The Tulane MBA

Freeman School students enjoy an informational and tasty Net...

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:15:46 -0600

Freeman School students enjoy an informational and tasty Net Impact gathering on a gorgeous New Orleans Spring-like afternoon.

Net Impact Returns to Tulane

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:13:00 -0600

Net Impact returned to the Tulane campus last Thursday creating a scene in the Goldring/Woldenberg II courtyard on a gorgeous sunny day! Over 150 students enjoyed free food from Naked Pizza (a local socially responsible business), bottles of Honest Tea, and joined in on a crawfish boil; all to raise awareness about the organization and how students can do well in business by doing good for society.

The Tulane chapter of this international organization dissolved in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, but with the persistence and patience of several students is coming back to campus in a big way. The Tulane Net Impact Club brings together students seeking to network and take action to foster a new generation of leaders who use the power of business to create a better world. The event inspired great lunch-time discussions about which companies are incorporating the values of social responsibility into their overall mission and how we as future business leaders can work collaboratively to further promote businesses with a purpose.

The Freeman School is truly a place where you can make “it” happen!! The passion of several students was propelled to greater heights due to the support of our fellow classmates. At the event we received a lot of interest in Net Impact and will spend the next few months of the semester taking on new projects to Magnify our Impact at Tulane.

Ruth Yomtoubian

Guest Blogger / VP of Marketing, Net Impact Tulane Chapter

Professor Accessibility

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:05:27 -0600

In the past I have talked about the many reasons I select Tulane. One of which was the small class sizes and ability to develop close relationships with professors. So I wanted to highlight what this actually looks like in practice. A few days ago I sat down with one of our leadership professors to speak about some challenges I was facing in my professional life. I’ve already accepted my job and I’m working on developing the team that will be reporting to me. Very comfortably and casually we were able to sit down and talk through some scenarios and he was able to give me many great suggestions that I could take away and implement immediately. Even better, he was genuinely interested in what I was doing and asked that we continue to talk throughout the semester and even after I graduate so that he could continue to help me through this process. It’s pretty nice to know that I have a professor that I can come back to and speak to about professional challenges after I graduate.

Key takeaway for you……The professors here truly want each and every student to succeed and regularly go above and beyond to ensure that this happens.

-Eric

A campus visit to Boston

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:00:00 -0600

So last weekend I took a trip to Beantown to visit a little business school know as Harvard. Before you label me a traitor I was there to attend the Retail & Luxury Goods Conference hosted by the school’s retail and luxury goods clubs. Having only been to Boston once and having never been to HBS it was quite an experience. For one, it was freezing, like 28 degrees freezing. And it was just unlike the type of conference that you picture a school like Harvard having. There were a lot of people, like me who LOVE fashion and retail and business and are looking for great opportunities after b-school that combine those passions. The conference began with a reception on Saturday night and keynote speakers and breakout sessions on Sunday. Because of HBS’s proximity to NYC, oh and because it’s Harvard they were able to get some great speakers for the conference including the CEO of Macy’s, Gucci, and Coty Cosmetics. Now Tulane may not be hosting a retail & luxury goods conference yet, but our Retail & Luxury Goods Association has really hit the ground running. Just two weeks ago we invited the COO of Mignon Faget, Ltd. to come speak, and not only did he come but he brought Mignon Faget herself. Last week, we worked a sold-out fashion show and met Zac Posen. I’m not one to brag, but for a club that’s only been in existence for a year, we’ve definitely accomplished a lot.

Amina

Another reason to come to Tulane? Because in addition to a great...

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:19:34 -0600

Another reason to come to Tulane? Because in addition to a great business program there are countless other great programs.

For example poet laureate Rira Dove is here tonight as part of the English department’s Poet Laureate Series.

There is always something interesting going on here.

Justin

Consulting like a pro... kind of

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:40:01 -0600

There are many perks to attending Tulane. One of my favorites is the small class size, on average we have less than 50 students in our core classes and often even less in our elective classes. With small class sizes comes the ability to develop great relationships with our professors. Case in point, I had a professor last semester for an elective who also just happens to run a consulting firm. This semester I had him for a core class, and one day in class he asked if anyone would be interested in working with him and the other partner on a local consulting project. I expressed interest and a few days later I was sitting at the place of business with my professor and his business partner, the owner, executive chef, and a group of my fellow classmates. Not only will this make for great “real world” experience but it’s also just a really cool way to spend some time out of the classroom, hopefully applying some of the things that I learned in the classroom.

