Michael Alemany—Intern, Citigroup, NYC
Over the summer, I interned with Citigroup in New York City in their compensation department. Given all the controversy surrounding executive pay, bonuses on Wall Street, and TARP companies, it was a really interesting time to be with Citi, especially in compensation. Nearly every week, something my department was doing showed up in the Wall Street Journal.
I think there were two things that helped me stand out. First, I discovered just how important first impressions are. Towards the end of my internship, one of the individuals I had worked closely with told me that during my first week, my managing director had commented that I was the most enthusiastic intern he had seen. By the end of the summer, the team felt comfortable giving me just about any project.
Over the course of the summer, I learned that sometimes you have to demonstrate a willingness to work on any project before you get assigned to the really interesting ones. As the summer progressed and the team came to trust the quality of my work, I was given greater ownership over projects and the importance of the project to the team and ultimately the company greatly escalated.
What I liked least about the position was the ad-hoc nature of the work. I came in during the middle of some huge projects that were effectively restructuring the entire company. However, this ad-hoc approach did give me exposure to all the projects the compensation department was working on, which I never would have gotten otherwise in a three month period.
Applications to class were all around me. I fully expect that Citi will be a Harvard Business Review case in the coming years. I had the opportunity to listen to numerous senior executives including the CEO, CFO, CAO, Vice Chairman, etc. The overarching theme that I heard repeated over and over was an explanation of Citi’s core competencies, how Citi got away from those, and how it is now restructuring to focus on their core competencies again. Sometimes, I practically felt like I was sitting back in Professor Dyer’s class going through a case.
I got the position by applying on E-recruiting. For those who are interested in jobs with Citi, I discovered that networking is really valuable. Since the company is so large they really value individuals that are able to effectively network and make connections.
I have accepted a full time offer to return in July 2010 and join their HR Analyst Rotational Program. I knew that the life of a management consultant was not for me and I was hoping to find a job in either HR consulting or an industry position. Overall, working for Citi was a great experience and I feel the skills I’m learning in the Strategy Program will be very transferable to the work I’ll be doing for Citi in the future.
As for NYC, it was great! My wife and I lived in a neighborhood in Queens. We didn’t have a car and never needed one. The subway was close to our apartment and took us everywhere we needed to be. One of the great things about NYC is that there are so many different things to do. In some respects it felt like a three month vacation! Our ward was great! It was a bunch of young families. Most of them were BYU grads working in the financial industry. If you’re not married, there is a really strong singles presence in Manhattan.
LaDon Linde—Intern, Innosight Institute, San Fransisco
I worked the last two months for the Innosight Institute, a non-profit that works on promoting and developing the ideas presented in Disrupting Class and The Innovator’s Prescription, books that use Clayton Christensen’s business innovation theories. I worked mostly Michael Horn, co-author of Disrupting Class and Executive Director of the Institute.
I really enjoyed the work. I have spent the last two months learning the theories presented in the books and thinking about how to present them in a few short videos that could be posted on YouTube for a wider audience to see. My main job was to take the ideas in the 250 page book Disrupting Class and turn it into one 10-minute Youtube video (although it may be two eight-minute videos). Also, I’ve written a script for several health care youtube videos that will explain the 475 page Innovator’s Prescription in about thirty or forty minutes.
I hope I’ve done a good job, and I’ll suggest a few keys: 1) Because it was an unstructured project, I came up with my own goals, timelines, etc. Michael appreciated that I moved things along. 2) I read and watched as much as I could about these two subjects. That made me look pretty informed when I actually spoke with Michael about what to work on during the internship. (When talking with others, always know as much about them as possible :) 3) When I had my own ideas or analysis of others’ ideas about education reform, I wrote Michael about them. I think he liked a few of them and that helped him trust my thinking.
It is cool to work with a young organization. It meant I got great access to a very accomplished person. Michael is very busy, but was willing to make time for me because I was trying to help, he only has a couple of employees, and I was working for free. It was a very worthwhile experience, no question. I learned a lot, and it gave me a great connection to a very sharp, good person.
When we’re done with the videos, I’ll send links along with the newsletter. We’re filming one or two in San Francisco on Friday.
Barrett Edgington—NBC, NYC
I work for NBC in the Greater New York Area. In a nutshell I coordinate our emerging technologies efforts. My responsibilities include being the liaison between NBC and GE Research (GE is the parent company of NBC), working with our patent attorneys to determine when to file patents, creating models to monetize the research projects, and leading internal innovation projects.
2) If there was one thing you could pass along to us that you have learned what would it be?
Start your education after graduation. I had many preconceived notions about working for a company as large as NBC; in particular I thought I wouldn’t be able to accomplish much due to the slow nature of large companies. I have found that it is in fact possible to move things through the hierarchy, but doing so is not always easy.
3) What do you wish you'd known before hand?
The main thing that comes to mind however is my limited knowledge of technology, given that I work with many computer scientists. The more I learn the more I realize I don’t know. Although I continue to expand my knowledge of technology, I’ve found it important to be able to determine when my limited knowledge is good enough. Getting weighed down in the details is interesting but not always efficient.
