University at Buffalo School of Management

Buffalo Business - Spring 2018

The magazine for alumni and friends of the UB School of Management

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Spring 2018 Buffalo Business 7 "The jokes and idioms they used were sometimes not easy to understand," he says. Aer a couple weeks of immersion in orientation, however, things improved. "Although I am still facing the problem, I believe I understand them more." Yamamoto also learned the impor- tance of collaboration. "To maximize effi- ciency of our team, we needed to appreciate each other's roles and strong points," he says. "The process seemed to be just a sort of chatting, but we were able to learn a lot from the conversation. It definitely contrib- uted to the good outcome of the team." The two weeks passed like a whirl- wind for the new MBAs. On day three, the entire incoming class of MBAs partici- pated in the United Way's Day of Caring, cleaning up a local shoreline with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper. They debriefed the next day in a session about volunteerism and community, and attended a talk about personal branding. Every day was packed with activ- ities to help them strengthen the skills they need to be successful in the program. Highlights included an etiquette luncheon and session on professional style by a re- nowned national consultant; workshops on time management, stress management, global perspectives and internships; intro- ductions to the Corporate Champions and LeaderCOREā„¢ programs; and a UB Impact bus tour. The group even attended a commu- nication session in the form of an applied improv class. "Can you believe that?" says Aziz, the student from Bangladesh. "It was a wonderful experience. I got to connect with my classmates on a profound level and learn the art of harmonizing with the envi- ronment and how to harness my emotions for my own success." In addition to the MBA Advantage ses- sions before each semester, students will participate in a new LeaderLaunch pro- gram in their final semester to support and accelerate successful company onboarding aer graduation. Aer the two-week orientation, Yamamoto was already settling into his new community. "Buffalo is really comfort- able," he says. "Buffalove!" Not bad for a student who's still learn- ing idioms. x " It was a challenge coming here alone and adjusting to a new culture while trying to get to know other students. But the School of Management planned fantastic cohort- building activities and innovative approaches that really helped me adapt to the local environment and get to know and connect with people." yousuf aziz First-Year MBA Student During another challenge, MBAs had to devise a way to keep a cup of water from spilling while the person holding it was flipped upside down. WaTch bit.ly/MBaadvantage17

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