Concentration Paper

PART I

1.   I chose to attend CSU because of its reputation as having the best business school in the state of Colorado. I also appreciate the university's dedication to being "green" and helping maintain a healthier environment. Also, CSU's expertise in animals interested me because I would like to join a club or a volunteer group here at CSU that deals with animals.
2.   I chose a business major because although it is one of the most common majors, it is also one of the most useful. I  am attending the College of Business at CSU mostly because I am interested in the world of finance. I have had some outside influence from my mother, who is a finance director at Lockheed Martin, and who has had a successful career. Her background gave me some insight as to what a business major could lead to.
3.   I know a few other people in this class. One, I know from an AP Statistics class in high school, and others from meeting at orientation when we met our advisors and registered for classes.
4.   The only faculty members I have met are my advisor (Katya Stewart-Sweeny), and some tech experts that helped me set up my COB E-Mail down in the tech center in Rockwell.
5.   Although I love experiencing and learning about different cultures and places, I would not want to study abroad. First, it would be emotionally difficult for me. I am not adventurous, and I like to stick to a routine that I am familiar with. If I were to want to major in International Business or Relations, I would certainly consider it as an educational priority; however, I don't plan on traveling internationally on a regular basis as part of my career.
6.   Business Week: Have heard of it but don't read it
      Fortune: Have heard of it but don't read it
      Forbes: Have not read it directly, but have heard studies, statistics, etc. produced by Forbes
      The Economist: Have read it, but not on a regular basis (I have used it as a reference for papers and assignments)
      BBC: I listen to BBC XM Satellite radio on at least a weekly basis, but do not read it.
      Denver Post: I glance through it on-line every once and a while
      Forbes Small Business: Have not heard of it
      Wall Street Journal: Have heard of it but don't read it
7.   What kinds of internships are available for someone interested in a concentration in finance? What steps are there to take in order to have a guaranteed salary-paying job right out of college? Of all the business concentrations, which, on average leads to the highest paying average salary?

PART II

 1.   When I think about what I am good at, the first thing that comes to mind is organization. Along with being organized, other strengths of mine include being assertive, confident, and responsible. Some weaknesses of mine are being too judgmental, controlling, and impatient. I will need to consider all of these strengths and weaknesses before choosing a concentration. Right now, I am focusing my attention on a concentration in Finance. My organization and responsibility could perpetuate success in this field, while my impatience could potentially create conflict with future employers, employees, or customers, depending on where a concentration in finance would lead me.
 2.   I am not currently interested on a concentration in Accounting, however, I do not know exactly what an "accounting concentration" really means. When I picture "accounting," I think of cramped offices, taxes, and math, which to me all equal boredom and headaches. Although these are simply pre-concieved notions, I still don't have any current desires to pursue an education in Accounting.
      After Finance, Management would probably be my second choice for a concentration. Being such a broad term, I am not sure exactly what types of careers a Management concentration would lead to, but based on my strengths and personality, I think I would be good at managing "things" or "people" in general. I can picture myself being some sort of production or operations manager at a large corporation, so until I learn more about a Management concentration, I will strongly consider it.
      When I think of marketing, I think of stress, annoying sales people and advertisements. I don't think I would do too well in the world of marketing because of my weaknesses, such as impatience and being too controlling. If, for example, a product does not sell fast enough to a certain "target market", then I would constantly be frustrated. I don't like having to convince people to do things. I don't want to have to do the "convincing". I respect people in the Marketing industry, but based on what I know and have experienced, it's not for me.
     I am not considering a concentration in Computer Information Systems mostly because of the word "computer." I don't want to have a career where I stare at a computer screen all day, and although our society is so technologically advanced, I am not very good with a computer to begin with. I think that this concentration is more directed towards people who are scientifically-minded, which I am not.
    As I have said before, as of right now, Finance is my top choice. My mother has had success as a Director of Finance at a large corporation, and I feel that finance is an aspect of society that will never go away, as it is the heart of all business. When I think of finance, I think of money, and when I think of business, I think of money being moved around. Also, I am organized and responsible, which are two qualities that could potentially help in the chaotic world of finance.
     I have taken much time in considering a concentration in Real Estate, but I don't think it would be right for me because of the specific type of interaction between the customer and the agent. This interaction scares me because I don't feel that I am patient enough to try and sell properties while sitting and waiting for the best "offer" or "buyer." Once again, I do not know nearly enough about Real Estate to make such assumptions, but based off of my background knowledge, I don't believe that my personality would make a successful Real Estate agent.
3.   My personality type: INFJ
     Suggested careers include: Clergy/Religious work, Teacher, Doctor, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Counselor/Social Worker, Musician, Photographer, and Childcare
     The suggested careers relating to my personality type derived from the Myers-Brigs Assessment surprised me because I cannot see myself doing any of these occupations in the future. I was somewhat disappointed to see that nothing directly "business-related" showed up in the career suggestions.The personality assessment seemed to describe me fairly accurately, but I didn't feel like the jobs match the way I think of my own personality. The Myers-Briggs exam seemed to reflect how I think of myself, but I cannot picture myself doing any of the corresponding career options. The assessment indicated that I am intuitive and judgmental, that I act upon emotion, and that I am confident in my decisions. I agree with these descriptions, but I disagree with the idea that I would be a good psychologist, counselor, doctor, or even a musician. As I mentioned before, I have little patience, and I am certainly not patient enough to be a counselor, doctor, psychiatrist, or in childcare. The personality assessment also accurately mentioned that I am a skeptic, so being involved in religious work is not what I had in mind in terms of making a living. I have a little artistic ability, but certainly not enough to be a musician or a photographer. Overall, I was surprised with the list of jobs, but the personality test results helped me to see aspects of my character from a different point of view. I still believe that my personality would fit best in the world of finance.
  

"My WHY Factor"

I am in college because I feel that a higher education is a key to a successful future. I have been given a wonderful opportunity to attend a university, which is something most people in the world will never experience. I am going to use this opportunity to develop skills and relationships that will help be to achieve my goals, both in business and in my personal life. Knowing that I have been given this "key", I am inspired to get up every morning and go to class. I feel that it is my duty at this point in my life to absorb all the knowledge and skills that I can in order to be a productive member of society and in the business world. Working hard, studying, and being a proactive student are all building-blocks to becoming a successful business woman, and without even one block, the ultimate goal of success cannot be achieved. This is why I stay focused and want to make sure that I not only appreciate, but also take full advantage of my education, which so many others are deprived of. As I have said before, I am lucky to have all the tools to success at my exposure, but my ultimate motivation for being in college is the desire to be knowledgeable of the world of business and utilize my skills to be an important and influential member of the growing world of business.