The 'Customized' Program
Kerry Dolan `02
Issue date: 2/13/01 Section: Features
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The customized immersion allows students to create a unique curriculum based on personal interests and development goals. Immersion learning is supposed to be the "semester in reality." For students with distinct or undecided career aspirations, the customized immersion gives us the freedom to tailor the MBA program to meet our individual needs.
After completing the core, students not taking an immersion selected classes individually. This was exciting- choosing our personalized and perfect set of classes. Bidding wasn't as much fun. Immersion students automatically received spots in their respective immersion courses, second year students were accommodated next, and finally, remaining seats were allocated to us, the "customized" bunch. Not ideal, but we got through it.
Although certain classes filled up quickly, most of us found plenty of available and interesting courses. Many of us signed up for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise. Other popular classes included Valuation Principles and Financial Statement Analysis (if, of course, there were room).
Unlike students in the immersions, we don't have a cohort with whom to attend classes. Since we all have different objectives, our course loads and learning plans are quite different. This makes us feel a bit lonely- left out of the popular IBI, MFI, SiM, Brand, or eBiz families. However, this does encourage new friendships and contacts and encourages us to interact with a diverse group of students (mostly second years). Another added challenge: study groups. While the first year slackers have clearly been identified, we aren't sure about those second years yet!
So are we missing important opportunities? Structured immersions provide a semester of continuous focus, pertinent course work, real-world examples and on-location site visits. We don't participate in practicuums and must forgo the support, guidance, and instruction provided in the other immersions. Consequently, we must be proactive about seeking guidance and suggestions from faculty, administration and professionals.
On the other hand, for me a customized program was the best option. It gives me a multitude of options and the freedom and control to develop my own learning program. I am able to independently establish personal goals and prioritize the methods of reaching those goals. And lastly, to the envy of my immersion-enrolled peers, I didn't have to get back to Ithaca until January 22!
After completing the core, students not taking an immersion selected classes individually. This was exciting- choosing our personalized and perfect set of classes. Bidding wasn't as much fun. Immersion students automatically received spots in their respective immersion courses, second year students were accommodated next, and finally, remaining seats were allocated to us, the "customized" bunch. Not ideal, but we got through it.
Although certain classes filled up quickly, most of us found plenty of available and interesting courses. Many of us signed up for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise. Other popular classes included Valuation Principles and Financial Statement Analysis (if, of course, there were room).
Unlike students in the immersions, we don't have a cohort with whom to attend classes. Since we all have different objectives, our course loads and learning plans are quite different. This makes us feel a bit lonely- left out of the popular IBI, MFI, SiM, Brand, or eBiz families. However, this does encourage new friendships and contacts and encourages us to interact with a diverse group of students (mostly second years). Another added challenge: study groups. While the first year slackers have clearly been identified, we aren't sure about those second years yet!
So are we missing important opportunities? Structured immersions provide a semester of continuous focus, pertinent course work, real-world examples and on-location site visits. We don't participate in practicuums and must forgo the support, guidance, and instruction provided in the other immersions. Consequently, we must be proactive about seeking guidance and suggestions from faculty, administration and professionals.
On the other hand, for me a customized program was the best option. It gives me a multitude of options and the freedom and control to develop my own learning program. I am able to independently establish personal goals and prioritize the methods of reaching those goals. And lastly, to the envy of my immersion-enrolled peers, I didn't have to get back to Ithaca until January 22!