Student Comments- 2014

Thank you for everything in the class. You really opened up our eyes to a lot of actual applicable concepts, which I truly appreciate. I'll see you next week at Commencement! I might have to crack open some Vegemite to celebrate.

I just want to thank you so much for all your help this year. It waa such a pleasure having you as my teacher. You have taught me a lot and I do feel more prepared to continue my education.

I hope to see you around campus next year . Thank you again for all you patience with me. I appreciate it and it did not go unnoticed. There are not professors like you, that are so helpful.

Very rewarding assignment. My dad and two brothers are BMW enthusiasts, so they know everything about the company, but it was fun to actually teach them a thing or two about the topic!

Thank you again for all the help and guidance you have given me. I appreciate it beyond words.

Just wanted to thank you for providing a reference. I did receive the Marketing Specialist position and just finished my first day. Hope all is well!

Professor Gopal, It has been awhile since I've been in your class and I hope you are doing well!  I am emailing you today because I am wondering if there are any marketing courses you offer--other than business 230.  I am progressing through my courses as an accounting major fairly quickly and I have some flexibility in my schedule.  With all of the accounting courses I have been taking lately, I am feeling deprived of the 'organic' aspect of business and wish to balance out my curriculum with a few courses in other areas.  I felt as though I gained applicable, real-world knowledge in the two classes I previously took with you, so if you have any upcoming recommendations for the Fall, J-term, or Spring of next school year, let me know. .. SJ.

I hope all is going well. Things have been going well for me and I was recently accepted into the LeaderShape program here at Elmhurst College. This program is a small retreat that I take with other students from Elmhurst and learn how to be a better leader. With this program I need to have a mentor before going. I have been thinking about it for a while now and I forgot to ask you in person when I saw you. It would be really great if you could be my mentor. I feel I can learn a lot from you and continue to grow my knowledge in the business world and more. Let me know if you would like to do this or if you have any questions I have some more information I can send to you about being a mentor. I would be really honored if you would be my mentor. ..EM

Thank you again for what was a great semester Prof Gopal - you really are a great person and I was very fortunate to have you in class in my final semester. JK

Overall this was one of the best classes that I have ever had, especially because it pertains to my major.  Before this class, I thought I knew a lot of about marketing, but I didn't even know the beginning of the subject.  You taught me valuable information that has already made me a better marketer and you taught me that I will never stop learning marketing concepts and how to market.  I want to thank you for a great class and for helping me better my future as a marketer.  I have accepted a position at my internship called ....  and I will be working with marketing.  The insights and information that I have learned from this class will better my future and quality at work for this company.   MS

Just wanted to take the time to say that I really enjoyed the class lecture today. It was much different than any other lecture I have ever been apart of - a perfect combination of lecture/insight from you, dialogue and discussion between class and yourself, as well as great use of video and digital mediums to help explain a point or topic. Particularly, I really enjoyed how it was all one flowing lecture. What I mean by that - each video you showed had very peculiar point to it that set up the next topic of discussion or video very well - it flowed almost seamlessly and I really really appreciated that. The videos were a great touch. It's not often that students take time to offer feedback outside of the end-course review which of course is too late. You seem like someone who is open to feedback, so I figured I'd offer a student's perspective prior to the end of the course. Thank you for contributing to a great final semester here at Elmhurst, one that will certainly not be forgotten. JK

Accolades and Brickbats- Fall 2009

Thank you so much! I was so surprised that I had an all A term. It made the holidays so much better! You have helped me so much throughout the semester and I could not have succeeded without your help! Thank you for everything...You will probably get a couple emails from me during the spring term even just to say hi...KH

Thank you for everything again. I loved your marketing course! I appreciate all the advice you gave me and the time you took to send that email to the psychology department. I will miss
marketing a lot...BB, 12/20/2009

Hey Dr. Gopal I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for everything this semester. You and your class challenged me more than most of my other business classes. It made me truly work hard to study and understand the concepts and materials in the class. It also made me think "outside the box" so to speak. It wasn't just a class to give you a definition and then write it out, rather it was a class in which you need to learn a concept and then apply it to the real world. I thank you for challenging me as a student to work harder and become better. I also want to thank you for all of your help and advice throughout the semester. It will not be forgotten....JK, 12/18/2009

I believe I have learned a lot of valuable skills in your class that will come in handy in the future...RI

I thought you would like to know that I turned in a paper for one of my other classes and I divided that paper into sections and subsections like you taught us to. My professor said that no one else had done that, and that she really liked that layout because it made my paper a lot easier to read than everyone else's. So I am glad that you taught us to do that!...MB

Again, thank you so much for speaking to her for us. I really appreciate that. Thanks for everything you do! 12/11/09. LM

Dear Dr. Gopal! On Thanksgiving I want to give you my gratitude! I'm very happy I met you and spent such a great time talking with you!...TS, 11/26/09

Hello Prof Gopal, How you doing ?? ...Just joined the organization from Monday. Its going well, however it doesn't require a lot of creativity. So i find it a bit monotonous.!! However, im trying to enjoy it though. But i am still looking for something better to come my way. The book u gifted to me is awesome.. Very inspiring.. :) ...You could come down here for a day and i would love to show you my state, my culture.. .RPT, 11/26/09