Amina

KeyBank Business Case Competition

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:42:00 -0600

One of the best opportunities you have as an MBA student is to take part in extremely engaging extracurricular activities. Whether doing consulting for startups, building marketing plans to rebrand local businesses there is probably something going on that will interest you.

Then there are the case competitions. I was fortunate enough to be a part of a 4 person team representing Tulane at the 6th KeyBank business case competition in Cleveland, Ohio. We had one month to prepare a business case, this year the case was about growing KeyBank’s online banking usage. And last Saturday we had the chance of going head to head against 19 teams from all over the country. There were some big names like Carnegie Mellon, Purdue, Penn State, and Washington State.

The format of the competition is as follows: During the first round, every team presents to a panel of 4 to 6 judges. Presentations last 20 minutes with 10 minutes for Q&A and they are done behind closed doors, only the judges get to hear the first round presentations. Then the 4 best teams are selected for the final round. The final round is the same format but they are open to the public so other teams can watch. All 4 teams present again in front of 6 KeyBank executives.

The experience is interesting to say the least; KeyBank employees and executives are highly involved and are always talking to teams discussing how the competition impacts their respective areas. Staff keeps everything flowing smoothly; it’s impressive how good the planning was.

The best part of it all is that we won 1st place. It’s the first time that Tulane participates and we took it home. It was a wonderful learning experience that will not soon forget.

Juan

17th annual Burkenroad Institute Symposium. Risks and Rewards of...

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:14:36 -0600

17th annual Burkenroad Institute Symposium. Risks and Rewards of Emerging Texhnologies.

Mid-Semester Shuffle

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:05:00 -0600

Here at Tulane, we’re half-way through the semester. For MBAs, that means mid-terms in some courses, and the end / beginning of other courses. This Spring, I have three classes that continue for the entire semester (Consumer Behavior, Management and Real Estate Cases) and four classes that only meet half a semester (Internal Reporting, Management, Marketing and Global Business). The exam period for this half-semester is over this weekend, so we’ll all start new classes next week.

This set-up really gives us variety in class choice. I am concentrating in Consumer Behavior, but I am still able to take classes outside of core or concentration curriculum. I could have double concentrated in Management and Consumer Behavior, but the course load would have given me no room to take courses outside of my concentrations.

Also at this point in the semester, we all start getting serious about internships. A few of my classmates have received offers from some of the country’s biggest companies. They’re lucky. Most of us are still waiting on our fate. Some companies get their internship program together early, and some are still accepting applications. That leaves a lot of us up in the air as we wait for warmer weather and the next step in our education.

So that’s post-Mardi Gras, post-Superbowl life at Tulane. It’s back to the books, finally. Let any of us know if you have any questions.

Louis David

ldavid@tulane.edu

When in New Orleans...

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:17:03 -0600

A few weeks ago, before the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras madness consumed the last two weeks of my life (not that I’m complaining), I had four friends come visit from New York City - my first visitors! I was excited to show off my new city to my old friends and get their take on life in New Orleans. I’ve always found in the past that this method is the best way to really appreciate your surroundings.

For their visit I had two things on the agenda, two things that New Orleans is really known for: music and food. Every night we took in some local music by popping into some of the bars that line Frenchmen Street. Some of my favorites include Apple Barrel and d.b.a. (which strangely enough has a sister bar of the same name in Manhattan’s East Village). One of my favorite things about New Orleans is the often FREE live music. Rarely have I paid a cover charge to enjoy some of the most talented musicians in the country.

I was really pumped to show off some locals eats. As a vegetarian, I rarely go out to eat as that most restaurants aren’t exactly catering to the non-carnivorous types. Friends in town was the perfect chance to experience some of these famous spots vicariously through them. From Port of Call, known for their burgers and gigantic monsoons, to Cochon, a more upscale spot known for their pork dishes (and surprisingly delicious vegetarian sides/apps), the restaurants of New Orleans did not disappoint. All four of my friends are already planning their next trip back, and I can’t wait to eat my way through more of the city with them!

-Sarah

New Orleans Saints Victory Parade rolls down St. Charles Ave.

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:47:38 -0600

New Orleans Saints Victory Parade rolls down St. Charles Ave.

Super City

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:46:03 -0600

Last night I was able to attend what was possibly the single parade with the highest attendance ever in New Orleans. The Saints’ victory parade was basically a Mardi Gras parade with a Saints theme. All Tulane classes after 1pm yesterday were cancelled ahead of the 5pm parade. Thankfully, a few friends and I were able to park at my uncle’s office about 10 blocks from one end of the parade - people were flowing down St. Charles Ave. on foot and bike. Traffic barely moved.

