On the Scene with MSGL

We've Moved!

2010-05-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

Just the blog - not the University! From now on, our blog will be hosted here: http://usdmsgl.wordpress.com/

After much research, we've found that Wordpress will allow us to converse better with you. After all, this is a conversation. Feel free to join us at our new blog location and comment on what you see!

We've also set up a student blog - written exclusively from the perspective of MSGL students and alums. Take a look at it here: http://msglstudents.wordpress.com/

If you're interested in contributing to either blog, please let us know!

Thanks,
The Management

MSGL and AcademyWomen

2010-04-24T20:53:00.001-07:00

MSGL was a ‘Two Star Sponsor’ for AcademyWomen’s leadership summit which took place on Saturday 17 April in San Diego. AcademyWomen is a non-profit organization which serves largely, but not exclusively, women who have graduated from one of the military service academies. AcademyWomen provides a forum for women in leadership positions inside and outside of the military to share lessons learned and provide mutual support and networking. Gilda Reeves (MSGL Cohort 17 and member of the MSGL Advisory Council) was the primary organizer of the Summit; also attending from MSGL were Dina Frisella Zumwalt (cohort 18) and Cara Cerutti Holmes (cohort 48). Gilda and Dina are both Naval Academy graduates; Cara works in Defense Contracting, but has never been in the military.

I was the only male among about 70 intelligent and high-achieving women at the summit. I learned that these women struggle with many of the same work-life balance issues that men do, but with a distinctly different twist – especially when the discussion came to balancing the roles of executive, spouse, AND mother. I learned that military women, perhaps more than men, have difficulty explaining the demands of the military profession to partners who have no experience in the military. Some women expressed frustration that a feminine approach to leadership and problem solving is often unappreciated in the high-testosterone working world dominated by achievement oriented Alpha males. The similarities between the challenges faced by women leaders inside and outside the military were also discussed.

One of the keynote speakers, Col Shelly Smith USMC, noted how male leaders are frequently either unwilling or incompetent at holding women accountable for professionalism in the work place, in part due to rapidly evolving roles of women, but also in part due to a lack of moral courage to confront women’s issues.

A very well run and interesting conference and we were proud to be one of the sponsors. More on AcademyWomen at www.academywomen.org Bob Schoultz

MSGL DC Alumni Reunion

2010-04-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

On Wed 21 April, a group of MSGL students and alums living and working in the DC area gathered for lunch at Clyde’s in downtown Washington DC. The group included Siddhartha (Buck) Herdegan (C42), now teaching leadership at the Naval Academy, Tom Donohue(C 20) now working at the State Department, Lacey Sladkey (C47) about to begin a new job in contracting, Chris Moore (C40) working for N8 on the Navy Staff in the Pentagon, Jeremy Edge (C50) working for Batelle, contracted to DHS, Chad Clever (C50) a consultant working for NBM technologies, and Damon Loveless (C45) working as a congressional fellow on Capitol Hill. Also joining us were Meghan Murphy, Brent Hall, Mark Pennington, and Chris Ward who were invited along by the others to learn more about the MSGL program as an option for their graduate education in the future.

We began by introducing ourselves to and getting to know each other, and I gave a brief update on some of the new developments in MSGL since some of the alums had graduated. We also had a great meal – Clyde’s is a top – notch Washington Restaurant, and MSGL was proud to pick up the check. Thanks to Lacey and Meghan for suggesting it! We concluded with a spirited discussion of the ethical issues associated with Google’s decision to go into China. I suspect that Meghan, Brent, Mark and Chris enjoyed watching our Alums jump on this ‘hot’ topic, and the eloquence and passion with which they expressed a variety of well-reasoned opinions, discussing, arguing and respectfully disagreeing. I, as usual, played the devil’s advocate, probing and challenging assumptions, throwing in alternative perspectives, but admitting that I have no answer either.

It was great seeing everyone again, facilitating new connections between MSGL alums, and perhaps even making some new friends for the program. I look forward to the next gathering of MSGL in DC – date TBD, but certainly within a year. Bob

Cohort 51 Orientation

2010-04-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

We had a welcome reception for Cohort 51 on Tuesday 6 April, that was really exciting for us. First we have a great group of 24 new students, from many different and interesting walks of life and backgrounds. Secondly, the orientation itself was run for the first time by a diverse and impressive group of committed MSGL students and alums, led by Justine Caruso. These 'veteran' MSGL students welcomed the new cohort into the program with testimonials, advice, and insights. Sam Chung - our Assistant Director for on-line education helped students 'dial-in' their computers and introduced them to some of the tools we'll be using in the program. Five members of the new Cohort were unable to make it since they live as far away as Chicago, San Francisco, and Jacksonville, Florida. We have communicated with them separately to ensure that they get the information they need to get started, and they'll get to know their cohort mates on-line over the next month, and in class later in May. We send them information and good cheer through the internet - we just couldn't send the beer, wine, and sandwiches and noisy conversations!

