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
LeaderCORE™ 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