When we finally reached the route, it was like no other parade I had seen before (and I’ve only missed one Mardi Gras in my life). The crowds were unimaginable, but everyone was in a great mood. Most schools and offices closed early, so people could head out. The parade lasted about two hours, and the weather was perfectly clear and chilly. I even caught beads from Drew Brees!

Thankfully, this has been a light workload week for me. However, many of my Freeman classmates are bogged down in tests for other classes (during the week between the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras - how could they?). We all have a big accounting project due the day after our break and almost every group is getting it done before all the big parades start up Thursday night. As a Louisianian, this has been a great Mardi Gras so far, but I know my friends from other states are enjoying this way more than I ever could.

Louis David

ldavid@tulane.edu

Oh What a Night

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:30:47 -0600

So words can’t really describe what is happening in New Orleans right now, or rather I should say what has been happening since the opening of the second half in last night’s Super Bowl game. I spent the evening with my classmates, and what better way to celebrate the Saints first EVER Super Bowl Championship then heading down to Bourbon Street and partying with the rest of the city (and surrounding areas). It was an experience unlike anything that I have ever been a part of, magical is the only word that I think can begin to describe what’s going on down here. So yes, there are a lot of great schools in cities that could win the Super Bowl and yes, there may be some of you who could care less about football (I was one of those people until I moved in with a football fanatic) but what this win represents for the city of New Orleans is just so much more than a game. Last night, I saw people from all walks of life, all ethnicities, all zip codes, smiling, cheering and dancing together. Tulane’s President is closing the university so that faculty, students, and staff can be a part of the celebration at the Saints parade tomorrow. So while this win may not cure a lot of the problems that Nola still faces it does give us something to celebrate. This is our team, our time, and our city. How could you not want to be a part of that??

WHO DAT!!!

Amina

I know a lot of you right now are trying to figure out is New...

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:05 -0600

I know a lot of you right now are trying to figure out is New Orleans is the place for you… Im telling you right now If you pick any other place you are making a mistake.

What's Great About Tulane

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:30:50 -0600

In my last post I had talked about my experience in Hong Kong, and also promised that I will write a little bit more about our strengths.

So here we go:

1. Experiential programs such as Darwin Fenner and Burkenroad: These two programs are great and give you a hands on experience of the real world. In Burkenroad you work as an equity research analyst and follow a real company. In Darwin Fenner, the students manage around $2 Million of the University endowment. I am taking both of these courses now, and it’s a great experience. We also have a state of the art Trading Room, and experts come in regularly to conduct training.

2. We have a great Finance program: Yes we do. Things build up over the two years and there is a well thought out logic in which you take courses. At the end of two years, you should have the necessary skill set to handle real jobs.

3. Unique opportunities for Entrepreneurs: We have a very active Entrepreneurship club and members have been working hard to improve it every year. New Orleans is kind of a melting pot for social entrepreneurship, now that rebuilding after Katrina is in full swing.

4. Very approachable professors: Before I joined Tulane, in this very blog Joel Yarmon(founder of the blog) talked about how accessible the professors in Tulane are. At that point I had no frame of reference. But after 1.5 years and a semester aboard, I would definitely agree. With several professors you get a reply to your email within one hour! They are here to help you out.

There are several other great things about the Tulane MBA, and if you have any questions, feel free to drop me an email.

Karthik Mahadevan ; mkarthik01@gmail.com

Krewe de Vieux rolls down Royal Street in the French Quarter...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:24:35 -0600

Krewe de Vieux rolls down Royal Street in the French Quarter last Saturday night. Mardi Gras is officially here, and we’ve got a Black and Gold Super Bowl!

Louis David

School + Super Bowl + Mardi Gras = Time Crunch

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:21:00 -0600

This is it. I have never seen New Orleans like this. The Saints are in the Super Bowl, and Mardi Gras is two weeks away. As a Louisiana native, I never ever though we’d see an actual Black and Gold Super Bowl. Since the Saints got in the game last Sunday, the city has been on fire. Normally, this is a busy time of year, with Mardi Gras parades, parties and concerts. Multiply that times 10. At least.

Oh, and don’t forget - school isn’t taking a two week Saints/Carnival break. We have an accounting test Wednesday (which most of us acknowledge will take a considerable amount of study time), and assignments for other classes scattered through the next few weeks. Most of us are realizing that the mid-weeks are times for school work only right now. This is so that we can enjoy all of the weekend festivities that it seems like the entire rest of the city is taking in also.