Cohort 51 has students representing the cultures of Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, active duty military and veterans representing the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. We have students who are active in the corporate world of San Diego, in California, and beyond. We have a couple of gray haired guys along with a hard charging and energetic group in their late twenties and early thirties. We’re excited about this new group and about how Justine and the nearly 15 veteran MSGL students welcomed the new students into our program and our family. A very short video clip at (play video) captures the feel of the orientation. Now it’s time to get to work – 5 weeks of on-line work slowly ramps up the studying and prepares these new graduate students for that intensive one week of class on campus at USD beginning on 17 May.

MSGL Cohort 47 Graduates

2010-03-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

On Friday 26 March, 18 students from MSGL Cohort 47 walked across the stage in Mother Rosalie Hill auditorium to receive their MS in Global Leasdership degree from USD's School of Business Administration. That morning, as part of their final capstone project, they presented an analysis which included a strategic plan forward for Krystal Enterprises, a limousine manufacturing company which is dealing with challenges associated with having plants in two different countries. Cohort 47's presentation was one of the best we’ve seen yet.

Cohort 47 included 12 men and 6 women, 10 students who are still on active duty in the military, and 8 working in the private sector. They had 12 resident learners and 6 Distant Learners, and 3 students who grew up outside the US – 2 in Mexico and one in Ukraine. There was quite a bit of diversity in our military students, which included naval aviators, naval surface officers, a Navy Seal, 3 marines and an Air Force officer. Our private sector students represented Enterprise Media Networks, Northrop Grumman, L3 Communications, Strategic Insights consulting, an ‘international entrepreneur’ and a student between jobs who is also organizing our trip to the Global Leadership conference in China in June.

This cohort was very active in our overseas programs. Eleven of the 18 participated in our Global Strategy course in Buenos Aires in January, and of those eleven, five also participated in our International Comparative Leadership and Management course in Barcelona/Marrakesh last June.

Recent C47 graduate Justine Caruso has stepped forward to organize alumni and current student support for our Orientation program for Cohort 51, which begins classes on-line in April, and has their first week of class the week of 17 May.

Congratulations C47 – great spirit at the Graduation – you knocked it out of the park!

MSGL Application Deadline is April 1

2010-03-11T16:18:00.000-08:00

We've gotten quite a few inquiries from interested students lately wondering about the application deadline, if there is room available, etc. As of today (March 11), we have a few seats remaining in the April cohort but they're going fast.

Interested students should already be talking with John Ruzicka (msgl@sandiego.edu) and should be putting the finishing touches on their application. For frequently asked questions, go here.

As always, we use a rolling admissions process. If you're thinking about the August cohort, we'd recommend that you submit soon as well - that group is already starting to take shape as well.

Finally, if you'd like to visit the campus, meet current students, and talk with us in person; the invitation is always open. We'll be happy to have you!

Venture Capitalist Lays It All Out

2010-03-09T15:02:00.000-08:00

MSGL students recently enjoyed a visit by Ted Alexander, a partner with San Diego-based VC firm, Mission Ventures Capital. Ted gave a fascinating look at the basics of venture capitalism and how VC firms partner with start-up companies to build their profitability for mutual benefit.

Ted began by walking us through a hypothetical case in which an entrepreneur starts with $1M, progresses to build his company's value to $5M and negotiates with a VC firm to bring an additional $5M into the company. Ted explained that the VC would make certain demands in return for (now) 50% ownership of the company. Then he explained the likely steps in getting additional capital to build success upon success, to eventually create a $1B company - which would be a professional and financial success for all concerned. In conclusion, he quipped, "And I wish it always worked that smoothly."

According to Ted, about 1/3 of the companies with VC funding will ultimately fail. Another 1/3 are not failures, but not real winners either. The final third are very successful and are able to make enough money to recoup any investment lost with the other companies (and hopefully more).

Ted shared some thoughts about his own views on leadership, some of which he learned in the Navy, and subsequently applied in business. He strongly recommends the book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. He described his personal journey to find his dream job after graduating from Business school through networking, persistence, serendipity, and his ability to capitalize on opportunities that came his way. He has been in the VC business for 13 years now and clearly finds the work invigorating, though demanding.

He concluded his remarks with his personal method of keeping his life on track. He sets specific goals in the four main areas of his life: Personal, Professional, Physical, and Spiritual. He writes his goals down and posts them in a visible spot where he checks himself against them regularly and has others help hold him accountable.