4) Does anything from class apply to what you're doing?
Much of what was discussed in Dr. Bryce’s class has come to life for me. Television is in a state of much more change than I ever realized before getting involved in the industry. It’s helpful to be able to frame the industry changes with the rugged landscapes and Schumpeterian principles. I can now see why Dr. Bryce was concerned about teaching the class to undergrads; if I were to take it again I’m sure I would learn 10x more.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
October Newsletter
All-
Fall is here and we hope your jobs, school, job hunt are going well. Apologize for not sending this out sooner this month. We hope to send out the November newsletter towards the beginning of the month. I would like to thank Michael Alemany, Barrett Edgington, and LaDon Linde for sharing their experiences with us (see attached document). If any of you are interested in sharing your experience please let me know. Also, feel free to forward this on to anyone who you think might benefit from it. Although we are sending this out to strategy majors and alums, LaDon and I forward it to many people who find the articles and write ups to be beneficial.
Here is the link to the blog with the newsletter: www.byustrategy.blogspot.com
Other sites:
www.twitter.com/byustrategy
www.linkedin.com search: byu strategy
Religion
http://www.byub.org/talks/Talk.aspx?id=2738
This link has an interview between John Tanner (BYU Academic Vice-President, husband of Susan Tanner) and Clayton Christensen. During the first 15 minutes he explains his business innovation theories and then during the last 13 minutes he relates them to the gospel. He suggests four ways his theories applies to the LDS church, and it's fascinating.
A couple of highlights to entice you to listen, but there are others:
-in wards with sacrament attendance under 100, members give missionaries 3x more referrals per person than in wards with attendance over 100; that's staggering!
-innovations in companies generally bubble up from the bottom, and then senior management's job is to implement the good innovations across the entire company. The same has happened in the church (missionary discussions, topical guide, sunday school all happened this way). We need to make sure that at a local level we seek inspiration and are innovative in the ways we do our callings and don't just rely on the Brethren to guide all programs/actions. Their job is to implement the good ones.
Book Review: Disrupting Class ( The Innovator's Prescription Review will be in November Newsletter)
Real improvement in both health care and education has been elusive. The two books co-authored by Clayton Christensen use the business innovation ideas that explain how entire industries are changed and apply these ideas to education and health-care reform. Because Christensen’s ideas explain how impressive changes occur in industries, the books give a roadmap that shows how real change can happen in these as well. (FYI--Disrupting Class is about half as long, but The Innovator’s Prescription is extremely comprehensive in explaining how to improve the health-care system.)
Here’s a few examples of ideas, but there are a ton more in the books.
Disrupting Class
Our schools are essentially based on the factory system. Schools move students from class to class and grade to grade and hope that educated students come out at the end. However, every student learns differently, so how come in the day of iTunes, Amazon, and NetFlix, which are customized to preferences, do we teach every student in the same way. Computers on the other hand, can deliver content at different paces and ways in order to help students get customized learning experiences and help every single student learn more. That is exciting! Also, the teacher becomes more impactful when computers deliver content and do the assessment because teachers have more time to focus on individual students and act as mentors.
As I consider my schooling experience, I don’t think I learned anything in fifth grade because I had a poor teacher. That would never happen if computers were used to instruct. Also, I could have taken Mandarin Chinese, economics, and AP Physics in high school if they were taught on a computer.
What we want in the U.S. is an education system in which every resource focuses on what it does best: computers deliver the content, teachers mentor and guide, and extra activities and programs help fulfill needs such as health, socialization, exercise, and fun.
Articles
Whole Foods CEO and founder discusses politics, his company, and other interesting topics: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704471504574447114058870676.html#mod=djemWMP
Malcolm Gladwell discusses whether dogfighting is more like football (very long but a great read):
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/10/19/091019fa_fact_gladwell
Coke CEO on why CocaCola didn't make America fat:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703298004574455464120581696.html?mod=djem_jiewr_swwgn_100809
Fantasy Basketball
If there is anyone interested in joining a fantasy basketball league. Let me know and I will create one.
Fall is here and we hope your jobs, school, job hunt are going well. Apologize for not sending this out sooner this month. We hope to send out the November newsletter towards the beginning of the month. I would like to thank Michael Alemany, Barrett Edgington, and LaDon Linde for sharing their experiences with us (see attached document). If any of you are interested in sharing your experience please let me know. Also, feel free to forward this on to anyone who you think might benefit from it. Although we are sending this out to strategy majors and alums, LaDon and I forward it to many people who find the articles and write ups to be beneficial.
Here is the link to the blog with the newsletter: www.byustrategy.blogspot.com
Other sites:
www.twitter.com/byustrategy
www.linkedin.com search: byu strategy
Religion
http://www.byub.org/talks/Talk.aspx?id=2738
This link has an interview between John Tanner (BYU Academic Vice-President, husband of Susan Tanner) and Clayton Christensen. During the first 15 minutes he explains his business innovation theories and then during the last 13 minutes he relates them to the gospel. He suggests four ways his theories applies to the LDS church, and it's fascinating.
