First Week of Classes

In the Executive MBA program, we attend two full days every other week. So, every second Friday and Saturday we are in the main lecture theater in the Haskayne School of Business at Scurfield Hall at the University of Calgary. We are enrolled in four subjects this semester: Data Analysis and Data Modelling, Financial Accounting, Marketing and Human Resources. Two hard numbers type courses and two "soft skill" courses.

Coming from a fairly scientific background, I'm looking forward to the numbers courses, I expect that I will find them relatively easier, but I'm also looking forward to the Marketing and Human Resources courses as I haven't been involved in them as much and therefore I have a lot to learn.

The downside of the Executive MBA program is the long days. Friday goes from 9:00am to 6:15pm and Saturday goes from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Each course gets 4 hours per weekend, which means the 1pm to 5pm slot on Saturday really starts to drag along. Not because of the content, but because we have been there all weekend, are thinking of getting home (or to the pub) and we are usually full of the wonderful food that is available. Most professors realize this and allow for more breaks during this session.

We have been handed our first assignments. The first ones are individual assignments, with the latter ones being group assignments. I'm happy about this as it allows me to get a firm understanding of the basics of each course, before going into "group" mode.

I've been impressed with the instructors thus far. They are all senior professors and are very good at motivating the class. Sometimes the subject is a bit dry (but necessary) and they know how to keep the class moving along.

I'll be posting about some of the courses as time goes on.