Special thanks to Ted for sharing his personal story with us. The session was recorded and is available in streaming video for our distance learners and others upon request.

Ted Alexander is a Managing Partner of Mission Ventures III and has been with the firm since its founding. Prior to joining Mission Ventures, Ted worked closely with a successful Mission Ventures portfolio company investment, Sandpiper Networks.

Ted's investment focus has been predominantly in the areas of communications and infrastructure, and he is currently serving as Board Director for Carbon Micro Battery, MaxLinear, ID Analytics, Networks in Motion, Ortiva Wireless, Verimatrix, and LeisureLink.

Previously, Ted was a Platoon Commander in the US Navy SEALs and a Division Officer aboard a US Navy destroyer. Ted received an MBA from Duke University and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the United States Naval Academy.

MSGL & MSEL Students Visit SD International Airport and WD-40 Company

2010-02-26T13:33:00.000-08:00

MS in Global Leadership & MS in Executive Leadership students recently had the opportunity to visit two unique and important organizations for the San Diego economy - San Diego International Airport and the WD-40 Company. Though you may not fully realize it, the airport is just as much of a business as any other "company" in town. Here's a little bit of what students learned:

SD International Airport – We received a fascinating brief on the importance of the airport to the San Diego regional economy from the VP for marketing and then we were addressed by Thella Bowens, the President and CEO of the Airport on her leadership style and approach to getting the most out of the team she has assembled.

- We learned that SD Airport Authority is actively recruiting international carriers to bring direct flights from San Diego to Europe and Asia

- The cost for an Airline to establish a route which runs one flight/week out of San Diego Internationally is $100m.

- The Airlines partner with the SD Airport and local businesses to share risk when a new route is established to support the community.

- San Diego’s Lindbergh Field is one of the most efficient airfields in the country.

- We were all very impressed with Ms Bowens’ humble and collaborative leadership style, and understand why people are so happy to work there.

At WD-40 we were hosted by Patrick Wade, VP for Global Innovation, Maria Mitchell VP for Corporate & Investor Relations, and Pete Fougner, Director of Global Quality Assurance.

- We were given a brief on the history of WD-40 and its products and a tour of the facility, to include an ‘up close and personal’ with the preparation of the ‘secret formula’ which makes WD-40 so successful.

- We learned the WD-40 stands for Water Displacement 40th attempt, was invented in 1953 and its original name was Rocket Chemical.

- WD-40 is an international company with only 311 employees but hundreds of partners and is sold in 168 countries. They consider their partnerships to be the key to their success.

- WD-40 has branched out into some related cleaning and lubrication products such as Blue Works, 3 in 1 Oil, lava soap, 2000 flushes, spot shot.

- We were given a fascinating brief on their corporate approach to leader development and retention. With such a small but flat organization, there is not significant upward mobility; they retain their leaders when by creating a great place to work and many opportunities for professional and personal development within the organization.

Special thanks to both companies for hosting us. If you or someone you know would be interested in starting their graduate degree and would enjoy the many opportunities we provide outside the classroom, please let us know!

Qualcomm Co-Founder, Dr. Irwin Jacobs, Tells His Story

2010-02-17T16:59:00.001-08:00

On Feb. 5th, MSGL students got the chance to meet and have lunch with Dr. Irwin Jacobs, Qualcomm Inc's co-founder and long-time CEO. Dr. Jacobs explained how Qualcomm went from a small startup company to a global leader in technology. He addressed the challenges they faced with a growing business, working internationally, and the battle for a global standard for wireless technology. Dr. Jacobs even quipped about his ideas for the future of technology, where your wireless phone will be able to identify anyone you meet - so you never forget a name or a face!

Special thanks goes out to Dr. Jacobs and his staff for their visit. MSGL students appreciated the intimate setting and personal interaction with Dr. Jacobs.

Dr. Irwin Jacobs, co-founder of Qualcomm, Inc., to visit USD on 2/5/10

2010-01-26T16:24:00.000-08:00

The Master of Science in Global Leadership program is delighted to welcome Dr. Irwin Jacobs, founder of Qualcomm, Inc. to speak at the University of San Diego on Friday, February 5, 2010. We invite you to join us in the Joan Kroc IPJ Theater to hear the story of how Qualcomm went from a startup company in 1985 to a global technology leader and #52 on the 2009 Financial Times Global 500 list.

• When: Friday, February 5, 2010, 11:30am – 12:15pm
• Where: Joan Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice Theater
• Who: USD business students, alumni, and invited guests
• RSVP: Click here to RSVP

MSGL Welcomes Cohort 50 into the USD Family!

