Reflections of DMLS 2012

Today marks the end of the two-day case competition open to first year management students at McGill! The competition, Desautels Management Leadership Seminar (DMLS), offered 200 freshmen students the opportunity to network, meet great people, listen to the inspirational speeches delivered by successful individuals in their respective industries, ask questions and last but not least, become exposed to a "case crack". 

The speeches from the guest speakers were unlike anything I have ever seen; I feel like I walk away from each of them feeling more knowledgeable than I had been when I walked in forty minutes ago. I had the honor of listening to representatives from Stikeman Elliot, J.P. Morgan, Deloitte and ERP Guru talk about their respective paths to success. Of course, it isn't all glory, rainbows and sunshine as it may seem from the surface. I learned that this journey to finding your dream job is all about perseverance. These speakers discussed the downfalls and challenges they faced along the way, about how they were beaten, pushed aside by obstacles in life but how they were able to stand back up and fight for what they want. You have four very successful people but each of them have very different stories to share with us. 

After this weekend, networking almost feels like second nature to me. This is not bad!... considering how, prior to this experience, I had next to no experience in this aspect of business. Although I know this is not realistic, I wish we could have chatted while sitting down. I am sure most girls in the situation would agree with me; after standing and walking in high heels for a day, all you want to do is rest your incredibly sore and hurting feet! 

Day 2 was all about case cracks. This is the part of the competition where you are given 2 hours, team mates, a  coach... and a case to prepare and crack in front of a panel of judges. As someone who is frightened by the thought of public speaking, this was one of those moments where I wish the floor would open up and just swallow me. Being in the situation had my adrenaline flowing at double time but following the presentation, it was instant relief that I had finished! (Even though I did crap)

All in all, this experience was an excellent eye-opener for me. The seminar made me realize how little I know about the world we live in and similarly, how much more I have to explore to become even the least bit more aware. We all have to start somewhere though, right?