Dean's Desk

Dr. Percy J. Vaughn, Jr. Friday July 08, 2005

Students Responsibilities For Learning Outcomes:

WELCOME BACK AND I SINCERELY HOPE YOU ARE RESTED AND ENJOYED YOUR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

(Kindly read in its entirety)
The COBA is in the process of developing its self-evaluation for accreditation by the International AACSB - Association to Advance Collegiate Business Schools. Students, you have a major role in the accreditation process. I want each of you to clearly understand that what you learn is a complex process and this institution, your programs and professors are not solely responsible for your learning. HOW MUCH YOU LEARN IN EACH OF YOUR CLASSES DEPEND UPON HOW MUCH TIME YOU INVEST IN THE PROCESS as on the conditions for learning created by your professors and your programs.

COBA faculty members expect you to come to class on time, prepared and committed to learn. And, in turn, you should expect faculty to create effective learning opportunities that holds you to appropriate standards and help you attain these standards. Learning itself is about mutual expectations. Have a great year!!!!

 Ebony Mack, Jerome Osborne, & JaCennie Ruley
CONGRATULATIONS!! Ms. Ebony Mack, Sophomore Marketing major, Mr. Jerome Osborne, Sophomore CIS major, Ms. JaCennie Ruley, CIS major who passed the Microsoft Excel Version 2002 Certification Examination, Friday, 12/12/03. Ebony Mack scored 733, Jerome Osborne scored 800 and JaCennie Ruley scored 900 with the passing score 720. We had eight students to pass the Excel Version 2002 Certification Examination within the final week of the Fall 2003 Semester. KUDOS TO ALL OF YOU.
 

Mr. Cedric Lee Herbert and Ms. Shawndra Denise Patterson-Jones
Congratulations!! Mr. Cedric Lee Herbert, CIS major and Ms. Shawndra Denise Patterson-Jones, ACT major, passed the Microsoft Excel Version 2002 Certification Examination. Mr. Herbert scored 767 and Ms. Patterson-Jones scored 833 with the required score for Excel certification, 720.
 

Ms. Kenna Daughtry, Ms. Alicia Lee Anne Whetstone & Mr. Baruch Lundy
Congratulations!! Kenna Daughtry, Senior Marketing Major, Alicia Lee Anne Whetstone, Junior Accounting Major and Baruch Lundy, Graduate Student-Master of Accountancy are the first students in ASU COBA to pass the Microsoft Excel Version 2002 Certification Examination. Mr. Lundy scored the highest score to date of all students certifying in Access or Excel with a score of 933 out of a possible 1000. Ms. Daughtry scored 767 and Ms. Whetstone scored 733 with the required score for Excel certification, 720. Ms. Whetstone has accepted an internship position for Spring Semester 2004 in Birmingham, AL, with PriceWaterhouse Accounting Firm.
 

Additional Interviewing Information

You are sitting in the hiring manager's office and he or she pops "the" question: "WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?" When you are in the hot seat, the Creative Group, a specialized staffing service offer these tips.

* Avoid overused terms or phrases such as "hard working" "smart" and "results oriented."
* Get specific, proving examples that highlight positive attributes.
* Focus on achievements, rather than responsibilities in previous roles.
* Research the firm thoroughly so you can discuss how your expertise relates to both the position and the company.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Many of you will be interviewing for permanent employment, intern and coop positions and you can lose the position by giving the wrong answers. These are things you should know.

Interview Tricks Are No Treat
by Therese Droste

While some interview questions are easy to answer, others can make or break you. Here are some tips for getting through the more difficult (and sometimes bizarre) ones.

Tell Me a Story.

Huh? Before you launch into Alice in Wonderland, find out what kind of story they want to hear. Asking for clarification shows you are thoughtful and won't go on wild goose chases in the office if difficult projects aren't spelled out for you in advance.

Once you learn the type of story requested, create your very short tale around a time that you accomplished something great. Keep it short and sweet, and remember: Always make yourself look good. Think of this as them asking, "What don't I know about you that I should?" or "What skills do you have that could make you do this job well?"

What Is a Weakness of Yours?

It's not just the brainteasers that will stump you. Some of the old classics can trip you up as well. The rule of thumb is to take a negative trait and make it sound like an asset. For example, say you are a stickler for meeting deadlines and will stay on top of a project until it is done according to your specifications, which may cause you to sometimes work late nights. Again -- just make yourself sound good.

What Do You Think of Your Last Boss?

Be careful. Respond concisely in a way that indicates your respect for authority and your ability to get along with superiors.

How Would You Deal with a High-Strung Personality?

If asked any question that relates to how you'd deal with a difficult personality, answer, and then ask why the interviewer is asking. It's best to find out early if you're interviewing for a job with a lunatic so you can quit pursuing the job.

Tell Me a Little About Yourself.

Always be prepared for this question, or you'll end up droning on and on. Make your answer short and sweet. Also, feel free to get clarification from the interviewer: Any area you'd prefer to hear about? My education? Experience?

Generally, you want to tie your answer into a professional attribute or two, for example: "I work well with others," "My strong organizational skills end up making me the leader in most projects I'm on," or "I approach anything I do with gusto and put in 150 percent." Or if you're a great communicator, say so and state how that attribute has helped you in your career. It doesn't have to be a difficult question if you think of it as, "Tell me something great about yourself." But you should be prepared.

How Do I Rate as an Interviewer?

Even if you think the interviewer belongs in the Clown Hall of Fame, don't voice an ounce of criticism. You could say it's been a tough interview (if it has), and that you hope you are providing enough information for the person to make an informed decision. You could toss this back at the interviewer and ask, "How well do you think I would fit the job?" But be careful -- you might not like what the person has to say.