2010-01-20T14:20:00.000-08:00

The MS in Global Leadership recently welcomed Cohort 50 into the MSGL family. The newest group of graduate students attended on-campus class sessions throughout the week of January 11-16 as a continuation of coursework that began online in December 2009. Classroom instruction included lectures, guest speakers, and case studies in business ethics, leadership, global society, and international business fundamentals.

On Thursday evening, students enjoyed a welcome reception in the Joan Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice. The event was attended by several current students and alumni who addressed Cohort 50 and shared their own personal experiences in the MSGL program. The next welcome reception will take place on May 20, 2010 and is open to all MSGL students, alumni, and prospective students.

This Week with MSGL

2010-01-12T16:37:00.000-08:00

It's been an exciting week so far here at the MSGL program and it's only Tuesday! Wonder what's in store for the second half of the week?

Well, first we still have time if you'd like to RSVP for our Thursday night networking event with MSGL students, alums, faculty, and staff.
5:00 - 7:00pm, Joan Kroc IPJ Rotunda
More details here: http://bit.ly/7y5wxr
Email us at msgl@sandiego.edu to let us know you're coming.

Second, we've seen a great start to the program for Cohort 50. They started classes on campus yesterday after a month of online work. It's great to see everyone in person and the out-of-towners seem to really be enjoying the warm winter weather here.

Speaking of enjoying the weather, we have nearly 20 students currently finishing an international business strategy course in Buenos Aires. Check our Facebook page in the next couple of weeks for more pictures, but here's one we found of our MSGL'ers enjoying the Tango show.

Value, Importance, and Protocol of Networking

2009-12-16T14:40:00.000-08:00

This past Friday, MSGL students were treated to a 90-minute presentation from USD business professors Craig and Linda Barkacs. Their message was filled with colorful anecdotes and their personal account of moving to San Diego years ago without knowing anyone. Since the early 80s, they have continued to build an incredible network that serves them well both professionally and personally.

Some of the nuggets or key take-aways from their visit:

- Get involved! Join organizations where you have common interests with people and be active within those groups.

- Add value! It's not enough to just show up and expect to build a great network. People notice others who volunteer for leadership positions and provide value to the group.

- Follow up! If you commit to something, follow through. If someone helps you, in any capacity, follow up and say thank you. Be reliable and helpful and others will be likely to help you when the time comes.

- Be yourself! Enough said.

It was a great lunchtime presentation and is available on streaming video for those who missed it. Email us at msgl@sandiego.edu if you'd like to take a look or attend our next guest speaker.

Welcome to Cohort 50!

2009-12-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

This past Tuesday evening, we had a chance to meet many of the great students who are joining the MSGL program as a part of Cohort 50. As part of our orientation, we ask the students to tell us a little more about themselves. We learned that we have several musicians within this group, some multi-lingual students, and many who have spent significant time overseas. I think we have a few dog lovers in this group as well! We're excited about the level and depth of experience among this group and hope that they'll share with each other the unique knowledge that they've acquired over the years.

Of course, we also hope that this will be a great experience for them - one that is full of fun, learning, and building of lifelong relationships.

Mark your calendars for the evening of January 14th at 5pm in the Manchester Conference Center (next door to Olin Hall), when we'll have a welcome recption for this group. We invite all MSGL students, alums, and prospective students to join us for this networking event. Please RSVP to msgl@sandiego.edu to confirm your attendance. We hope to see you there!

USD School of Business Administration Ranked Again!

2009-12-02T10:26:00.001-08:00

USD's School of Business Administration continues to get national recognition, this time from BusinessWeek! The Evening MBA program was ranked #26 in the country and is among (and ahead of!) many of the top names in B schools.

Since many of your MSGL courses are the same as MBA courses, MSGL students benefit from the A+ ranked teaching faculty.

Go here to read more about all the top 30 rankings the SBA has enjoyed in 2009! http://bit.ly/4CEMap

Get Smart and Apply!

2009-11-18T20:39:00.000-08:00

Now is a great time to start setting your 2010 education goals! After all, there are many details to be ironed out before a professional person can make the commitment to return to University.

To name just a few considerations, one must figure out:

How to navigate time constraints
How to afford to earn an advanced degree
How to select an advanced degree that is both relevant and that will increase marketability in this tough economy

The beauty of the MSGL program at USD is that it works with any schedule, there are lots of financing and financial aid options available, and it is a cutting edge degree that will improve your marketability and increase your earning potential.

Why? Well, for starters USD's School of Business Administration has made Business Week's top 30 list in both graduate and undergraduate education. “To have both our undergraduate and graduate programs ranked in the top 30 is an honor and testament to the high quality of our faculty teaching and research,” said David Pyke, dean of USD’s School of Business Administration.