Thank you so much Dr. Gopal! It took me a few minutes, but I was able to locate an earlier draft of my paper through the second program, which helped so much. I do not know what I would do without you!..HW

I just wanted to say thank you for letting me come to your classes on Thursday. I enjoyed being back in 230 for a day and I really enjoyed your freshman seminar. They were very nice and a few of them sent me thank you e-mails, and I thought that was wonderful of them. ...MS, 11/22/2009

I wanted to update you on my visit to XYZ College this morning. It went very, very well, and I have found a new path and a new place to call home. I have been Accepted... I am looking forward to this transition in my life very much, and you have played a big role in this change...Please let me know, and again, as always, thank you for your never ending help...AP, 11/21/2009

I just wanted to say Hi! I hope all is well this school year. I also wanted to let you know I'm working as an editor of a small health newspaper in for a fitness company in ....Who would have thought? I got the chance to start it from the ground up. I'm selling advertising, reporting, writing articles, putting the paper together- it's been an amazing learning experience. I'm getting tons of experience that will help me with my next job. I want you to check it out- ....I thought you would be interested since you have heard my dreams of doing something just like this...MKR 11/20/2009

Thank you again for inviting me to your presentations. They were very good (A!). I think it's great that you (and Elmhurst) have a class like that. It's important for young individuals to learn about the importance of their actions....MS

Hi Prof. Gopal, I just wanted to let you know that I started my internship at ... today and I think that I am really going to like it...AD

Thank you again for meeting me yesterday and for all of your advice and information, i truly appreciate all of your help.Also, I've taken a look at the link - interesting information! Have a great weekend,we will be in touch...AP

I was wondering if we could meet sometime this week, maybe Thursday early afternoon - I have made some decisions for next year, and I always know you give great guidance and advice, and I was hoping to talk some of these decisions over with you...AP

Prof. Gopal, Reading a non-fiction book was actually extra-interesting and a welcome challenge, because I am used to the critical mindset of reading fiction and identifying key components of fiction novels. However, with the non-fiction book, I had to get out of the fiction mindset, and address issues that are not only relevant to my life, but to ANYONE's life. We all eat; therefore, the scientific contents of Michael Pollan's book became more real and applicable to me as a reader, because I know that the information contained between the covers apply to my lifestyle and the lives of everyone I know. The book presented a welcome challenge to step out of my fiction comfort zone and immerse myself in a different type of book, discussion, and paper. Thank you for the experience! AH

Gurram good news. XYZ was offered and accepted the internship with ABC. She is very excited. Thanks for the recommendation....KC

Hello Dr. Gopal - I have an interview for an analyst position...Anyhow, the man who wants to hire me said something about "salary requirements" and offered to discuss it, but I wasn't sure what to say and said we could talk about it later. What do you suggest on this? I don't know what to say about my "requirements" or expectations, nor do I know how to negotiate or play the game... What would you advise?...JB

It was so nice running into you yesterday, I always enjoy chatting with you. I am planning my schedule for the rest of my time hear and I wanted to get your opinion on a few graduate program ideas... My advisor is in the philosophy department, so I would like to talk to someone from business, and I very much value your thoughts...WH

Just curious are you teaching the International Marketing class this semester, I really did enjoy that class!...JB

...and since your class, Bus 271 Global Business Honors, was one of my favorite courses and I did pretty well in it, I was wondering if you would be able to compose a letter of recommendation for me. I would be willing to give you any information needed and even refresh your memory about anything that happened in the class last semester. I would really appreciate it if a professor with as much enthusiasm for business and life in general such as yourself would recommend me to graduate school... LB

I have a job....Thank you for all your help. MD, 10/18/2009

Hi Dr. Gopal, I can not thank you enough for writing a letter and posting it so quickly. I appreciate it so very much. Over the past week, I've been busy with working on this application and then on to a few more! Thanks so much for the encouragement! ...NS, 10/15/2009

I hope that things are going well at Elmhur

st and in all other aspects of life. How are the new Elmhurst business students? Are they motivated and excited to contribute their ideas to the world or are they disheartened by the stagnate economy? This current year many of my friends graduated from college and have found difficulty finding career opportunities. Also many other graduate students in DePaul's accounting program are very nervous about getting jobs, especially foreign students that tell me companies are not hiring foreign students. All of this makes me thankful for going to Elmhurst and having a certain advisor that was always looking for opportunities for me....DN, 10/12/20009

I wanted to let you know that I used the Seattle Sutton case again in my SCM 551 class and again it was well received. We had good class discussion and there were a few papers that were stellar. It continues to be relevant and works well in this class...KC, 10/5/2009

I was wondering if perhpas sometime next week I could come in and talk to you.. To be honest, I've rached the point in my college career where I am officially "Lost"... I plan on going to the Career Center...but I always feel better after talking with you - you seem to always give a guiding light......AP, 10/1/2009

Thanks, Dr. Gopal, for your kind words. Mr. ABC enjoys being in your class and it seems like he's having a better semester. You're the best!....Mom of an advisee. 9/119/2009.