A couple of highlights to entice you to listen, but there are others:
-in wards with sacrament attendance under 100, members give missionaries 3x more referrals per person than in wards with attendance over 100; that's staggering!
-innovations in companies generally bubble up from the bottom, and then senior management's job is to implement the good innovations across the entire company. The same has happened in the church (missionary discussions, topical guide, sunday school all happened this way). We need to make sure that at a local level we seek inspiration and are innovative in the ways we do our callings and don't just rely on the Brethren to guide all programs/actions. Their job is to implement the good ones.
Book Review: Disrupting Class ( The Innovator's Prescription Review will be in November Newsletter)
Real improvement in both health care and education has been elusive. The two books co-authored by Clayton Christensen use the business innovation ideas that explain how entire industries are changed and apply these ideas to education and health-care reform. Because Christensen’s ideas explain how impressive changes occur in industries, the books give a roadmap that shows how real change can happen in these as well. (FYI--Disrupting Class is about half as long, but The Innovator’s Prescription is extremely comprehensive in explaining how to improve the health-care system.)
Here’s a few examples of ideas, but there are a ton more in the books.
Disrupting Class
Our schools are essentially based on the factory system. Schools move students from class to class and grade to grade and hope that educated students come out at the end. However, every student learns differently, so how come in the day of iTunes, Amazon, and NetFlix, which are customized to preferences, do we teach every student in the same way. Computers on the other hand, can deliver content at different paces and ways in order to help students get customized learning experiences and help every single student learn more. That is exciting! Also, the teacher becomes more impactful when computers deliver content and do the assessment because teachers have more time to focus on individual students and act as mentors.
As I consider my schooling experience, I don’t think I learned anything in fifth grade because I had a poor teacher. That would never happen if computers were used to instruct. Also, I could have taken Mandarin Chinese, economics, and AP Physics in high school if they were taught on a computer.
What we want in the U.S. is an education system in which every resource focuses on what it does best: computers deliver the content, teachers mentor and guide, and extra activities and programs help fulfill needs such as health, socialization, exercise, and fun.
Articles
Whole Foods CEO and founder discusses politics, his company, and other interesting topics: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704471504574447114058870676.html#mod=djemWMP
Malcolm Gladwell discusses whether dogfighting is more like football (very long but a great read):
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/10/19/091019fa_fact_gladwell
Coke CEO on why CocaCola didn't make America fat:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703298004574455464120581696.html?mod=djem_jiewr_swwgn_100809
Fantasy Basketball
If there is anyone interested in joining a fantasy basketball league. Let me know and I will create one.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
August Strategy Newsletter
Hey everyone,
Here is round two of the monthly newsletter. For those of you that are starting up school again, enjoy your time at BYU--it is a great place to be. For those of you that are starting up your jobs, hope the transition is going well. For those of you still looking for a job, please reach out to either LaDon or myself (and I am sure most everyone else in the program) if we can help you in anyway possible to help you achieve your goals.
Book of the Month--"Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi
I gave a review of the book, Never Eat Alone, last month and thought I could follow up with how that book helped me get my current internship. I'm working with Michael Horn, co-author (with Clayton Christensen) of Disrupting Class, on a project. I'll talk more about the project next month when I'm done.
When LEK pushed my start date back, I figured that was an opportunity to learn something new. I had just read Never Eat Alone which gives some terrific ideas about networking. I wrote a Wal-Mart's VP (I met her the day the Tanner Building extension was dedicated.) to ask what she recommended I do. She suggested I work for a nonprofit as it was a unique opportunity for me to do something like that. I thought of every job possibility I could and then started writing people. Here's my list of job possibilities:
1) Work for Innosight
2) Work for the Innosight Institute (nonprofit arm that works on Education and Health-Care Reform)
3) Work with an elementary school principal in my hometown on a few specific problems the school had
4) Work with a Catholic nun and her nonprofit organization in my hometown
5) Work for an NBA team
6) Work as an intern for a Senator or Congressman in DC
7) Work for the Treasury Department
I wrote Clayton Christensen (who didn't respond--I have heard his secretary looks at the emails.) about Innosight. I also worked with Charles a bit (Congrats Charles on the full-time offer!) to see what we could make happen. Nothing happened with them.
I also wrote Michael Christensen (who I met when he visited here back in October) about the Innosight Institute. He connected me with a friend there, and that led to my current internship. He didn't respond for one month, and then I had to write his friend at the Institute twice (about one month apart each time), but it worked out.
My mom set up #3 and #4 for me. I could have done that if I wanted, and it was a good option.
I wrote two people in the NBA. Someone referred me to one of them and the other I just wrote out of the blue, but neither responded.
I never pushed for #6, but I probably could have worked for the local Congressman at least because my parents are friends with him.