Note the distinguishing features of the MSGL graduate degree program:

Cohort-based program builds lifelong relationships
Small class size ensures personal attention
Accelerated program completed in only 16 months
Weekend class sessions and significant online content allow for flexibility in completing coursework

If you are interested in our program or know someone who would make an idea MSGL student now is the time to Get Smart and Apply! Currently, MSGL is accepting applications for our next cohort that will begin online in December and on campus in January. For the entire month of November we are waiving the application fee for those applicants who are referred by alumni or current students. To learn more about this great opportunity contact:

John Ruzicka @ msgl@sandiego.edu or 619.260.4833

Workshop Your Ideas

2009-11-04T21:42:00.000-08:00

One way to zero in on the Golden Nugget contained within your innovative ideas is to present them at academic conferences. Indeed, good ideas are made great by putting them through a rigorous peer review process.

Attending professional workshops and academic conferences allows you to hone your ideas through peer review, Q & A sessions, and critical feedback sessions with business leaders and/or professors. As an added bonus, you will also make connections with potential employers and future colleagues.

In addition, workshops and conferences foster camaraderie among business students and professionals alike by giving attendees a platform on which to discuss their multi-national thoughts on leadership, business practices, and global economic responsibility.

One such conference came across my radar the other day. It is the "Managing Beyond Values--Beyond Culture and Generations," hosted by the MacEwan School of Business in Edmonton, Canada on May 3 and 4, 2010. The objective of the conference (as listed on their website) is to create, "a forum for discussing the role of management education in developing a new generation of leaders capable of managing the contemporary challenges we face in our world of transformation."

We encourage you to participate in the "Call for papers" for this conference. Submissions should "explore current topics in management education and the role of values in management training and development." Drafting a proposal, submitting it, and attending this conference is an excellent way to foster your professional and academic development as a current or former MSGL student.

Deadline for submissions is November 30, 2009.
Notice of acceptance occurs on December 20, 2009.

Please submit an extended abstract for blind peer review to:
Sara Caetano at caetanos@macewan.ca.
Authors of accepted papers will be notified and invited to submit a full paper for inclusion in the conference proceedings.

Please let us know if you would like assistance with your submission ideas. We'd love to see MSGL @ USD represented next year!

And remember:

November 6th, lunch-time speaker. Email John Ruzicka for more information.
November 6th, We buy you drinks at the I-Bar, and all you have to do is show up and bring a friend!
November 30th, last day application fee is waived for referred applicants.
December 1st, application deadline

See you next week!

So Much Great MSGL News, It's Kinda Spooky!

2009-10-28T20:40:00.001-07:00

(Halloween Puns Just for Fun)

As Halloween approaches I can't help but wonder what treats are in store for MSGL students, alumni, and friends of the program. One magnificent goodie to share right off the bat is that during the entire month of November referred applicants will have their application fees waived. That's right, friends of alums, put your hard-earned dollars toward something less frightful than an application fee!

Pressed for time? Don't howl at the moon in frustration, because the deadline to apply has been extended until December 1, 2009. This give you plenty of time scare up the information you need to include in your application and avoid the fee. If that doesn't give you a sugar rush to the head, I don't know what will!

What About Bob?

Did you know that our esteemed Director, Bob Schoultz, the creative mind behind "Bob's Corner," is also a frequent contributor to the leadership panel in The Washington Post? This week, Bob addresses the public airing of grievances among the leaders and coaches of the Washington Redskins. What's great about Bob is his answers always seem to speak to a larger issue than just the question posed by the newspaper. Read it and weep, Dan Snyder!

Upcoming Events

October 31, Halloween! Boo! Have fun, and post your costume pictures on Facebook.
November 6th, lunch-time speaker. Email John Ruzicka for more information.
November 6th, We buy you drinks at the I-Bar, and all you have to do is show up and bring a friend!
November 30th, last day application fee is waived for referred applicants.
December 1st, application deadline

See you next week!

What is Real?

2009-10-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

I read a fascinating essay in the Wall Street Journal this week that makes the point that we just don’t know what to believe any more. Dan Henninger’s essay, which he playfully titles Wonderland –We’re all Balloon Boys Now, notes how reality and fantasy have become so confused and blurred that we don’t know what is real or waht to believe. Perception Management has become so sophisticated and has gone to such bizarre extremes that we can hardly tell the difference between the legitimate and the absurd, between form and substance, and we’re never quite sure where reality ends and fantasy begins. With all the spin doctors, photo-shop make-overs, plastic surgery, performance enhancing drugs, lip-synching, 3D special effects, clever marketing strategies, public relations and personal branding specialists, the ubiquitous stretchers of the truth and the outright liars, we’re constantly asking ourselves, “Is this real, or am I being had?”