This past Saturday, a few b-school friends and I headed to a party to watch the first real parade of the season, Krewe de Vieux. This extremely irreverent parade rolls through the French Quarter each year, with very clever floats and costumes. For my Northern friends, this was quite a sight to see.

This upcoming weekend, parades roll just a few blocks from campus on Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Then, the Super Celebrations begin. Some local schools have canceled class for the post-Super Bowl Monday. This is a town that likes to party - and Saints pride is the name of the game. Add those things together and we are all thankful to be in this city at this time. What an experience.

Louis David

ldavid@tulane.edu

Financial Times Rankings are In

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:50:00 -0600

After a wild night in New Orleans celebrating a Saints victory, we were greeted with more good news today. We received a congratulatory message from our Dean this afternoon highlighting our jump in the most recent Financial Times rankings. Feel free to read his message below.

This is a truly historic day in New Orleans. After 40 years, the New Orleans Saints are going to the Super Bowl. As I’m sure you know the Saints won a nail-biter with a field goal in overtime to beat the Vikings.

OH YES, THERE IS ANOTHER REASON WHY TODAY IS SO IMPORTANT. Last year, the Freeman School was not ranked by the Financial Times because we didn’t get enough of our alums to complete evaluations, but this year we made it back to the rankings. In 2008, we were ranked 80^th in the world, and 45th in the United Sates. This year we did a bit better. We were ranked 61^st in the world and 35^th in the United States. These are historic highs for the Freeman School and reflect the hard work that everyone here has been doing. You’ll hear more details about the rankings (where we did very well and where we still need to improve) over the coming weeks, but for right now, I wanted let everyone know the good news as soon as possible. And, before I forget – GO SAINTS!.

-Eric

A Semester in Hong Kong

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:52:46 -0600

I recently spent a semester in Hong Kong as an MBA exchange student. It was an absolutely amazing and fantastic experience. This is one of the wonderful opportunities that Freeman school gives you when you join the MBA program here.

My friend and I were the first students to go on exchange to Hong Kong after hurricane Katrina. There were a lot of procedural details to be worked out, and I was not sure until the very end whether I would be going. After completing my internship in NOLA, I headed to India en route to HK. The partner university is HKUST, and the program there is highly regarded. In all, there were a total of 55 incoming MBA exchange students ! There were students from all around the world, and the international exposure I had at Tulane came in handy.

I chose to stay on campus which is 45 minutes from the center of the city. [ HK is a very small place ] Staying in the dormitory made me feel young all over again. I got a chance to interact with all the first years, and tried to make them more aware of our program.

There are a lot of places to visit around HK, and throughout the semester, I tried to go to as many places as possible. Many students also travelled to neighboring countries, but I chose to stay in HK. China is the next rising super-power, and I would recommend all students to learn more about the region. Tulane also has a mandatory China course and trip during the last semester, which is think is critical in today’s changing world. I took a few China specific courses, and it was engaging to interact with the local Chinese students.

By the end of it, both my friend and I were totally in love with HK. But we also honestly missed all our friends back here in NOLA. I was sad to leave HK, but at the same time, Change is the only thing constant !

During my trip, I could see the strengths of our program more clearly. I will talk about them in my next post.

Karthik Mahadevan

Working While in School Full-Time

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:25:05 -0600

Before beginning school, I was entertaining the idea of working part-time while carrying a full course load. As you may have gathered from one of my earlier blogs, I quickly realized that working was not a good idea…at least for me. I know of a few classmates that are working part-time, and I am impressed with their time management skills! At first, I felt like I didn’t have a free moment for myself, much less for a job. After getting into the swing of things, however, we have all found ways (translation: shortcuts) to not be studying all day and night. Even now that I have some free time, I choose not to look for a job. When else in my life will it be excusable to not be earning a paycheck? When else will I have three day weekends to travel if I want?

Several students are volunteering in the community during their free time. Since last semester, I have been volunteering once a week with Animal Rescue New Orleans. I also know that several students are working closely with The St. Bernard Project, a local organization rebuilding homes of Hurricane Katrina survivors. One of my groupmates was working for The St. Bernard Project before beginning the MBA program and continues to work there part-time. He has done a wonderful job getting Tulane and its students involved in their mission. There are countless organizations throughout the city that need help and even though our class comes from all over the country, many of us have taken steps to get involved in the local community. Speaking of local community, did I mention since moving to New Orleans I’m a new convert to the Who Dat Nation? Geaux Saints!

-Sarah

a fellow volunteer at ARNO with a new born puppy