Category: Current Students

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Student Post: UMass Boston – My Journey So Far

UMass Boston: My journey so far
by John Chacko

After years spent in the Information Technology industry, serving Fortune 100 companies that used legacy systems to transact business, I was looking for an avenue to grow as a business analyst and manager. My focus was to get an MBA degree and learn Business Intelligence (BI), and I knew both courses of study are available at UMass Boston. I felt that an MBA program would help me better understand the different aspects of the business, and that with this insight I would be able to grow within the corporate world. Business intelligence would also enable me to review and analyze transactional and historical data in order to plan the business operations.

With the advances in communication technology, the world has become smaller. Many of us have had to work with a global workforce; diversity at UMass helps us to prepare for this new global environment. The MBA program from UMass Boston allows me to study with a small group of students from diverse backgrounds. The smaller classes at UMass Boston give me an opportunity to have a better interaction with students and faculty alike. The College of Management has excellent faculty, professors who have studied at the top universities and have excelled in their respective fields. Students at UMass Boston are lucky as they are tutored by some of the best minds at a fraction of the cost that they would have had to pay at a private university. The different methods of teaching, such as interactive case studies, help me to explore different solutions for a problem. Moreover, discussions with my peers and faculty give me new perspective and ideas on how business problems are solved. Project work helps me understand and practice data collection, information processing, and presentation of information.

 Being an international student has its own challenges as you leave behind your family and loved ones on a quest for knowledge. The students, faculty, and staff at the university are very welcoming and inclusive. I have not felt out of place and I feel that UMass Boston will be my home away from home. The proximity of the university to Boston downtown will provide me with internship opportunities and allow me to be part of the cultural setting of the city. Thus, studying in Boston will provide me with a holistic education that gives exposure to different ways of thinking. As a result, the program will better equip me to overcome issues and challenges later on in my life. I would like to end this note with a quote from President Obama’s commencement address at UMass Boston in 2006:  “[…] no matter where you’re born or how much your parents have; no matter what you look like or what you believe in, you can still rise to become whatever you want; still go on to achieve great things; still pursue the happiness you hope for.”

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Welcome new students! Survival tips from a current MBA student

Welcome to the Spring 2015 New Incoming Students Cohort

by Marco Bellin

Spring is a magical time of the year. While there are people dreaming of summer and long sunny days where the cold winter is only a memory, there are others seeing their dreams come true once they board on a plane, or any other mean of transportation, with Boston as final destination. You are about joining the UMass Boston community and starting the pursuit of your graduate degree or visiting program. Hard work and long nights on standardized tests and applications are now behind, a new chapter is about to start. Congratulations to each one of you! You made it! You have made the right decision, and by undertaking this step you just took your career, as well as personal and professional development, to the next level. Embrace this joyful and extraordinary moment, celebrate the admission with your loved ones, and then get ready to embark on one of the most enriching experiences of your life.

I was in your shoes two times, in 2009 when I joined UMass Boston as an exchange student and in 2014 when I returned to my home away from home, again UMass Boston, to pursue my MBA. I had to relocate from Italy, so I have been down the same steep road, and I have been through the emotional turmoil that comes with the big move twice. Going to Graduate School, be it across the country or on the other side of the globe, is never easy. You will find very challenging moments and will go through hard times. The sooner you take this into account, the better off you will be, and the more you will derive from this new experience you are about to start. Here is some advice that will prove useful when settling down in Boston and UMass.

1) Stay calm, no matter what. Always take a deep breath, remember that you made it till here, and tell yourself that everything is going to be fine.

2) Be humble, adapt to the new environment, and accept the fact that life will not be like it was back home. I am not saying it is going to be worse; it just will not be the same. Every place has its own pace, uses and habits, rules and culture. Embrace it with full heart! Do not try to change it, do not try to replicate the one from back home, enjoy the change. Change is positive!

3) Pack cleverly and strategically. If you are an international student, do not put any of your important documents into the luggage that you check in if you are flying. You want to exclude the possibility of losing them, were your luggage to be lost or delayed. All your identification documents, school-related paperwork, accommodation and travel documents, especially passport, letter of admission, I-20 (if you are an F-1 student) or DS-2019 (if you have a J-1 visa), should mean everything to you right now. Safeguard them day and night!