Even ‘reality TV’ is fake. There is the famous unattributed claim that “The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that, you’ve got it made.” So who and what can we believe and trust? What is real?

The Washington Post “On Leadership” discussion, to which I contribute from time to time, recently asked the question: “What is it about airline Captain "Sully" Sullenberger and his ‘miracle on the Hudson’ that has so fascinated the public? What does it say about the public's hunger for leadership?” My response noted that we hunger for authenticity, and Capt Sullenberger and what he and his cew did to save the lives of the people on his airliner was real, genuine, and required no spin or make-up. He and his crew had worked hard to be very competent at their jobs, and delivered on their commitment to protect the lives of their passengers in an emergency. No PR spin, no excuses. I believe that America has become so used to ‘posers,’ and opportunists grand-standing for personal gain, manipulating perceptions to gain favor with this or that constituency, that when someone genuine steps up and does their job well because that is who they are and what they believe in, we are shocked and amazed. Capt Sullenberger, honest cops, members of the military, corporate leaders who spurn the spotlight, but give generously and sometimes anonymously to good causes – these capture the moral imagination of America and fans the embers of what is best in us. When we get confused about what is real and what is fake, what is sincere and what is a mere attempt to manipulate us and our emotions toward some other end, Capt Sullenberger reminds us of what a genuine hero is, and of that part of the American character that we can continue to believe in.

You can read Dan Henninger’s entertaining essay in WSJ Wonderland –We’re all Balloon Boys Now, by clicking here.

You can read my post in response to the Washington Post question on America’s response to Capt Sullenberger by clicking here

You can view Capt Sullenberger’s short video recorded interview on Washington post by clicking here.

MSGL Teams Up with Local Companies

2009-10-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

October 12th was an exciting day for 8 MSGL students,4 MSEL students, and staff from both programs who took their skills on the road to visit some local businesses.

Students were treated to a tour of the Callaway golf club production facility as well as to a chat with the Vice President of Operations. MSGL-ers also had a chance to schmooze with the CEO of 3E, "the leading provider of health and safety information and compliance management services." While the CEO, Human Resources Director, and CFO--a USD alum--of MaxLinear gave students and staff valuable tips and information for how to succeed after graduation.

Thank you to each of these companies for opening their doors to our students and for taking the time to network and answer our questions.

See you next week!

Sky's the Limit with MSGL Under Your Wings!

2009-10-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself on a Delta Airlines flight in the month of October, be sure to turn to page 120 of Delta Sky in-flight magazine. Stephanie Wilbur Ash's feature article on distance learning as a way to improve one's life and career shines the spotlight on Sean Kelley, a 2004 MSGL graduate from cohort 10. Now the Director of Staffing with the Microsoft Corporation, Kelley had the following to say in the article about his MSGL degree, "I was able to put my deep studies to work around the world. I needed the degree to open the door, which it completely did."

Know someone who is ready to make a big life change? Share Sean's success for inspiration. Kelley was able to incorporate the MSGL program into his busy lifestlye, because of the distance learning component. Indeed, online education is the wave of the future. As author Stephanie Wilbur Ash notes, enrollment in online degree programs rose 12.9% between 2007 and 2008. And with the economy slowly crawling its way out of a ditch, that number is sure to soar over the next several years. Find out more about the benefits of distance learning by attending the following events:

Save the Date!

October 12th: School of Business Graduate Student Programs Information Session provides an opportunity to learn all there is to know about SBA degrees, including MSGL.
October 16th: Hire San Diego is a one-stop shop for business school graduates who want to meet with top employment recruiters.
November 6th: Join the MSGL staff at the I Bar on North Island for our regular recruiting event. Bring a friend and enjoy a frosty beverage on us!

See you next week!

Claire Kreger Boaz

Fall Semester Is Under Way!

2009-10-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

I was visiting family in NJ and NY for the past two weeks and so I missed the well-attended MSGL information session and mixer on September 24h. This was certainly my loss, because I also missed my chance to rub elbows with Cohort 49, the MSGL Advisory Council, and with Dr.'s Judy Liu, Shreesh Deshpande, Manzur Rahman, Phil Hunsaker, as well as Professor Don Kelly and Associate Dean, Dr. Steve Standifird. Wow, what a turnout!

If you did not attend this event, not to worry. There will be another one just like it on January 14, 2010. Details to come.

__________________________________________________

Our very own Bob Schoultz was a featured panelist in The Washington Post on September 29th in a piece called "High Stakes Chess." Bob received many comments about his opinion, both supporting and arguing against it. Read it and let us know what you think in our comments section!

