Just Jackie

I have not blogged about school or classes for some time.

Oh don’t worry. I’m still in enrolled…still truckin’ along.

This fall I am taking two classes, Strategic Marketing Management (SMM), a Kelley School of Business class that I am in with MBA students, and Public Relations in the Life Sciences, a class about PR in the pharma industry. It’s definitely a struggle doing both classes and working full-time–but that’s not new. You’ve heard me say that before…plenty of times. I am enjoying both classes–however, around the first of September I had already started my PR class and was just beginning my business class when I had a…mini panic attack. As part of the SMM class, I am required to blog (whoda thought?)  about my experience in the class and what I am learning. Well, my first blog post wasn’t really a cheery one. Take a look below to see what my professor read from me on Sept. 6.

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It’s the first day of class and I already feel overwhelmed. Maybe it’s not good to blog right now as I have mixed emotions and concerns already. I was (and still am) excited for this class and what all there is to learn. I applaud the professor for all the communication which is typically a downfall of the online Kelley classes. However, I am panicking because the workload appears too heavy for my busy schedule. I’m not saying that my schedule is any different or busier than anyone else’s. However, the short and long-term assignments, readings and semester projects leave me concerned due to my work, school and travel schedule. It will be challenging to complete weekly assignments in one week.

I am unsure about others, but I work full-time and am taking two classes. My other class occurs Tuesday nights, when we have our live Breeze sessions. This is unfortunate as that seems like the only time I will be able to converse with my classmates and the professor live to answer questions we all will have. I will try to do the best I can to accommodate, but I am not sure how that is going to work…I’m left anxious.

Yesterday night and today after work, I spent hours reviewing the Angel website and everything on the course’s page. I clicked every link and read through all pages, even printing all big assignments out. Some due dates have multiple items due on those days. Some due dates involve projects that are group work. I don’t know my group members and worry that we all may be on different time zones or maybe even countries. I’m not sure how that is going to work. Being an online class is tough enough—group projects for online classes are even more difficult.

Once I read through the entire Angel site, I reviewed all the special assignments for the semester: The Team Based Marketing Plan (and various deadlines), the individual and group case memos, learning journal entries and the ideation project. The team-based marketing plan leaves me with questions that I am sure will be answered in the Breeze sessions…if I am ever able to attend.

I admit…I’m a perfectionist and have to do everything accurately. I also worry a lot. I know I am probably thinking too deep on a lot of this, but I am a PR professional and have to have all the facts before I begin work. Prior to getting started on this semester-long marketing plan project, I will need more details and information on where to even begin.

I’m sorry this post appears negative but I am just sharing my “personal learning experience” and thoughts along the way. Normally, I am a very positive person and I hope that shines through on my next post.

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I had quite the pity party for myself, didn’t I? The next morning I reread my post and thought, “Ugh…I’m such a cry  baby.” I apologized in my next post for being such a Debby Downer. The class is going well so far, I just got overwhelmed looking at EVERYTHING I had to do for the semester. Now, I am just taking it one day at a time–and all will be okay.