4) Ask for help, do not be afraid or shy. There will be moments where you do not know how to find a place or what you are supposed to do. It is okay. It is part of the learning process. Ask someone for help, you will be amazed at how helpful strangers can be. By the way, on-campus there are no strangers, we are part of the same family.

5) Dedicate your first week in town to sort everything out and settle down. Sightseeing can wait a few days. It is crucial to start with the right foot and fulfill the induction on-campus as well as find the right accommodation, if you have not found one yet. If you are international, report to the ISSS (International Students and Scholar Services – Campus Center, 2nd floor) office on your first visit to campus. They will tell you what you need to do. The One Stop office is another place you should become familiar with.

6) Take nothing for granted. Both if you are coming from the West Coast of the States or from the other side of the globe, remember that uses and people are different from the ones you were used to. Be respectful, always, and make sure you ask what you do not know or are not sure about.

7) Everyone likes and feel more comfortable to hang out with his or her own fellow students and friends, but life and learning happen outside your comfort zone and safety network. Integrate with different people. This will benefit you from day one, not only socially wise but also academically speaking. If your first language is not English, try as much as possible to stay with people that speak English. Your grades will improve hour after hour, and you will discover your untapped potential.

8) Do not be shy. At first glance classes will seem different, somehow surreal, and/or challenging, if you are used to a different system or school environment. People will actively participate in the class discussion, and there is no silly question. Get used to it. Speak up, so that you and the rest of the class can benefit and learn from each other.

9) Nobody will ‘project manage’ your days and your life inside and outside school. You need to do it. A graduate program can be intense, challenging, demanding, and all of the above. Keep your focus, keep your priorities clear in mind whatever they are, and plan accordingly. Be punctual at meetings, time is precious. If it is not precious to you, it will definitely be to the people waiting on you. Be responsible.

These are some of the keys to make your new experience as meaningful and positive as possible. There are surely other important aspects that you should think about in this new endeavor of yours. But that will be the ground for our next conversation, hopefully in person, on-campus. Feel free to stop me and introduce yourself in the hallways of our beautiful campus whenever you see me. I would love to make your acquaintance and clear any doubt you may have. Do not be shy, I will be happy to have a chat over coffee!

In the meantime, all the best and good luck for this new exciting phase of your life! I am excited for you and happy to have you joining our student community.

Welcome to UMass Boston! I look forward to seeing you this spring!

Marco Bellin

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Thursday: Coffee & Donuts with the Dean

 

 

 

 

 

Join us this Thursday (December 11) from 5pm-6pm for coffee and donuts with our new dean, Jorge Haddock. Dean Haddock will be available to talk with students and answer questions. This is a drop-in event; come at a time that is convenient for you!

 

We hope to see you there.

 

Cheers,

 

College of Management Staff and Faculty

Coffee & Donuts with the Dean GRAD

 

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Focus on India: Global Industry & Competitive Analysis

Focus on India: Global Industry & Competitive Analysis

Noida, India January 2-13, 2015

Complete details: 
IndiaFact Sheet Wntr15

The Program
The program, also in collaboration with the Multinational
Business Academy of Noida, India, will consist of two preparatory
classes in Boston followed by classes in India. Time spent
in India will be divided among lectures, discussion, and company
visits, with some student presentations. Students will also
participate in various cultural activities and visit historical sites
in Delhi and its vicinity, such as the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra
and the Pink City of Jaipur.
This course examines techniques of industry and competitive
analysis and ways of applying these techniques to gain a better
understanding of industry trends and company strategies in sectors
of significant importance to the regional economy. Students
will visit leading companies, such as Dell India, and LG Industries,
as well as governmental agencies and private hospitals.

Highlights
Experiences will include:
• Visits to the Taj Mahal and the Pink City of Jaipur
•Various site visits to prominent businesses and
face-to-face meetings with industry leaders

Courses and Credit
Participants register for one 3-credit course:
• MBAMGT685 Global Industry & Competitive Analysis
• MBAMGT696 Independent Study

 

Who Can Apply?
This course is open to all University of Massachusetts
Boston MBA students. Undergraduate students and
individuals from other colleges and universities are also
welcome to apply, but must first receive permission from
Professor Bandopadhyaya.