I helped a guy who ended up getting a job at a consulting firm prepare for interviews. He interned at the Treasury Department and could have helped me get a job there, but the Innosight Institute opportunity came up.
I share these things to let you know that everyone really can find opportunities. I come from a rural town and a family that never made more than $50,000 while I grew up, but I have been able to find terrific opportunities. Help people and get to know people as often as possible and great opportunities can come your way.
Interesting Articles
1) China: The New Big Oil
China is addressing the oil concern by proactively buying oil. Why haven’t we done something similar? (CNNMoney)
2) Camp Sundown Shines In The Bronx
This is a great article about some kids with a rare disease. I appreciate the willingness to care about some people in a tough spot. Also, I’m not a Yankees fan, but it’s tough for me not to like AJ Burnett after this.(ESPN)
Religious Tidbit
This is another book but LaDon recommended I read a book called The Peacegiver by James Ferrell. The author uses a fictional but very realistic struggling marriage to teach a principle of the Atonement we often don't discuss or think about. If there were a thesis in the book, in my mind, it would be that the Atonement does not only allow us to be forgiven of our own sins but it allows us to forgive others. It is a brilliant and creative book that clearly identifies how we can use the Atonement to forgive others. I listened to it on my long drive out to Chicago and my wife and I have been reading it again together--Thanks LaDon!
Websites of the Month
http://www.google.com/reader/
Most of you probably already know about or use Google Reader. However, for those of you that don't know it or have never used it, it is a very valuable tool to keep up on news, blogs, and any other sort of tidbit on the internet. I follow several blogs (Mark Cuban, Bill Simmons Twitter Feed, friends blogs, etc,) and it is very helpful to have everything at one place.
As a reminder, check out Mint.com if you are looking for a simple way to track your finances--It is GREAT!
Social Networks - remember to follow us on Twitter and join the LinkedIn group
http://twitter.com/byustrategy
http://www.linkedin.com/
In the search box: search "byu strategy" under groups
Here is round two of the monthly newsletter. For those of you that are starting up school again, enjoy your time at BYU--it is a great place to be. For those of you that are starting up your jobs, hope the transition is going well. For those of you still looking for a job, please reach out to either LaDon or myself (and I am sure most everyone else in the program) if we can help you in anyway possible to help you achieve your goals.
Book of the Month--"Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi
I gave a review of the book, Never Eat Alone, last month and thought I could follow up with how that book helped me get my current internship. I'm working with Michael Horn, co-author (with Clayton Christensen) of Disrupting Class, on a project. I'll talk more about the project next month when I'm done.
When LEK pushed my start date back, I figured that was an opportunity to learn something new. I had just read Never Eat Alone which gives some terrific ideas about networking. I wrote a Wal-Mart's VP (I met her the day the Tanner Building extension was dedicated.) to ask what she recommended I do. She suggested I work for a nonprofit as it was a unique opportunity for me to do something like that. I thought of every job possibility I could and then started writing people. Here's my list of job possibilities:
1) Work for Innosight
2) Work for the Innosight Institute (nonprofit arm that works on Education and Health-Care Reform)
3) Work with an elementary school principal in my hometown on a few specific problems the school had
4) Work with a Catholic nun and her nonprofit organization in my hometown
5) Work for an NBA team
6) Work as an intern for a Senator or Congressman in DC
7) Work for the Treasury Department
I wrote Clayton Christensen (who didn't respond--I have heard his secretary looks at the emails.) about Innosight. I also worked with Charles a bit (Congrats Charles on the full-time offer!) to see what we could make happen. Nothing happened with them.
I also wrote Michael Christensen (who I met when he visited here back in October) about the Innosight Institute. He connected me with a friend there, and that led to my current internship. He didn't respond for one month, and then I had to write his friend at the Institute twice (about one month apart each time), but it worked out.
My mom set up #3 and #4 for me. I could have done that if I wanted, and it was a good option.
I wrote two people in the NBA. Someone referred me to one of them and the other I just wrote out of the blue, but neither responded.
I never pushed for #6, but I probably could have worked for the local Congressman at least because my parents are friends with him.
I helped a guy who ended up getting a job at a consulting firm prepare for interviews. He interned at the Treasury Department and could have helped me get a job there, but the Innosight Institute opportunity came up.
I share these things to let you know that everyone really can find opportunities. I come from a rural town and a family that never made more than $50,000 while I grew up, but I have been able to find terrific opportunities. Help people and get to know people as often as possible and great opportunities can come your way.
Interesting Articles
1) China: The New Big Oil
China is addressing the oil concern by proactively buying oil. Why haven’t we done something similar? (CNNMoney)
2) Camp Sundown Shines In The Bronx
This is a great article about some kids with a rare disease. I appreciate the willingness to care about some people in a tough spot. Also, I’m not a Yankees fan, but it’s tough for me not to like AJ Burnett after this.(ESPN)
Religious Tidbit
This is another book but LaDon recommended I read a book called The Peacegiver by James Ferrell. The author uses a fictional but very realistic struggling marriage to teach a principle of the Atonement we often don't discuss or think about. If there were a thesis in the book, in my mind, it would be that the Atonement does not only allow us to be forgiven of our own sins but it allows us to forgive others. It is a brilliant and creative book that clearly identifies how we can use the Atonement to forgive others. I listened to it on my long drive out to Chicago and my wife and I have been reading it again together--Thanks LaDon!
