An old boomer checks out grad school

Recently, I’ve decided it might be a good idea to get a graduate degree in business.

I’ve got a few years left before I become completely irrelevant, and I wanted to pick up a few new tools for the future, improve my understanding of the next generation, etc. etc.

It has been a while since school - Auburn University, Class of 1976. I have not taken any significant number of tests except continuing education, since that date.

However, I felt I had done a good job “keeping up,” that is, until I started prepping for the GMAT. I downloaded a copy of a prep test and said to myself, “Well I ampretty good with math, so I’ll just warm up with a few of those questions…” No problem.

First question: Differential calculus – last used by yours truly in 1975. The next few were considered “higher level math.” I was starting to get that funny feeling in my stomach.

So I switched to the English section. I thought to myself, “Gee, my daughter writes grants for a living and my son is a college English professor so I should do alright here…” That’s what Ithought.

Then it began to sink in why I love the F7 button and spell check. The first question was on the proper diagramming of a sentence. Mmmmm, last time I did this was in Miss Nichols’ class in 1968. I was beginning to struggle here too. So I did what any good executive would do and I Googled “GMAT prep in Atlanta area.”

I then went online to Amazon.com and scanned for “GMAT for Dummies.”  Now we were getting somewhere!

The next day I had breakfast with my good friend John P. who had recently graduated fromEmory University with his Executive MBA. He patiently listened to my tale of woe. His next words changed everything: “Ted,” he said, “I think for you old guys they will waive the GMAT. I’ll check for you.”

Once again these young folks showed me they way. My confidence was reborn!

During the application and interview process I have discovered that the Executive MBA programs available are not only good but great. The Southeast has a wide range of programs to meet varying needs and time schedules. The academic faculty are sharp, efficient, knowledgeable, and dedicated. There are a lot of programs in the Southeast and the curricula are varied and deep. The costs are low compared to the potential benefit.

I have been accepted to attend the three programs that I have applied to. I am now figuring out if my time priorities – family, business, community service – can be correctly managed to take full advantage of the academic programs being considered and also keep my life comfortably unbalanced.

Stay tuned.

iPads becoming indispensable business tool in construction

In the not so distant past (um…like 10 years ago), the vast majority of computer technology at Benning Construction Company would be at our headquarters.

Today, thanks in large part to our younger employees, that is no longer the case, and iPads in particular have become an indispensible tool in our field operations.

Just a decade ago, it seemed that 90 percent of the money was spent in the field and yet 90 percent of the technology was in the office. The digital age had made inroads but we still used a good deal of “pen and ink” systems for the interface between the office and operations.

I am at an age that I can remember business without computers. I can also remember our first computer system – our second – our third. … I have lost count. Each system has been an improvement on the previous system. Each has paid for themselves. Just when I think there can be no further improvements, my staff shows me better ways.

Last year I noticed that our “younger folks” were using iPads, not company-issued laptops mind you, but their own personal iPads, which they had purchased with their own money. They were using them in the field to perform a host of tasks that traditionally had been performed on laptops or in another way. When I asked them why they were using iPads, they responded enthusiastically that they were able to do more work quicker than they could with laptops. I asked them to show me what they were doing and literally a couple of hours later they had completed their education of “The Boss.”

I could not have been more proud of my folks!

So I went out and bought an iPad and the fun began. I am the first to admit that I am not very creative. However, I know how to emulate! So that I would not embarrass myself I asked the “iPaders” what “apps” they were running. They gave me a dozen or so names and I burned some money at the app store and within a week I put my laptop down. What a wonderful tool!

Benning Construction Company is embracing these new iPad apps to create efficiencies in the field.

A few of the improvements that have been made in our daily tasks thanks to iPads include: having a set of plans at our fingertips so that directions may be given quickly; photo documentation; memo preparation; and good-old fashioned communication with stakeholders directly from the job site in a quick and easy manner. Project managers no longer have to go back to the trailer to do such tasks, saving time and money. The list of improvements is almost endless.

I am certain that in a few years new technology will be on the scene. I expect to look back and say that our iPads are now the latest relics. But until then, I expect we will embrace iPads as well as other more efficient tools.