Shovelling the Snowy Road to the MBA

No snowstorm stopping us now!

Visa applications were submitted this week, after a tedious process and much money spent to expedite. In one month I'll skip to the Spanish consulate and pick up our Visas!

Now that the goal of attaining an MBA is getting closer, I'm reflecting on the steps I've taken to actually come to this point. A graduate degree was a goal that I've always thought about, but I needed to pursue it when it was the right time and for the right reasons. Midway into my career, I feel that I'm at a good place where I can confidently contribute my experience to a high level program. And at the same time, really gain new knowledge to make me a more desired professional, whether it's working for another company or doing my own thing. I also want to leverage this degree towards a career I enjoy, using the skills to create and solve challenges.

Another point that has nudged me in this MBA pursuit is the representation, or lack thereof, of women in upper management positions. I've been lucky enough to work with companies with women high level executives, but overall, there is still an underrepresentation of women in business. Another interesting tidbit to mention is that there still is a low ratio of women pursuing an MBA. The average is just about 3 out of 10. I'm not saying that there's a direct correlation of men and women who have MBA's to those in higher management positions with the degrees, but it's definitely something to note.

Taking the time for an MBA is a huge investment in terms of career building, but there are also compromises that are made. Hopefully, in the long run I will reap great rewards. Here's an article on options for women to get on the road to their graduate degree and they'll find that it's doable. A women's point of view: Is it the right time to do an MBA?

Even the snowiest January in NYC ever (38") can't block the road to the MBA.

Here are some snow photos from my neighborhood.

Trip Downtown Memory Lane

As I continue the countdown to leaving New York City, I took a trip downtown for lunch to meet some of my city colleagues at Zigolini's for a TGIF breath. When I was worked in the Municipal building and near the WTC site previously, I rarely made it out for lunch outside of a 3 block radius. The restuarants and charm of that area is underrated. Granted, it is a ghost town at night, once the shops and restaurants stop servicing the work force. But, with the small streets and waterfront, you get a glimpse of the old New York before the noise of monumental buildings, bright lights and honking cabs.

TGIF didn't come soon enough as this week seemed particularly long. Two snowstorms were supposed to collide on Tuesday night, so the city anticipated another snow day with up to 12" of snow. School and offices were to be closed, however, Wednesday came along and the snow mounds were just short of bunny slopes. Here's a clip of this past Wednesday morning.

Friday Salsa Classes Changed

My usual salsa classes on Fridays have changed pricing and structure. Unfortunately, studio rent increases have made the instructor create a more structured class where you have to attend every week and at least for 3 hours. Classes are still $5 per hour and 3 hours long ($15 total). If you have the time and can commit to 6 consecutive weeks of fundamental instruction, check it out! Classes are in NYC in Hell's Kitchen! Frank Ritmo Mambo Salsa