Websites of the Month
http://www.google.com/reader/
Most of you probably already know about or use Google Reader. However, for those of you that don't know it or have never used it, it is a very valuable tool to keep up on news, blogs, and any other sort of tidbit on the internet. I follow several blogs (Mark Cuban, Bill Simmons Twitter Feed, friends blogs, etc,) and it is very helpful to have everything at one place.
As a reminder, check out Mint.com if you are looking for a simple way to track your finances--It is GREAT!
Social Networks - remember to follow us on Twitter and join the LinkedIn group
http://twitter.com/byustrategy
http://www.linkedin.com/
In the search box: search "byu strategy" under groups
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Strategy Newsletter
Hey everyone,
LaDon Linde, Jr. and I have put together a newsletter and hope to send one out monthly. We hope this will help us stay connected and share a variety of things with one another i.e., experiences from our jobs, books we are reading, cool websites, finance tips, spiritual topics, challenges, and any other tidbit that can help us stay connected and learn from one another. We realize this is the first of hopefully several to come so please send us feedback. We really want this to be a valuable resource to all of us. Please feel free to contact either of us with any ideas or feedback you might have, or to simply tell us how you are doing.
LaDon Linde, Jr.: ladon84@hotmail.com 509.901.1558
Nate Lawler: natelawler@gmail.com 951.526.7840
Below, are three write ups by Charles Barrett (Innosight--Boston, barrett.charles.e@gmail.com), Jeff Brownlow (Bain--Dallas, jcbrownlow@gmail.com), and Neal Watterson (Aon--Chicago, nealw33@yahoo.com ). We asked them to tell us about their experiences and sent them questions that we thought would be interesting to hear about. Thank you guys for taking the time to write these up--we appreciate it!.
Book of the Month--"Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi
Dr. Godfrey suggested that I read Never Eat Alone, a book about networking. It was well worth it and is something I would recommend to everyone. Networking is an overused and misunderstood word. Ferrazzi does a good job explaining what it is, how important it is, and what’s the right way to go about doing it.
The biggest key: give, give, give. Look for ways to reach out to people and help them (because you care about people--not just to get things). For example, as a result of this book I wrote a guy that had wanted to interview me for a job (but I was lucky enough to have one) and asked if he’d filled the position. He said no, so I connected him with another good friend of mine who was looking for a job. My friend told me that if I ever wanted to use his family contacts for anything (his grandpa and two uncles went to Harvard, and his other grandpa is very wealthy) I could. That offer was given because I was looking out for him the best I could.
Ferrazzi explains well that truly caring about people and working to improve their lives is really the key to networking. You will receive as you truly give. It's something very analogous to church service. While some believe that church service leads to blessings, really church service is the main blessing. It brings with it a lot of great things. So it goes with networking--give and you naturally receive. When you read the book you'll understand this better. Thanks Prof. Godfrey for helping me learn this lesson! LaDon
Interesting Articles
1) In Search of the Science Behind the Healing Powers of Art
Interesting article on art having power; I believe the mind has a lot of power to affect attitudes, perception, beauty, etc. These ideas are fascinating. It’s also a reason why being careful and wise with music that we listen to or images that we see are very important.
2) A Reckless Congress
Democrats want to ram through one of the greatest raids on private income and business in American history
Religious Tidbit
LDS Conversations: Elder and Sister Bednar
Very good conversation with the Bednars! Seriously excellent!
They talk about reasons they travel to certain places as GA’s (i.e., even though they go to set apart a new Stake President, usually there’s another reason they are sent to a certain place), bring up mistakes they’ve made, give advice, etc. As candid a discussion as we get with members of the Twelve.
Website of the Month
Mint.com
I am sure several of you have already heard about this site. I heard about it over a year ago and find it to be very useful to organize my finances.
www.addall.com - if you wan to get a cheap copy of Never Eat Alone
Social Networks - remember to follow us on Twitter and join the LinkedIn group
Twitter
LinkedIn
In the search box: search "byu strategy" under groups
LaDon Linde, Jr. and I have put together a newsletter and hope to send one out monthly. We hope this will help us stay connected and share a variety of things with one another i.e., experiences from our jobs, books we are reading, cool websites, finance tips, spiritual topics, challenges, and any other tidbit that can help us stay connected and learn from one another. We realize this is the first of hopefully several to come so please send us feedback. We really want this to be a valuable resource to all of us. Please feel free to contact either of us with any ideas or feedback you might have, or to simply tell us how you are doing.
