Monthly Archives: February 2008

I am still struggling with the transition from ’07 to ’08. With great consistency I am putting the wrong digits at the top of my lecture notes. It may be some sort of subconscious way of denying that life is whizzing past. The list of must do things is constantly getting longer, the list of things missed, not quite made it but would have loved to is extensive.

There is every danger that I will reach the final deadline in August and I will have forgotten that the purpose of this great MBA adventure is to get a fab and marvelous job. The kicker being – I have yet to figure that out.

The careers department are available to practice interviews with, there is a steady stream of networking opportunities…

Boy do those things come thick and fast. This term is the “consulting term” – AT Kearney, McKinsey, Bain, BCG. All of them have a slot. The opportunity is given to sip wine with people who work within and for these companies and the chance, no matter how slim, to actually secure a connection that may lever you into a job. Cambridge University Careers Centre, also fills up my inbox with more and now the Guardian website is also in on the act.

What worries me is that as I dash from each function, attend each lecture and read each email I may just miss the opportunity of figuring out exactly want I want to do and then where to find it!

Yesterday I had the immense pleasure of meeting and listening to a number of dynamic, empowered and sensational women. Each one has achieved seriously lofty heights in the world of business, entrepreneurship and even the charity sector. JBS hosted the Women as Leaders day which is an annual event supported principally by McKinsey and Company.

I heard some fairly interesting anecdotes; the one I remember most vividly is that Nancy Reagan once likened Women to Tea Bags – you don’t know how strong they are until they get into hot water. Somewhat true I think, it is so easy to underestimate peoples ability.

There were also other ‘facts’ from a recent study by McKinsey; for instance 70% of household purchase decisions are taken by women, even though they are 51% of the population. There was a peculiar association between companies that had women on Management Committees and a much healthy bottom line – not sure this stat would ever reach a casual level but an interesting thing to ponder!

And while I sat in awe of these women, listening intently as they told their stories. It occurred to me it was not so much that they were women that was so inspiring. It was that they came from a multitude of backgrounds, believed so passionately in their abilities, seeped enthusiasm and strength from their very being. A seriously potent mix.

So it would seem that all I need to do is find that passion and enthusiasm lurking within me.. for something…..Any idea where such things can be found?