Class 1 - Fall semester - Session A

The following Monday after orientation is the first day of class.

What class is this?

Our first class is Business communication - 210. It is a human resource class and the professor teaching is George Whaley (I think he’s no longer teaching in SJSU.) E-mails are sent the night before the class started, along with the syllabus and first day class agenda. I think this is the only session that keeps us really busy. A lot of small things such as pop quizzes every few chapters, individual and group projects. Extra credit projects (minimum 10 pages each) worth 10% of the final grades have driven us insane at the end of the semester. One of them is what your career plan after you finish the M.B.A program. You will have to take a several assessments to test your personality, your skills and interest. Combine these assessments with your ideal career plan for the next five and 10 years and testify yourself if you fit in the industry you want to be. You need to include your alternative plan as well. I like his extra credit project topic as it gives you a chance to critically think over your career. He also gives us graduated level exam. Questions are M.C. but they are practical and you have to apply the answer with concepts. Open book exam is in the final (comprehensive exam.)

About the professor

He is a bit strange in classes tho – he likes to put one of his legs when he is teaching. Stretching his leg on a desk. Very weird. However, after taking several classes in SJSU, I realize he is the only serious professor who really cares our career. Office hours are clearly stated in his curriculum. He is willing to meet you in person regarding any questions about the course upon appointment. He always discusses students for a whole afternoon other than his office hour. He invites the past year alumni over to talk about their M.B.A and job search experience.

Should I take his class

Although HR might not be your major, I think it worths your time and money to take his class. He is a demanding professor but definitely helps with your understanding about your career as well as the business communication.