Just what does the future hold?

The future, according to some scientists, will be exactly like the past, only far more expensive. - John Sladek

Study techniques

It's been quite a few years since I have had to study formerly for examinations. Being in the business I am continuous education is par for the course however this tends to be in areas with direct and immediate application of new knowledge. Studying theory and internalising that knowledge for assessment is another story.

We've been introduced to new learning techniques to help us get started. Mind maps being a keystone concept. These work by creating associations of ideas and it's the associations that serve as foundations for deeper knowledge.

There is a wealth of information about mind maps on the internet with even free software tools to facilitate them.

On a seperate tack the Book "One L" by Scott Turow gives some excellent tips on how to study when faced with a huge volume of texts to get through. His experiences are taken from his first year at Harvard Law school and I think that any MBA student will be familiar with the situation of facing the volumes of work described here. Turow develops a system that works for him. He simply triages information into new, mastered, needs revisiting and information that he doesn't understand. By sticking to this system he is quicker able to get through a dearth of new data.

Starters for ten...

Want to be a fresher (freshman) again? Tempted back by the experiences of the first round? There are undergrads that are lovin' it, freebies, parties - it's all happening. And then there's grad school! I'm sure most of my colleagues are under no illusions, we are once again freshmen. We're here to work and don't we now know it! I've met some great people already and I can tell this is going to be a great year! A great year! But the clock is already ticking...tuesday the work starts in earnest. Let's get to work.

The calm before the storm...

Not quite the right analogy perhaps but it's been a relaxing few days settling in at my new place in Edinburgh and tomorrow the course starts.

It's been a long time coming. I first started considering this route over five years ago and now it is finally here. I'm excited. For all the debate about the value of an MBA in terms of it's post graduation currency I think it's easy to overlook of the inherent value of the twevle month (Fifiteen month) experience itself. New people to meet, thing to learn expereinces to be had and international travel! That's what's coming next and I intend to seize the opportunities presented.

Well I've made it this far. Now the fun part starts!!