Pretty darn good, thanks.
The morning started with a Decision Science (essentially, modeling) class. The case we had prepared for the class required detailed statistical analysis to decide how to approach a problem about manufacturing a plastic product for the first time. Our DecSci professor invited our stats professor from Fall A to join our class (he arrived to a hero’s welcome). The class discussion lit up, peppered with lighthearted banter. Such cross-disciplinary problem solving is at the heart of a general management degree, and was expertly executed. It was thoroughly enjoyable, even for a chap who doesn’t enjoy stats a great deal.
Over lunch, Associate Dean Matt Slaughter, who previously worked on the economic advisory team for GWB’s White House (and left pre-calamity!), gave a magnificent talk about the current state of international economics and some views on the future. He gave a big picture view grounded in fascinating analysis. The classroom was packed – all aisles and doorways were full – and his flawless delivery kept everyone on the edge of their seats. You know the scenario of being able to invite any 5 living people to a dinner party? Matt Slaughter might well be on my list.
The best was yet to come. Since arriving in the US, almost everyone I’ve spoken to has cautioned me that my career aspirations were, to say the least, risky. The number of people gunning for jobs in private equity far outweighs the opportunities in what is a shrinking industry. I should look into alternatives and generate back-up plans. Even if I did get lucky, it wouldn’t be until the last minute and I would have to be prepared to wait it out until long after my peers had secured internships, and maybe even to work for free over the summer. Today, something wonderful happened: I was offered and accepted to intern in the investment group at a first class middle market private equity firm next summer. Were the nay sayers wrong? No. Am I exceptionally talented beyond the many others who aspire to the same career path? No. I was persistent, single-minded and, above all else, incredibly lucky. I am immeasurably grateful to everyone who helped this to happen (professors, classmates, alums, CDO) and to my summer employer for believing in me.
Tomorrow morning, I’ll sit in on a restructuring class for which the topic will be the case I co-authored. Then, I’ll have a DecSci exam, for which I am hopelessly underprepared. The Tuck dream just keeps getting better.
Read the full article: How was your day, darling?