on a course here and your interview gives me clearer insight to the fact that I am taking the right step.
Particularly loving the international mix of students I'll be sharing the class and learning modules with I hope to have as much fun as achievement as you have shared.
RKC thank you for having such opportunities available for people all over the world. Look forward to joining you soon, if you will have me.
Kind regards
at 12:44 am
THis is wonderful. I am already in the process of enrolling for the MBA & I'm pretty excited about it. What I've seen now makes me feel even more excited
at 05:41 pm
Hi Lisa, congratulations!!
I am interested in this MBA program. I am a Canadian as well and a London Ontario resident. could you provide some insight as to the application process and why you chose this school? Thanks James
at 05:41 pm
Hi Lisa, congratulations!!
I am interested in this MBA program. I am a Canadian as well and a London Ontario resident. could you provide some insight as to the application process and why you chose this school? Thanks James
at 11:53 pm
Your experience has had a great influence in my decision to be a part of the programme,hope you get fulfilled in life
at 11:26 pm
Hi Lisa,
I am a fellow Canadian.
Enjoyed hearing about your experience. I have just been offered admission to the Leadership and Sustainability MBA stream through U of Cumbria. I am looking forward to working through the program and getting to know other students
at 04:02 am
Lisa,
I am a Canadian future RKC student (currently almost completed enrollment) living in the GTA. I was happy to see there were other Canadian students at RKC. My kids are all grown up, so you encourage me, in that is you could pull this off with such little kids, I should be able to balance the studies with my full-time job.
Thanks
R
at 09:41 pm
Your experiences Lisa, have inspired me to think of joining RKC. I have always had the urge to pursue an MBA regardless of my tight schedule. Being a 'mom' and a 'student'at the same time is quite demanding but you have made it. You have inspired meee x 100.
at 11:07 pm
Lisa WOW Lisa
Same inspiration you had from your dad happened to me when i have graduate in Computer Science with Bsc., my dad finished his MBA from London University and he had inspired me to not stop at all in learning, as you learn a new thing in your life everyday with his quote "The limit is the sky"
And he was always ask me "When was the last time that you have done something for the first time?"
This makes you think and feel better that you are learning new things, and i believe this what happened when someone join RKC
I'll be joining RKC this year for MBA and hopefully will succeed in a new thing and do a case study with Dean Costa..
Wish you all the best...
A.Bourini
at 10:59 am
congrats lisa u could share yo achievement with me like tips on how to do it katereggaborgio@yahoo.com
at 11:25 pm
Hi Lisa,
Your determination makes me feel my wife can equally pursue further studies with RKC-UOW even with her three little children.i'll ensure she reads your interview to receive inspiration.
Congrats
lawrence
at 11:24 pm
Hi Lisa,
Your determination makes me feel my wife can equally pursue further studies with KC-UOW even with her three little children.i'll ensure she reads your interview to receive inspiration.
Congrats
lawrence
at 02:29 pm
This is inspiring Lisa,
It has removed all the doubts i had on the college. i have applied and i am waiting for the response.
Thank you very much
Desire Ng.
at 07:03 am
Congratulations Mrs. Adams.
She's such a positive woman!
Makes me feel better about RKC.
I'd like to be on this program
at 07:03 am
Congratulations Mrs. Adams.
She's such a positive woman!
Makes me feel better about RKC.
I'd like to be on this program
at 01:13 pm
Congrats, Lisa.
It is great how manage different roles so effectivly. I can learn many things from you.
Best wishes
Sanjiv
at 01:16 am
hey Lisa,
As I read your interview, visions of childhood birthdays, diving boards,icing, and shaving cream crept into my mind - Can this be the same person from all these years ago, I ask myself? Of coarse it is! We never know what will become of our friends, family , or even ourselves during those adolescent years - You have truly become such an amazing,strong,and beautiful women. Way to go!!!
Love your cousin and life-long friend
Shelagh
at 12:28 pm
Hi Lisa,
Congratulations on your becoming "student of the month". And it was quite motivating to read your interview. All the best in your endeavors.
Take care
Badri
at 09:29 am
Hi Lisa
Well done and well deserved. I enjoyed working with you in Zürich and wishes you all the best in the future.
Keep smiling
Michael
at 12:12 am
Dear Lisa,
Congratulation on achieving a great honor of becoming “RKC student of the monthâ€; and the success of completing your MBA. I wish you all the success in your future endeavor. Your words are our inspiration, which keeps us more attentive to learn the subject and achieve our dream.
Regards
-Ram
at 09:09 pm
Congratulations Lisa,
IT was a pleasure to meet you in Zurich and I believe your nomination is greatly deserved. Good luck with graduationa
Robert
at 11:41 am
Congratulations Lisa; you surely deserve this recognition.
Your words are very inspiring. I wish you all the best.
Regards,
Ahmad
at 07:30 pm
read your notes with great interest !!
Congratulations -
And the inspiring father must be something special - good on him !!!
All the best Poppa G
at 12:34 pm
Thanks Lisa,
for these inspiring words (especially for a soon-father-to-be). I wish you all the best. And I hope you get a lot more beautiful opportunities.
Regards, slobodan