My week has consisted mostly of

So I am going to try to actually blog again.

I’ve started reading again. A while ago I bought a coupon for Indigo/Chapters at a discount from Kijiji‘s daily deals. I didn’t know what I wanted to buy, but decided to get two books; Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami and What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, also by Murakami.

I already finished the book this break and I really enjoyed it. It’s essentially a memoir of Murakami preparing for the New York City Marathon back in 2007. It’s interesting to hear about how he started running, why he kept it up and how it relates to his writing career as well.

-steven

After talking to many fourth-years and alumni, the same message has been iterated and it seems like the most obvious thing. The problem is, it’s true.

In terms of first term, the most important thing to focus on is your marks! You hear it over and over and lightly brush it off because you  hear it so much, but it is the easiest thing to control and best thing you can do in regards to finding a job.

Focus on school! Depending on where you go, make sure you know what is going on. Do all of your cases, readings, research or whatever it is that is required. Contribute as much as possible because that happens everyday and has big effects on your final grade. Know how to do all the cases for when exams and reports roll around because you won’t have much time to study!

Just study. It’s not hard, it’s only until winter break when your marks are submitted. It will all pay off in the end.

-Steven

Lots of people at business school are all talk. This is in no way aimed as an attack towards students, just an eye-opener. While this applies to most people in general, I have noticed it more prominently recently.

As school progresses we are provided with countless resources for career hunting, aids with homework and even just additional research. Many students talk about how helpful it is going to be, how they are going to be meeting with their prof’s often to discuss course progress and develop a relationship or even how they are going to read the paper everyday to keep up with current events.

It is now nearing halfway through November. I have seen a handful of students with papers each day, not nearly as many who you would think after making statements earlier. Most people have never even talked to the professors outside of class and usually just momentarily or on one occasion. The biggest mistake I see people make is NOT using career management! This is probably the most useful resource of all, especially at Ivey.

Too many people get caught up with the Ivey culture to worry about anything other than doing cases, attending occasional info sessions that are starting up now and socializing or so-called “networking” at bars. While this is not discouraged in any way, people have to realize this and not be disillusioned thinking that its only other people who are skipping out on some priorities.

Now, everybody does this in one way or another and I am in no way an exception. It took me long enough to start writing for this blog, let alone write another post! Hopefully I can keep myself motivated enough to have something to write in a timely manner.

To get over this? Set your priorities straight. What is it you want to do? Now do it!

Make a schedule or a timetable. You don’t have to make an overwhelming time commitment, but make a point of seeing your professor’s at least once if that is what you want, or picking up a paper a couple times a week. No matter what it is, start small and get used to it and make sure you can find time.

The only way this will succeed is if you WANT to do these things, without that you are just fooling yourself and wasting time.

-Steven

In no way am I qualified to provide much guidance in this area as this is mostly a culmination of lots of readings of GQ, Vogue, etc.

I’ve noticed a few things when people are dressing up formal or business casual at school and they annoy me.

A couple pointers.
Never button your bottom button on a suit. This is a rookie mistake and just embarrassing.

*Exception* On a single button suit.

Baggy is ugly/sloppy. Suits, shirts or pants alike – its not a good look. Go to a tailor or shop in your size please.

- Steven

So I’m going to start keeping track of what I’ve learned so far at school (not lessons but more observations).

Cool!

Here is a generic Business picture to get things started.

-Steven

Central Park & The Brooklyn Bridge

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