Program Fee
MBAMGT 685 $1,150 (3 credits)
MBAMGT 696 $735 (3 credits, optional).
The above fee is based on a minimum enrollment of 10 participants
(a surcharge will apply for a group less than 10 participants).
An additional $1,395 will cover all meals, ground transportation,
field-trips and lodging. Students pay this fee directly to the travel
vendor.

To Apply
The application deadline is October 17, 2014.
Applications received after this date will be considered on a
space-available basis. Please note: a valid passport is required
for travel to India.
Applications may be downloaded at: caps.umb.edu/international
A $250 deposit is due with your application.

For More Information
For program information, please contact:
Jennifer Goode-Sollis
W-01-003, 617.287.6995
jennifer.goode@umb.edu

For further academic information, please contact:
Arindam Bandopadhyaya, PhD
M-05-616, 617.287.7854
arindam.bandopadhyaya@umb.edu

Complete details: 
IndiaFact Sheet Wntr15

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Biogen Idec Fellowship 2014-2015

SERC – Biogen Idec Fellowship 2014-2015

Background
The Center for Sustainable Enterprise and Regional Competitiveness at UMass Boston in partnership with Biogen Idec is pleased to announce the Biogen Idec-SERC Fellowship in Clean Energy and Sustainability for academic year 2014-2015. The fellowship will create an opportunity for an outstanding graduate student to conduct applied research in collaboration with a professor in the area of clean energy and sustainability and thus gain practical experience and improve their knowledge and skills.

The fellowship is similar to the Graduate Assistant fellowships. The student will receive a stipend to do research during the academic year (two semesters). S/he is expected to work 4.5 hours/week on the research project and submit a final report/case study for publication on the SERC website by May 31, 2015.

The topic of the research will be determined jointly by SERC and Biogen Idec to assure a match of interests and capabilities. Potential topics for research include (but are not limited to):

  • Sustainability Design Guidelines – outline energy efficiency criteria for new equipment for use in laboratories;
  • Procurement Guidelines – outline minimum environmental performance expectations for companies selling to Biogen Idec commodity environmental products over a certain $$ threshold;
  • Energy Management System – identify and bridge gaps in Biogen Idec Energy Management System (EnMS) versus ISO 50001.

Eligibility
The fellowship is open to any UMass Boston College of Management graduate student with GPA over 3.0. Preferences will be given to students taking the environmental management/clean energy and sustainability specialization or members of relevant organizations, such as Net Impact, Enactus, and the UMass Boston Sustainability Club.

How to Apply and Selection Process
Students interested in applying for the Biogen Idec – SERC Fellowship should send their resume and a brief cover letter to Vesela.Veleva@umb.edu by Sept. 15, 2014. A committee comprised of SERC faculty and Biogen Idec will review all applications and notify the selected student by October 1, 2014. The fellowship will then take place from October 1, 2014 until May 31, 2015.

For questions and more information please contact:
Vesela Veleva, Co-Director SERC, at Vesela.Veleva@umb.edu
David Levy, Director SERC, at David.Levy@umb.edu

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Tonight at 5:30 – Expanded Bottle Bill Debate – Join Us!

Join us tonight for a debate on the expanded bottle bill. Moderated by Interim Dean Maureen Scully, this debate will weigh the pros and cons of the expanded bottle bill which will likely be a ballot question in this November’s election. This event will be in the Healey Library, Lower Level, Room 3507 (Media Auditorium). We hope to see you there!


Bottle Bill Event

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Monday 9/24: Open House for Current Students

CM Open House
Tuesday, September 24th
From 3:00pm-5:00pm
McCormack Hall, 5th Floor Room 610

Please join us on Tuesday to meet with CM faculty, staff, and your fellow students. Student Ambassadors will also be present to take interested students on tours of our new Bloomberg Trading Room, 3rd floor faculty offices, and award-winning Venture Development Center. 

Refreshments will be available, and there will be a raffle as well. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Trouble with Registering for Classes? – Use the Request Web Form!

 

Trouble with Registering for Classes? – Use the Request Web Form!