LaDon Linde, Jr.: ladon84@hotmail.com 509.901.1558
Nate Lawler: natelawler@gmail.com 951.526.7840
Below, are three write ups by Charles Barrett (Innosight--Boston, barrett.charles.e@gmail.com), Jeff Brownlow (Bain--Dallas, jcbrownlow@gmail.com), and Neal Watterson (Aon--Chicago, nealw33@yahoo.com ). We asked them to tell us about their experiences and sent them questions that we thought would be interesting to hear about. Thank you guys for taking the time to write these up--we appreciate it!.
Book of the Month--"Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi
Dr. Godfrey suggested that I read Never Eat Alone, a book about networking. It was well worth it and is something I would recommend to everyone. Networking is an overused and misunderstood word. Ferrazzi does a good job explaining what it is, how important it is, and what’s the right way to go about doing it.
The biggest key: give, give, give. Look for ways to reach out to people and help them (because you care about people--not just to get things). For example, as a result of this book I wrote a guy that had wanted to interview me for a job (but I was lucky enough to have one) and asked if he’d filled the position. He said no, so I connected him with another good friend of mine who was looking for a job. My friend told me that if I ever wanted to use his family contacts for anything (his grandpa and two uncles went to Harvard, and his other grandpa is very wealthy) I could. That offer was given because I was looking out for him the best I could.
Ferrazzi explains well that truly caring about people and working to improve their lives is really the key to networking. You will receive as you truly give. It's something very analogous to church service. While some believe that church service leads to blessings, really church service is the main blessing. It brings with it a lot of great things. So it goes with networking--give and you naturally receive. When you read the book you'll understand this better. Thanks Prof. Godfrey for helping me learn this lesson! LaDon
Interesting Articles
1) In Search of the Science Behind the Healing Powers of Art
Interesting article on art having power; I believe the mind has a lot of power to affect attitudes, perception, beauty, etc. These ideas are fascinating. It’s also a reason why being careful and wise with music that we listen to or images that we see are very important.
2) A Reckless Congress
Democrats want to ram through one of the greatest raids on private income and business in American history
Religious Tidbit
LDS Conversations: Elder and Sister Bednar
Very good conversation with the Bednars! Seriously excellent!
They talk about reasons they travel to certain places as GA’s (i.e., even though they go to set apart a new Stake President, usually there’s another reason they are sent to a certain place), bring up mistakes they’ve made, give advice, etc. As candid a discussion as we get with members of the Twelve.
Website of the Month
Mint.com
I am sure several of you have already heard about this site. I heard about it over a year ago and find it to be very useful to organize my finances.
www.addall.com - if you wan to get a cheap copy of Never Eat Alone
Social Networks - remember to follow us on Twitter and join the LinkedIn group
In the search box: search "byu strategy" under groups
Jeff Brownlow, Neal Watterson, Charles Barrett Updates
Charles Barrett (Class of 2009)—Intern with Innosight—Boston
Hey everyone. I'm out in Boston for the summer interning with Innosight, and Nate asked me to share some thoughts about my experience. I think some of the best advice on how to stand out was given to us by Jeff Dyer. He told us to run a sprint when you first get to a company and are establishing your reputation. Later, you can slow down to a marathon pace and settle in for the long haul. I am definitely sprinting right now, so things are pretty busy.
I think one of the most important things my managers are looking for is the ability to be very detail-oriented but at the same time understand the big picture. Knowing what level of detail to give in your analysis based on your audience and the circumstances is extremely important.
My work is all really interesting. For example, Innosight holds a CEO Conference every year where 20-30 CEOs and major executives get together for a day and participate in discussions led by Clayton Christensen, Mark Johnson (Chairman of Innosight), Scott Anthony (President of Innosight), etc. This year's attendees are really interesting, and I spent some time doing background research for Scott on innovative things these companies have done in past downturns.
What we learned in the Strategy program has been invaluable here. Innosight is really all about helping clients create sustainable growth by aiming at where the target will be, not where it is now. Our program focused a lot on helping us think about how industries and markets will evolve over time. I still remember when we drew all the normal consulting frameworks up on the board and then talked about how these gave snapshot views of industries at one point in time. Only frameworks like Clayton Christensen's (and others based on Shumpeter's work) give an industry perspective over time.
A little background on how I got the internship: I applied to Innosight through their website (no eRecruiting posting). The first interview round was over the phone with an associate, and the second round was over Skype with five very senior people (the President, partners, and a principal). If I could do it all over again, I would definitely still come here. The work is interesting, and I get to interact with all these thought leaders. For example, just about a week ago, Clayton Christensen came in and talked to us. I know it sounds geeky, but I felt like I was meeting a rock star. It was actually way better than meeting a rock star because Clay seems even smarter in person than on paper. How many rock stars sound better in concert than on CD?
Boston is a great city. Having grown up in the south, it feels strange to be somewhere that is only 70-75 degrees in the middle of summer. There are three large singles wards, and we currently meet in an Episcopal Divinity School (with holy water and everything) because our building burned down in May. The stake is actually 58% single, so many of the stake leadership positions (Relief Society presidency, Young Men's presidency, etc.) are filled by singles.