See you next week!

Claire Kreger Boaz

Is the Recession Really Over?

2009-09-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

An article published in the September 15, 2009 issue of The New York Times, quotes Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke as stating that it is "very likely" that the recession is over. But before you breathe a sigh of relief note that financial experts, Bernanke among them, caution that unemployment rates may not recover from several months to 1 or 2 years from now.

In the meantime, people who lost their jobs are going back to school to earn higher degrees. Indeed, in the time it takes for unemployment rates stabilize students currently enrolled in the MSGL program will earn a Master's degree and be prepared to take positions in the new global economy.

Want to learn more? Attend the MSGL information session on September 24, 2009.

MSGL Info Session

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Olin Hall, room 331
4:30 pm - 5:15 pm
Free

Join us for an interactive question and answer session to explain the details of the MSGL program. All prospective students are invited. Stay after for our MSGL student and alumni networking event at 5 p.m., which will provide a great opportunity to talk with others who have completed the MSGL program.

To RSVP, or for more information e-mail msgl@sandiego.edu.
Contact
John Ruzicka 619-260-4833
Web Address
www.sandiego.edu/msgl

See you next week!

Claire Kreger Boaz

Events of Interest to MSGL Students and Alumni

2009-09-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

The USD Career Center hosts many events throughout the year that may be of interest to you, such as the "Employer in the Foyer" series.

September 14, 2009 GEICO 11am-1pmOlin Hall 2nd Floor Foyer
September 15, 2009 CareFusion 11am-1pmOlin Hall 2nd Floor Foyer
September 16, 2009 Northwestern Mutual Financial Network 11am-1pm Olin Hall 2nd Floor Foyer
September 21, 2009 Unum 11am-1pm Olin Hall 2nd Floor Foyer
September 28, 2009 Southern Wine and Spirits 11am-1pmOlin Hall 2nd Floor Foyer

To learn about other Career Center events, go here.

Want to link up with USD alumni in your city?

Whether you live in San Diego, New York City, Portland, or Mexico City there is most certainly an alumni event happening in your town. Click here to see the USD Alumni Events Calendar.

RSVP for the MSGL cocktail mixer and information session on September 24th

MSGL staff, faculty, students, and alumni are invited to this event.

Bring a friend who is interested in hearing a 30-minute information session about the MSGL program to Olin 331.

Mixer will be held in Manchester, Room 206 from 5pm to 7:30pm.

Please RSVP by September 22nd.

Have an event you'd like to let fellow MSGL students/alumni know about? Email me today.

See you next week!
Claire

When Opportunity Knocks, Answer the Door

2009-09-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

"In bull-fighting they speak of the terrain of the bull and the terrain of the bull-fighter. As long as a bull-fighter stays in his own terrain he is comparatively safe. Each time he enters into the terrain of the bull he is in great danger. Belmonte, in his best days, worked always in the terrain of the bull."
- Chapter 18, The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway

MSGL Welcome Reception and Networking Event on September 24th

Join MSGL staff, faculty, alumni, and our newest cohort on September 24^th as we ring in the new semester with a cocktail mixer in Manchester Conference Center, Room 206. Network with fellow MSGL graduates, meet current students, and find out what’s new with the program.

We will also hold a 30-minute information session for prospective students that will begin at 4:30pm in the MSGL Classroom (Olin 331). Please invite anyone you think may be interested in hearing more about the MSGL program to both events!

RSVP by September 22nd.

Updated Alumni Page

Have you ever wondered if a fellow MSGL graduate lives in your city? Perhaps you would like to learn about your alumni benefits, or network with other USD School of Business graduates. Whatever your alumni needs, the new and improved SBA alumni page is sure to meet them. Visit our page now to review your benefits!

Hi-tech Students

Going back to school is expensive, especially if you must update your computer, software, or other hi-tech gadgets. Luckily, there are people out there doing the work for us! Check out these reviews of gear, gadgets, and machines.

Time magazine has come up with the "25 Best Back-to-School Gadgets" list.
Wired goes back to school in "The Week in Gadget Reviews."
Scan CNET's "Top 10 Must-have Gadgets."
In the market for a new laptop? Read up on the latest news and reviews from CNET first.

Please let us know in the comments section which gadgets, gizmos, and devices you simply cannot live without.

See You Next Week!

MSGL News and Upcoming Events

2009-08-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

Hello friends, alumni, and current students. Over the next couple of weeks we will make the transition between the lazy days of summer and what is sure to be a rigorous fall schedule.

