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December 09, 2006
Massey Students Study Abroad in Czech Republic
A group of twenty Massey students traveled to the Czech Republic for the Fall International Business course. The Czech Republic was previously known as Czechoslovakia before splitting in 1993 with Slovakia. The course was built on importing and exporting products or services into the growing Czech market.
The flight to Prague proved long with a major luggage hiccup due to unforeseen weather issues. The group missed their connecting flight in Detroit which delayed their arrival by eight hours. The group made it to Prague just in time for a quick shower before the welcome dinner Sunday evening. Their luggage was lost somewhere between Detroit and Amsterdam and several members of the group persevered for two-five days without their personal belongings.
Monday started with a visit to the American Chamber of Commerce, followed by a visit to Deloitte’s new corporate office. The following days consisted of visits to Czech Export Bank, Maersk Logistics, Johnson & Johnson, Prague Property and Ceska Sporitelna (the largest bank in Czech Republic). The visits proved useful in evaluating ideas of companies’ successes in the Czech Republic and Eastern Europe. Belmont University left a great impression on the speakers and tour guides due to our wonderful attitude. “It was great meeting with you and your group of student. It is not so often to meet such enthusiastic class with sense of humor, keen on education and deep understanding. Good atmosphere in the team is my second perception,” said Ales Martinovsky, Business Development Director for Johnson & Johnson. The tour guides even said Belmont was their favorite group thus far.
Outside group activities included a tour of the Staropramen Brewery, the Terezin Concentration Camp, and a tour of Prague Castle and the city. Several students and Professor Overby went to see Marriage of Figaro and other music concerts at the Opera house where Mozart conducted the premiere of Don Giovanni.
The trip was a great success for all involved and the flight back was uneventful. The group made friends and spread the already excellent reputation of Belmont to the Czech Republic!
December 07, 2006
Jared and Amber Humphrey - Alumni Spotlight
Amber Humphrey is the Assistant Administrator for the Vanderbilt multi-specialty physician practice in Franklin, TN. While, Jared Humphrey is currently working in recruiting and human resources for Gallagher Financial Systems, a private applications developer for both consumer and mortgage-banking lending solutions.
e-Leader: What was going on in your career that would compel you to seek an MBA?
Amber: I was an office supervisor at Vanderbilt, and I realized very quickly that I needed an MBA to maximize my opportunities within the organization.
Jared: I was making the transition from a sales role into the human resources position for Gallagher and realized that the more strategic role was a better fit for me. Given that, the various disciplines of management, finance, and operations that comprise an MBA aligned with my long-term goals.
e-Leader: What originally brought you to The Massey School from all the other programs available in the area?
Amber: Online learning did not appeal to me. The Massey School allowed me to attend classes in the evenings while working full time. I was also attracted to Belmont’s reputation for high-quality education.
Jared: The ability to earn my degree while continuing to work was a key factor. Also, the chance to be part of an institution founded on the principals of one of the areas most important business leaders was a strong motivator.
e-Leader: Where in your career have you found the value in your Massey MBA?
Amber: I collaborate with other managers daily, so the team projects at Massey were very beneficial to me. My time management and critical thinking skills were also fine-tuned during the program.
Jared: I have been able to look at an organization as a whole to better understand the needs and motivations of the various disciplines within the overall system.
e-Leader: Is there a particular memory you have about The Massey School that really sticks with you that you would like to share?
Amber: Our international trip to Prague was incredible! I hope everyone enjoys their trip as much as our group did.
Jared: The international trips are hard to beat. Outside that, I really did enjoy working on the group projects.
e-Leader: Since graduation, what have you done to continue your learning?
Amber: I have continued to take advantage of management seminars and events offered by Vanderbilt, including an initiative known as ‘Elevate’ led by nationally recognized healthcare consultant, Quint Studer.
Jared: In early 2006, I attained the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. Massey also helped to refuel my love of reading so I try to continually have a new book going.
e-Leader: Do you have any words of wisdom for current Massey School students?
Amber: Stay connected after graduation. I’m a bit partial, but the Alumni Board has great networking events and is working hard to improve communication with Alumni.
Jared: Networking really is key in business so take advantage of working with group members from different companies in your classes.