I would love to hear what everyone else is up to, so be sure and contribute to the newsletter. Thanks guys (and gals).
Neal Watterson (Class of 2010)—Intern with Aon Consulting—Chicago
Chicago is a great place to be during the summer. The weather is pleasant and there is always something to do in the city. Some of the highlights have been sailing, beach volleyball, and visiting the Aquarium. Working on the Global Strategy Team for Aon has taught me valuable insights into the business world. I have been working on a variety of projects including: acquisitions, investigating a new service line opportunity, providing strategic insight into the health care reform, as well as building a program in excel that will be used extensively in creating financial reports and graphs for senior executive meetings. I enjoy the variety as well as the analytical problem solving required for the projects I work on. I have found that my classes at BYU have greatly enhanced my experience as I draw from them in tackling each project. I have also identified areas for improvement which has helped shape the classes I will take in the remaining semesters at BYU. More than anything I enjoy the people I work with. They are smart, hard working and fun to be around. Not a day goes by that I am not laughing—usually at Nate Lawler and the pranks that have been played on him. All and all, I have greatly enjoyed my experience and look forward to returning to BYU in the Fall.
Jeff Brownlow (Class of 2010)—Intern with Bain & Company—Dallas
Since joining Bain I have tried to be in early and don't leave too early. Getting to know everyone in the office and being as flexible as possible when plans change etc. My manager seems to appreciate a positive and upbeat attitude everyday. High quality work and no stress. He wants to know that he can call on me 'in the heat of battle' and know that I'll jump right in, do it fast, and do it right. I think looking back I would offer the advice of trying to carry yourself with sense of purpose and gratitude. The fact is, most guys who get an interview (and even some who don't) are capable of doing the job. It's hard to pat yourself on the back if you land a spot or to beat yourself up too much if you don't, simply because of the high level of subjectivity during the process. Humility and gratitude regardless of what end you land on are key to doing well.
Currently, I'm staffed on a team that is working for a CEO of a massive consumer products company who is under a ton of pressure. Getting to work on the issues that keep him up and night is pretty darn interesting. Even though my experience has been great I would have to say that my least favorite thing is the high level of variance. While I like variety, one day you're getting crushed and the next you're looking for things to do.
I have been very surprised at how much relevant class material is in helping me on day to day assignments. If I had respect and appreciation for David Bryce and Jeff Dyer and what they've put together in the strategy classes before coming to Bain, my feelings are now 5X what they were. I definitely feel like the most prepared guy in the room often. I don't mean to say that I'm the smartest or the best, but that the case studies and skills I learned in my strategy classes are extremely useful.
I originally met a couple of Bain guys at a career fair at the Wilk. I was intrigued, so I sought them out afterward and started making friends with other guys from the firm. I did 8 or 10 cases and applied.
The things that I like about Dallas are the cheap housing, the weather is moderate, people think big and are active, and Dallas has a very family centered culture. The LDS population is strong. I've been playing a ton of golf and loving it. I'm reading Great Expectations by Dickens and studying for the GMAT.
Questions
We sent out questions to Charles, Jeff, and Neal that we thought would be interesting to hear about. If you have any others you think would be good, please send them. Here is the current list of questions:
1) What are you trying to do or doing that is helping you stand out?
2) What are some of the key factors that your manager is looking for from you?
3) If there was one thing you could pass along to us that you have learned what would it be?
4) What's the most interesting thing you've done?
5) What do you wish you'd known before hand?
6) What do you least like about the job?
7) Does anything from class apply to what you're doing?
8) How did you get the job?
9) Would you go back if you could do it over again, why?
10) Anything you like about the city (Also, what don't you like about the city and how is the LDS culture there)
11) Any hobbies you're working on--things you like to do, books you've read lately that you'd like to recommend, etc.
12) What questions, if any, do you have for everyone else?
Hey everyone. I'm out in Boston for the summer interning with Innosight, and Nate asked me to share some thoughts about my experience. I think some of the best advice on how to stand out was given to us by Jeff Dyer. He told us to run a sprint when you first get to a company and are establishing your reputation. Later, you can slow down to a marathon pace and settle in for the long haul. I am definitely sprinting right now, so things are pretty busy.
I think one of the most important things my managers are looking for is the ability to be very detail-oriented but at the same time understand the big picture. Knowing what level of detail to give in your analysis based on your audience and the circumstances is extremely important.
My work is all really interesting. For example, Innosight holds a CEO Conference every year where 20-30 CEOs and major executives get together for a day and participate in discussions led by Clayton Christensen, Mark Johnson (Chairman of Innosight), Scott Anthony (President of Innosight), etc. This year's attendees are really interesting, and I spent some time doing background research for Scott on innovative things these companies have done in past downturns.
