The Grad Voice

"Experience, substance, stress… get your own!!"

Having attended most of the other career panels, I entered the crowded room with one thought in my mind, "Is this panel going to offer me anything different?"

The room had a mix of students from all majors, many of whom have a business background, big plans for the future, and some perhaps even with premature plans for retirement. Appropriately, the Baruch alumni in the entrepreneurship panel represented many levels of business experience.

The most unique feature of this panel was that it was a straight from the heart account from individuals who saw opportunity - either in finding new niches for an established business or in executing entirely new ideas. Many said they experienced "a light bulb" being turned on in their heads.

Those who attended this panel will vouch that the discussion was a reality check for anyone who want to execute an idea. Now they feel it is worth the effort. As one student exclaimed, "I will be able to write a book on management principles, after attending this panel!"

Ever wondered what happens to the winners of The Baruch College & Merrill Lynch Entrepreneurship Competition? After spending many years in the grocery industry, the first panelist, Jim Mumm, CEO of 1st Wave Sales & Marketing, mastered a way to effectively manage any grocery chain. The team that won the competition with him in 2006 conceptualized the business idea. For Jim, being able to focus on achieving personal goals and performing the task with vigor and perseverance is vital.

The second panelist, Cathal Kennedy, who said he was born with an enterprising mind, knew he wanted to run his own business. Since he didn't have any ideas he decided to go "business shopping." Now, after years as the head of Hersco Ortho Labs, there is no looking back for this opportunist.

Ms. Xiaoning Wang, founder of China Sprout, was another really interesting panelist and Baruch alumna. She runs an internet based store that is now the largest supplier of authentic Chinese products. She conceived the idea while pursuing her studies at Baruch and implemented it after she earned her degree. Her story was heart-warming and emphasized that opportunities are abundant for those with the know how to attain them. She was also quick to point out that being able to learn and adapt quickly in a business is vital and that the best strategy is one based on interactions with clients and vendors.

Another panelist, Luke Mangal, a self proclaimed "serial entrepreneur," had had a successful career in the world of fashion before plunging into the world of real estate brokering. After that, he created his start up, Herrick Greyson, which retails inexpensive skin and hair care products for sophisticated men. Mr. Mangal shared his principle, "An idea will work only if the person thoroughly believes in it." He also let us in on his little secret - his next venture is the launch of discount shoes, in the name of a popular yesteryear shoe brand. So keep a look out for Mr. Luke Mangal in the media in the days to come.

Bill Hayduk, a maverick of sorts, compared the excitement of having your own business to that of playing poker! Bill has an excellent reputation in the technology field and is particularly noted for his test methodology and automation expertise. Over the last 15 years, Bill has successfully implemented large-scale automation projects at many Fortune 500 firms. He has managed projects in most verticals, including the banking, brokerage, multimedia, ISV, government, telecommunications, healthcare, education, pharmaceutical, and insurance industries. He stressed the importance of attitude and personality. His claim to fame is the emergence of his simple solutions, which now cater to big brands such as Hewlett Packard and Microsoft, just to name a few.

The session ended with a friendly chat with the panelists and an exchange of contact information. I left the panel contented and satisfied. The panelists had given me a lot to think about in the days to come. Most importantly they shared their experience and not just their advice!

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