SPOTLIGHT:

Part-Time Student Robert L. Weismantel, Cisco Systems

Background

Robert graduated from the University of Texas in 1997 with a BS in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation, he pursued a career in technical consulting International Network Services, based in San Jose, CA. Like many consultants, Robert traveled extensively during the tech boom, consulting and implementing network solutions for a variety of clients. In 1999, Robert was given the opportunity to join Cisco Systems, starting out in the Professional Services Division. After several years of being a network engineer within Cisco, Robert has a desire to move into the business side where he could be part of the strategic planning and design of the comprehensive services and solutions provided by Cisco.

The Part-Time MBA Smith Experience

Robert began the Smith part-time MBA program in 2003. After completing the required 18 months of core classes, Robert is looking forward to moving into the electives based portion of the program. His focus centers on venture capital combined with entrepreneurship. Though the average length of the part-time MBA program is three years, it can be accelerated with additional credits. Robert is looking to graduate in December 2005.

Robert is an active member of the part-time MBAA, formed in 2002. The part-time MBAA consists of seven board members, as well as multiple campus directors, and has oversight for all part-time Smith MBA campus social and business events. The organization has evolved to become a comprehensive part-time advocacy organization, managing everything from social to business and charity events. Examples of recent events include Industry Networking Night: a panel focusing on how and why entrepreneurial spirit within companies leads to future growth and success, a “Dinner with Dean Frank” event, and a spring semester golf tournament. The Campus Director position was recently added for each track within each part-time campus to facilitate communication with the part-time students, as well as to add more frequent events at a local level. Robert expresses pride in the informal community formed within the program as well. Similar to the full-time program, there is one cohort for the core classes resulting in an informal network developing between the students. It helps that everyone has a job upon entering the part-time program, as many industry contacts are made more easily.

Though maintaining a work/life balance in the part-time program can be difficult, Robert says that “falling into a rhythm is possible with proper time management, and I have deep respect for those who also balance their family life as well.” He further comments that the benefit of the part time program is that one can learn something during class on a Tuesday night, and immediately apply it on the job the next day, which helps to reinforce the education. When asked if he had any advice for other part-time students, Robert offers, “Become an active an involved member who takes advantage of the clubs and associations available to you, such as GWIB, mentoring clusters, and other part-time MBA events.”

The Cisco Systems Experience

Robert is part of Cisco’s Customer Advocacy Advanced Services group. His responsibilities include higher touch network design, implementation, planning, and operations on a consultative basis for Cisco customers. It is a technical consultant role for Cisco clients, which help them reap the full benefit of the Cisco network solutions.

The Upside of Cisco:

• Small company feel within a large organization resulting in a tremendous culture that is team oriented, has a strong belief in company goals and values, and encourages open communication.
• Frugal company, which helps in economic recessions. For example, the CEO was once given a coupon to use on his next expense report.
• Highly regarded leadership development program that fast tracks managers and enables professional growth within Cisco. Having an MBA helps in understanding long/short-term strategies, new business development opportunities, and the broader impact of team efforts – all useful qualifications to enter the leadership development program.

Outside of Work and School

Robert’s interests in music and charity work encourage him to find time for playing his guitar in his home recording studio, and volunteering with organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the HomeStretch – Adopart-time a Family initiative. He encourages all students to take an active role in the Smith community, and ensure the community grows together from part-time / full-time event participation that build the joint community.

To find out more about Cisco visit them on the Web at http://www.cisco.com/en/US/hmpgs/index.html.

To find out more about the Part-Time MBA Association (PTMBAA), visit their home page at http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/organizations/part-timembaa/.

Winter Break Recap!

Costa Rican Holiday

Dave Lake, Andrew Drake, Brian O'Neill, and Valerio Zanini traveled to Costa Rica in January 2005. Here are some snapshots of the beautiful scenery, complete with a dusty ATV adventure up a mountain!

Steamboat, Colorado

Niya Kocheva-Stouffer’s vacation pictures:

Uruguay, South America

Pictures of Ignacio Rogriguez’s visit to Uruguay, including one of Montevideo, capital city of Uruguay (taken from the window of his mother's apartment), and Punta del Este, “The best seaside resort in Latin America!!”

Seattle, Washington

Aviral Singh spent 10 days in Seattle, Washington – in the northwestern portion of the USA, visiting family and friends. “The high point of my trip to Seattle was meeting my little 10-month-old nephew for the first time. I had a blast as we went sledding, bowling, played badminton and cricket. We also had some mind-blowing sessions of advance level charades. It was hard once all of it was over, but digital leadership beckoned.”

Second-Year MBAs take a trip to Ireland!

Second-year MBAs Martin Aliaga, Greg Milton, Catherine Philbin, and Chris Vitt joined Dean Flynn in Ireland for a week long holiday over break. Despite the perilous adventure of Greg’s driving on the left side of the road, they managed to cover most of the Ireland’s major landmarks during they stay. Locations included the Ring of Kery, Dublin, and its numerous pubs; Cliffs of Mohr, Galway; more pubs; and Shannon. It was a wet, cold, crazy time they will not soon forget.

The crew at Oliver St. John's Pub in Dublin:

Orlando, Florida

Vacation pictures from JJ Chou, Hsiao-Chun Yang, Bo-Jhen Hu, Oscar Wu, and Irene Chen:

From Sheilah Moran to Sheilah Bradley!

First year MBA student Sheilah Moran got married to Eric Bradley on New Year's Eve in Cornwall, NY. The new couple had a candlelight ceremony and then a reception to ring in the New Year! They spent two weeks in Kaua'i (Hawaii) for their honeymoon and a week in North Dakota to visit family. Congratulations Sheilah!

Next on Smith Business Close-Up:

Successful Entrepreneurs: What You Need To Know To Become One
More people than ever are starting their own businesses. Nearly 400,000 companies were established in 2003, 35 percent more than in 2002. The bad news is statistics also show that many businesses are failing. What types of people are willing to go out on a limb and start a business? What are the risks of entrepreneurship, and what resources are available for people hoping to venture out on their own? Tune in to find out how the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship can help you turn your idea into a profitable business. Joining us for this edition of Smith Business Close-Up is Asher Epstein, Managing Director of the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship at the Smith School.

Thursday, February 3rd, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 4th, 4:30 a.m.
Sunday, February 15th, 11:00 a.m.

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