What we learned in the Strategy program has been invaluable here. Innosight is really all about helping clients create sustainable growth by aiming at where the target will be, not where it is now. Our program focused a lot on helping us think about how industries and markets will evolve over time. I still remember when we drew all the normal consulting frameworks up on the board and then talked about how these gave snapshot views of industries at one point in time. Only frameworks like Clayton Christensen's (and others based on Shumpeter's work) give an industry perspective over time.
A little background on how I got the internship: I applied to Innosight through their website (no eRecruiting posting). The first interview round was over the phone with an associate, and the second round was over Skype with five very senior people (the President, partners, and a principal). If I could do it all over again, I would definitely still come here. The work is interesting, and I get to interact with all these thought leaders. For example, just about a week ago, Clayton Christensen came in and talked to us. I know it sounds geeky, but I felt like I was meeting a rock star. It was actually way better than meeting a rock star because Clay seems even smarter in person than on paper. How many rock stars sound better in concert than on CD?
Boston is a great city. Having grown up in the south, it feels strange to be somewhere that is only 70-75 degrees in the middle of summer. There are three large singles wards, and we currently meet in an Episcopal Divinity School (with holy water and everything) because our building burned down in May. The stake is actually 58% single, so many of the stake leadership positions (Relief Society presidency, Young Men's presidency, etc.) are filled by singles.
I would love to hear what everyone else is up to, so be sure and contribute to the newsletter. Thanks guys (and gals).
Neal Watterson (Class of 2010)—Intern with Aon Consulting—Chicago
Chicago is a great place to be during the summer. The weather is pleasant and there is always something to do in the city. Some of the highlights have been sailing, beach volleyball, and visiting the Aquarium. Working on the Global Strategy Team for Aon has taught me valuable insights into the business world. I have been working on a variety of projects including: acquisitions, investigating a new service line opportunity, providing strategic insight into the health care reform, as well as building a program in excel that will be used extensively in creating financial reports and graphs for senior executive meetings. I enjoy the variety as well as the analytical problem solving required for the projects I work on. I have found that my classes at BYU have greatly enhanced my experience as I draw from them in tackling each project. I have also identified areas for improvement which has helped shape the classes I will take in the remaining semesters at BYU. More than anything I enjoy the people I work with. They are smart, hard working and fun to be around. Not a day goes by that I am not laughing—usually at Nate Lawler and the pranks that have been played on him. All and all, I have greatly enjoyed my experience and look forward to returning to BYU in the Fall.
Jeff Brownlow (Class of 2010)—Intern with Bain & Company—Dallas
Since joining Bain I have tried to be in early and don't leave too early. Getting to know everyone in the office and being as flexible as possible when plans change etc. My manager seems to appreciate a positive and upbeat attitude everyday. High quality work and no stress. He wants to know that he can call on me 'in the heat of battle' and know that I'll jump right in, do it fast, and do it right. I think looking back I would offer the advice of trying to carry yourself with sense of purpose and gratitude. The fact is, most guys who get an interview (and even some who don't) are capable of doing the job. It's hard to pat yourself on the back if you land a spot or to beat yourself up too much if you don't, simply because of the high level of subjectivity during the process. Humility and gratitude regardless of what end you land on are key to doing well.
Currently, I'm staffed on a team that is working for a CEO of a massive consumer products company who is under a ton of pressure. Getting to work on the issues that keep him up and night is pretty darn interesting. Even though my experience has been great I would have to say that my least favorite thing is the high level of variance. While I like variety, one day you're getting crushed and the next you're looking for things to do.
I have been very surprised at how much relevant class material is in helping me on day to day assignments. If I had respect and appreciation for David Bryce and Jeff Dyer and what they've put together in the strategy classes before coming to Bain, my feelings are now 5X what they were. I definitely feel like the most prepared guy in the room often. I don't mean to say that I'm the smartest or the best, but that the case studies and skills I learned in my strategy classes are extremely useful.
I originally met a couple of Bain guys at a career fair at the Wilk. I was intrigued, so I sought them out afterward and started making friends with other guys from the firm. I did 8 or 10 cases and applied.
The things that I like about Dallas are the cheap housing, the weather is moderate, people think big and are active, and Dallas has a very family centered culture. The LDS population is strong. I've been playing a ton of golf and loving it. I'm reading Great Expectations by Dickens and studying for the GMAT.
Questions
We sent out questions to Charles, Jeff, and Neal that we thought would be interesting to hear about. If you have any others you think would be good, please send them. Here is the current list of questions:
1) What are you trying to do or doing that is helping you stand out?
2) What are some of the key factors that your manager is looking for from you?
3) If there was one thing you could pass along to us that you have learned what would it be?
4) What's the most interesting thing you've done?
5) What do you wish you'd known before hand?
6) What do you least like about the job?
7) Does anything from class apply to what you're doing?
8) How did you get the job?
9) Would you go back if you could do it over again, why?
10) Anything you like about the city (Also, what don't you like about the city and how is the LDS culture there)
11) Any hobbies you're working on--things you like to do, books you've read lately that you'd like to recommend, etc.
12) What questions, if any, do you have for everyone else?
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