Graduate students in the College of Management have an excellent resource to use when looking to register for classes, namely the Graduate Registration Request webpage:
http://www.umb.edu/academics/cm/student_resources/cm_graduate_registration_request

If you are having issues or receiving errors when you try to register for a class, or if Wiser says that you need a “permission code”, you should use this web form. It is the fastest and most efficient way to submit a registration request, and we process requests as they come in, with no more than a 24 hour wait (often it is much sooner!)

Use this web form if :

  • Wiser asks you for a “Permission Code“
  • Wiser asks you for “Instructor Permission“
  • Wiser informs you that “Pre-requisites have not been met” – But you know that they have!
  • You need to be added to a wait-list for a class
  • Any other registration issues that you may have

Using the web form is much faster than sending an email, and also allows you and us to track when you submitted the request for better service.

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May 9th – IT info session – live and web cast

Join Us for
An Information Session on
Master of Science in Information Technology Program and IT Specializations
At the University of Massachusetts Boston

We are excited to share with you that the MSIT program has courses that cover big data, business analytics, information security and knowledge management. The coursework for the MSIT elective courses is grouped around three key clusters:

  • Technical Foundation of Information Technology: With courses on Business Intelligence, Data Mining and Data Warehousing.
  • Applications of Information Technology: With courses in Computer Security, Forensics and IT Controls and Audit.
  • Information Technology Management and Strategy: With courses in Knowledge Management, Information Systems Strategy, Information Technology Services and Operation and Customer Relations Management.

Coursework and student resources help students develop the communications, presentation, and analytical skills, as well as the technical, quantitative, and decision-making abilities, required of contemporary managers. The MSIT program is committed to the success of all its students, both academically and professionally, and to providing the individual attention and support that make their accomplishments a reality.

Meet Our Faculty and Learn More!
May 9th 5pm-6pm
Join us in person: Healey Library Lower Level Presentation Room 3-3505
Or via Webinar: 20 webinar reservations available, on a first-come, first-served basis

RSVP to gradcm@umb.edu Indicate if you will join us in person, or via webinar log-in.

Log-ins will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

MSIT Program: http://www.umb.edu/msit MBA/IT
Specializations: http://www.umb.edu/academics/cm/masters_programs/mba/specializations

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May 9th – IT info session – live and web cast

Join Us for
An Information Session on
Master of Science in Information Technology Program and IT Specializations
At the University of Massachusetts Boston

We are excited to share with you that the MSIT program has courses that cover big data, business analytics, information security and knowledge management. The coursework for the MSIT elective courses is grouped around three key clusters:

  • Technical Foundation of Information Technology: With courses on Business Intelligence, Data Mining and Data Warehousing.
  • Applications of Information Technology: With courses in Computer Security, Forensics and IT Controls and Audit.
  • Information Technology Management and Strategy: With courses in Knowledge Management, Information Systems Strategy, Information Technology Services and Operation and Customer Relations Management.

Coursework and student resources help students develop the communications, presentation, and analytical skills, as well as the technical, quantitative, and decision-making abilities, required of contemporary managers. The MSIT program is committed to the success of all its students, both academically and professionally, and to providing the individual attention and support that make their accomplishments a reality.

Meet Our Faculty and Learn More!
May 9th 5pm-6pm
Join us in person: Healey Library Lower Level Presentation Room 3-3505
Or via Webinar: 20 webinar reservations available, on a first-come, first-served basis

RSVP to gradcm@umb.edu Indicate if you will join us in person, or via webinar log-in.

Log-ins will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

MSIT Program: http://www.umb.edu/msit MBA/IT
Specializations: http://www.umb.edu/academics/cm/masters_programs/mba/specializations

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Graduation & Commencement Details

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For student s who have applied for May or August graduation, a brochure with details about graduation and commencement should have gone out to you at the address you have listed with the University in your Wiser account. If you have not received it yet, you should shortly.

The information is also available on the University website, here:
http://www.umb.edu/commencement

Once your application is processed by the Registrar’s Office, you will be billed for graduation processing, and this will show up in your Wiser account as well, as a line item on your account.

If there were any issues with your graduation application you would have been contacted by the CM Graduate Program Office. If you were not contacted, your application was processed and returned to the Registrar’s Office.  For any questions about the status of your graduation application, please contact the Registrar’s Office directly.

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