Since high school, becoming a business leader has been my goal. In order to succeed in any goal, one must first find a way to achieve it, and then embark on that road. My road to becoming a leader began in high school. During my study in high school, I showed great dedication, which is an essential quality for a leader. I have mastered several different subjects. I passed the advanced placement exams in art history, chemistry and physics, and graduated with the top 5% of my class. As the chairman of science club and business club, I also have the opportunity to practice my practical leadership skills.
At UCLA, I continued to hold the leadership position and devoted myself to my research. I won the first place in the hip Management and Information Management Conference of Phi Beta Lambda 3 1st State Leaders. Although I work 36 hours a week in two part-time jobs, I can keep my grades besides attending this meeting. I joined the honor program of general education. After entering the workplace, I found that the value of leadership is priceless. Great changes have taken place in the climate, from a cooperative and quiet learning environment to a place where only the fittest survive. Fortunately, the leadership training I received in high school and college paid off. I was quickly promoted from purchasing agent to purchasing supervisor.
As another step to become a business leader, I recently accepted the invitation of Rain Bird to become a buyer/planner. In this position, I am fully responsible for two product lines, and the annual sales of these two product lines are about150,000 USD. Although I have learned new ways to manage labor and products, in this new position, I finally found that my leadership ability is not enough. I need to find out how Rain Bird and its competitors' engineering changes, climate change and marketing promotion affect my product line. I want to learn how information systems can enhance and simplify business transactions and how to be more productive and efficient in this global economy. After consulting several colleagues who have studied in the FEMBA program at UCLA, I think studying there will help me to continue my success.
What do you think is your most important personal and professional achievement?
As a member of APICS, a resource management education association, I have achieved the most important personal and professional achievements. A colleague introduced me to this organization. At first, I didn't want to join because I thought, "I already have a degree in operation management;" Why do I need to join an association where I can't learn anything new? " With the passage of time, I have learned more about this prestigious organization and gradually found that I can improve my management ability by contributing to it. I quickly obtained the certification of Production and Inventory Management (CPIM). About a year later, I was appointed as the director of the San Gabriel Valley branch of APICS, which is my most cherished achievement so far.
Running a branch is like running a small business. There is a national institution like the government, which is established according to the laws and rules that we must abide by. We must market ourselves, win customers (members) and make them happy by providing our products and services. We reserve classrooms for members and non-members and sponsor seminars on different aspects of manufacturing. Every month, we hold a joint meeting with Anaheim branch, where there is a famous speaker. We also create and publish a news letter every month to update our members on APICS and the latest manufacturing trends. Sometimes, we ask the company in San Gabriel Valley for the possibility of offering APICS courses on site. The biggest challenge in guiding the APICS branch is to provide funds for all the activities of the branch.
As the director of APICS, the most valuable benefit I have gained is that I have established contact with other directors and members. At APICS, I keep meeting new colleagues. They come from large and small companies, and their positions range from receptionists to vice presidents. We all get together to discuss the latest trends and employment opportunities in the manufacturing industry in this area. By learning from each other, we can improve the company's profits. As the director of APICS, I learned a lot about marketing and finance. I couldn't have gained such valuable knowledge without personal experience. The entrepreneurial ability I have cultivated in this job will further my road to commercial success. Why did you decide to join the full-time MBA program? Why is now the right time for you to start?
I have many reasons to believe that now is the best time for me to start a full-time MBA program at UCLA. As for acquiring knowledge, I have been studying continuously since high school. During the summer vacation of high school, I participated in SAT seminars. At university, I even took classes in the summer dormitory. When I graduated and started working, I studied to become CPIM certification of APICS. Starting the MBA program now is the most logical next step in my career.
In terms of career development, I am also pushing myself to the limit. In Rain Bird Company, I was quickly promoted to the level of supervisor and worked as a director in APICS Company. I want to move on in this career fast lane. Starting the MBA program now will definitely open the door to senior management positions within Rain Bird. Regarding personal goals, I have wanted to go to UCLA since high school. I was admitted to an undergraduate school, but financial difficulties forced me to choose a state university. Getting an MBA from UCLA will be my childhood dream come true. Last but not least, people around me have given me great support, which makes it an ideal time for me to study for an MBA. My wife believes that getting an MBA will improve our quality of life; My parents think that with an MBA, I can be a role model for my brothers and sisters. Colleagues who have already participated in the FEMBA program told me that this project is very good and the experience is very worthwhile; My factory manager is a graduate of FEMBA University. She told me that it was the best two and a half years she spent at school. With my high expectations and the support of others, I am confident of success in UCLA. I'm going to start the FEMBA project this fall.