Well, it has been a crazy few weeks getting here to MIT Sloan. Although it has been a little intense, it is amazing to finally be here. After about a year of the application process.... starting with the GMAT, then applications, then interviews, then acceptance.... it is refreshing to get here and realize this is exactly where I want to be. I traveled with my girlfriend Camilla through Norway, Spain, and Italy this summer which was a great experience. After a 4 day break back in San Francisco we headed out on the road in my ridiculously full Jeep Grand Cherokee for the cross country trip to Boston. We made it through the 4,000+ miles, the last half with a UHaul trailer waving behind us. After a marathon of moving in, it was time for Sloan.
The things that most amaze me about this place probably shouldn't amaze me at all... simple things like the humility of my classmates and the ease of meeting these amazing and interesting people.
The dean of MIT Sloan, Dave Schmittlein gave a great welcome talk on the first day of orientation. Two things he said at the end of the speech will stick with me throughout my two years here at Sloan. The first statement was that we don't have to take the same road out of Sloan that we took in. The second statement was to beware of our strengths coming into the program, because those will likely become our weaknesses in the future. I love this. Most of us are here to grow, get out of our comfort zone, and learn about new things we can't even explain right now. The tendency to fall into my comfort zone, to rely on what I know and not walk a new line, is powerful already. But I need to remember this last statement if I am going to get my money's worth out of this experience.
In the spirit of growing my current weaknesses, I make the following goals for the next two years:
1. Become a better salesman.
I have never done sales before and find I am often too conservative or humble to really "sell" something. But more and more I can see the value of selling ideas, as well as products. In addition, negotiation is a key skill that I haven't the faintest idea about.
2. Learn to truly trust my teammates and colleagues on important projects.
As my girlfriend Camilla can attest, I like things my way, I like control, and I don't like to leave important things in other people's hands. I tend to be a bit particular about things, some that matter and many that probably don't. This is a big problem, especially as I move to positions where I will simply be unable to accomplish any goal without a solid reliance on team. Also, it would probably make it easier for Camilla to live with me!
3. Become a more confident, natural networker.
I was an engineer. We don't network. Unless it means connecting together internet cables. This one involves getting out of my comfort zone and meeting people, handing out business cards, or cold-calling alumni or business people when their skills are needed.
4. Balance, balance, balance.
The next two years are a great time for me to work on balancing out my life in busy, demanding times. Balancing out work, clubs, life, love, friendships, health.... the list goes on. We'll see how this goes.
Odds are, it'll be a fun ride.
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