Busy Summer for MSGL Director, Bob Schoultz

Not everyone takes it easy between June and August, however. Indeed, MSGL Director Bob Schoultz hasn't slowed down a bit. In addition to running the program, prepping for classes, and writing articles for various publications, Bob spent a month in Wyoming's Wind River Mountains where he co-led a National Outdoor Leadership School course for Naval Academy midshipmen.

Distinguished Alumna

Ms. Katherine M. Coffman of Cohort 9 was selected by the Senior Executive Service for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to assume the position of Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Office of Human Resources Management . Ms. Coffman graduated with her Master's in Science in Global Leadership in March 2004 after receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland. Congratulations, Ms. Coffman! We are proud to count you among our distinguished alumni.

Save the Date

Join MSGL staff, faculty, alumni, and our newest cohort on September 24th as we ring in the new semester with a cocktail mixer in Manchester Conference Center, Room 206. Network with fellow MSGL graduates, meet current students, and find out what’s new with the program.

See you next week!

What's New with MSGL?

2009-08-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to members of Cohort 45 who graduated this summer

Summer is almost over, and as I walk around the very quiet campus of the University of San Diego I can't help but think about all the great things in store for MSGL this fall. I look forward to meeting all of the incoming students and to forging relationships with our distinguished alumni. I hope all of you will participate in the online social network of students, alumni, and business leaders in the community that is growing day-by-day. Enjoy this week's blog entry, and don't forget to post your comments and suggestions at the bottom of the page.

Welcome Cohort 49!

Please join the MSGL faculty and staff on 24 September for a reception to welcome Cohort 49 to the program. All current students, alumni and prospective students are invited. Contact us for more information. Cohort 49 is a diverse group of 20 students includes 11 military and 9 private sector citizens--7 of whom are women, 5 of whom are distance learners, and 1 who was raised in Brazil (by way of New Jersey!). Cohort 49 has begun their online work and will be on-site the week of September 21 for their first week of classes.

New Marketing Class

We are proud to offer a new marketing class this fall as part of the mandatory curriculum. Marketing for Global Business will be taught by Dr. Seth Ellis and Dr. "Soma" Somasundaram.

Lunchtime Sessions

Join us this fall for lunchtime sessions, which are offered several times each semester. Lunch is provided for current students who will benefit from the expertise of inspirational guestpeakers who are leaders in the local business community. This summer we were lucky enough to have Jim Caltrider discuss Supply Chain Management in June, Dr. John Stoessinger explored the future of business relations between China and the U.S. in July, and Associate Director of Career Services Dr. Alan Farber provided an outstanding session on resume writing, job hunting, and preparing for job interviews in August. Check back as the fall semester approaches to learn when the next lunchtime session is happening and who will be our featured guest speaker.

See you next week,
Claire Kreger Boaz

Welcome to On the Scene with MSGL!

2009-08-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

Barcelona Bike Ride

Hello! My name is Claire Kreger Boaz, and I am your online connection to the MSGL program at the University of San Diego. It is my goal to create a community out of our distinguished alumni and current students who will stay connected to the the university long after graduation.

Why, you ask? Because we have the tools to help you reach your goals, and we want to share them with you.

For Alumni

The Torero Network is an online networking tool built exclusively for USD alumni. It can be found at http://alumni.sandiego.edu/. Utilize a searchable on-line directory of 50,000 alumni and a permanent e-mail forwarding service. Network with fellow alumni, advertise your business- even post a family picture! You will need your ALUMNI ID number to access this password-protected system. Call the Office of Alumni Relations to obtain your ID number at (619) 260-4819.
Career Services offers a variety of free services to alumni. Located in the Hughes Administration Center, Room 110, the center has a library with information on career options, internships, and current job openings. For more information, call (619) 260-4654 or visit www.sandiego.edu/careers/.
Opportunities to attend mixers, cocktail parties, charitable events, and guest speaker engagements to network and meet your peers in the local business community.

For Current Students

MSGL students are offered the opportunity to attend a variety of courses, seminars and events outside of the United States. Many students have taken advantage of these opportunities in such places as Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, Morocco, Hong Kong, and China.
Distinguishing Features of the MSGL Program:• Cohort-based program builds lifelong relationships• Small class size ensures personal attention• Accelerated program completed in only 16 months• Weekend class sessions and significant online content allow for flexibility in completing coursework.
9/11 Financial Aid Package for those military service men and women who qualify.
Merit scholarships for students who excel in the program, earning a 3.5 or better GPA.

I look forward to getting to know each of you through our correspondences! And if you want to share informaton about an upcoming event or an opening in your company please write me and I will include it in the next post.

Stay connected until next time, friends.

Claire Kreger Boaz

Alumni and Social Media Relations

University of San Diego

MSGL Program

ckregerboaz@sandiego.edu

619.260.2998