So fast forward from November 2015 (my last post) and here I am again, writing now as an MBA graduate. <3 I successfully defended my STRAMA paper last November 2017, and graduated on December 9, 2018. Just wanted to share what an experience it had been!
Here's 3 years of my work-acad life at a glance:
AY 2014-2015
Term 1 - APMATH, BUSCOM
Term 2 - ETHICS, FINACC
Term 3 - LEADER, MASTAT
AY 2015-2016
Term 1 - INFOTE, MANACC
Term 2 - FINMAN, METRES
Term 3 - MANSCI, HUMRES, INVEMA
AY 2016-2017
Term 1 - PRIMAN, MARKMA, LEADOC
Term 2 - OPEMAN, ECOMAN
Term 3 - STRAMA
My OC self really wanted to finish after 3 years so for two consecutive terms, I suddenly had to take 3 subjects. I took those extra challenging terms not before Strama since Ecoman was a difficult subject plus I presumed I will be needing extra time to start researching for my paper (which didn't happen lol). It was also the same time our office moved to BGC which gave me a lot of headache because of the loooong travel time. To cut the story short, my grades suffered and I didn't make the honor roll (boohoo). Lesson learned, be sure to plan well ahead and really be committed to your acads not just work, especially if you're a working student like me!
So enough self pity (talking to myself here haha). A few thoughts regarding the other subjects I took. Mansci was really tough, the most difficult subject aside from Ecoman because I got my lowest grades in these two subjects. Just a word of caution, be sure to study the cases well and practice before the exam. I chose benign electives - Invema and Leadoc. Invema lessons with Prof Biacora was really memorable - we pooled our funds in class and invested in the stock market. We spent our ROI by donating it to charity and we kept some money for a sem-ender with unlimited shabu shabu at Circuit Makati. Priman was also very toxic, as we had to submit case studies almost every week. As they say, it always seems impossible until it's done and after my Priman sem, I felt as if I can write whatever case I wanted. I felt like a pro! Lol.
Markma and Opeman I enjoyed! Opeman with Prof Tenmatay was just the right pace and difficulty. I loved the Markma classes with Prof Macasaet! It was very practical, fun and packed with learnings. You can expect nothing less from one of the most reputable marketers in the whole country.
Strama integrates everything but you don't actually need to remember all those subjects from long ago, just follow David's framework by heart, know your industry well, do enough research, get help from a real accountant, write a hundred or so pages in correct APA citation, be confident when defending your paper, and you'll be just fine. <3
Overall, I think the time, effort and money were all worth it. Just be sure to snag the best professors and make the most out of your Ateneo education by building a network of high-calibre professionals slash best friends. Who knows, you might even meet your future business partners here! =)