I just wanted to give you a quick update on what I've been up to. I am interning at .... this semester...When are your office hours this fall? I would love to stop by and chat if you have time!..AD, 9/4/2009

I am also very interested in studying abroad this J-term and I was hoping to receive your perspective on this idea. Please let me know when I could drop by....CN, 9/3/09

Thanks so much Prof. Gopal! I really appreciate what you are doing as well to help me along...MF, 9/3/09

I just got the email saying that she would sign the overload form! Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it!..AD, 9/2/09

**Professor Gopal; Good news! I received notice in July by e-mail that I had been accepted to DePaul's autumn quarter at Kellstadt. I'll be in the Masters program of Economic Policy Analysis (their newest program beginning Fall 2009) along with 16 other students. Everything seems to be coming together quite nicely; professors and students are communicating via Blackboard and we're starting to prepare for some intense review sessions before classes start September 9th. Nonetheless, I'm very excited to be enrolled! Hopefully part-time classes agree with holding a job as well, but I'll be sure to keep you posted along the way!Thank you again for the recommendation, you apparently work wonders!** NB, class of 2009- 8/17/2009

***And by the way, I'm excited to have you as my professor in Global Business this semester! Thanks again for all your help....AD, 8/19/2009

I am back from Montenegro. I jus thought I'd drop you a hello. I had a swell summer, and some pleasant internship experience...AC. 8/24/09

Thank you for meeting with me. It is obvious you are very knowledgeable with business in general and a great resource for anyone trying to do business with India. I listened very intently to everything you had to say. I feel your helped me develop a better plan. I look forward to connecting up with the other persons you direct me to. Thank you so much. I hope you have a wonderful trip to India. Thank you again...BS

I hate to bother you again, but you’re the only person of expertise that I know and who I think would be willing to help me...JB

Pleasant Memories

Comments from the past few weeks..

It's a memorable part of my life...PS. 9/2/09

I just read a lengthy paper on video game music (the topic of my next paper - I wanted something lighter), and I was struck by how unimpressive it was...poor grammar, bad spelling, random/snotty/tangential arguments...and then I realized it was this guy's MASTER'S THESIS! AND HE APPARENTLY GOT AN A! I suddenly felt much more comfortable about graduate school...JB. 9/2/2009

Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it!..AD. 9/1/2009

Every class and every interaction with you was a great learning experience for me...PS, 8/29/09

We are going to have to schedule another race at some point ... though I ran more this summer, so hopefully I can still beat you!" HW, 8/29/2009

we all student of group 3 will miss u ........i hope we will get another chance to sit in ur class in future..SG, 8/28/2009

i've already started reading the book...! btw, i love coffee.. :) as for prjct, please let me know what more can be done.. i really want to work further on the project..as for score, im happy with my score.. however, i really want to get into more details of SCM.. please let know what more can i read on SCM. also let me know the source of reading. ..RPT, 8/28/2009

I've been thinking that I should write you an e-mail for a while now... but I realized today that I couldn't wait any longer! How are you? What's new? I was particularly thinking of you this morning when I found a copy of the Wall Street Journal on the breakfast table. On the front page there was a fascinating article about Wal-Mart. It had everything to do with global business!I suppose that reading the Wall Street Journal is a sign that I'm getting my head back in the game, and getting ready for another school year. I do have to admit that I am pretty excited to test the waters and see what this year will have in store. Already the potential is building. Of my 5 housemates 2 are from China and one from Bulgaria.... they are international grad. students at U Mass. We make for a very diverse house! ...One of my great stars, CB, 8/27/2009

It was really a great time with you in IILM for one term. I really enjoyed your classes.They always drive my mind to ask queries & charge me up.Not even classes but the interactive chatting sessions that we had in your cabin...There`s always a requirement of some people in ones life that charge you up to ask things, know things & see things bit in a different mood & you are the one of these people to charge me. Well now you are back at your place but i m hoping to see you back in december as you told. We`ll miss you Sir. Have a great life & do keep guiding us whenever you feel so & we required so...RK, 8/28/2009

It has been a great joy for me to meet you and get to know you. Thank you for the "High Output Management" by Andrew Grove...RC, 8/30/2009

Its simplicity make you clear headed about all the basics of management.

A Rewarding Pursuit - Looking back at Spring 2009

The Spring 2009 semester has ended, and it is time to compile the good, the bad and the ugly for the term.

Notes of Appreciation

• Prof. Gopal, Thank you so much for having me apply for this scholarship, I really appreciate it and am so excited! Thank you for always looking out for me. KC.
• Thanks again for last night I had a good time. I also would like to thank you for all your guidance over the past four years, it has been very enjoyable. KVL.
• Thank you for all you have done. ZJ.
  
• I believe that the three courses I took from you, BUS-271 Intro to Global Business (Spring 2006), BUS-230 Principles of Marketing (Fall 2006), and BUS-375 International Marketing Management (Fall 2008) have helped me develop a solid foundation for my graduate studies in the international business field...Thank you for your time and consideration, along with all the hard work and investments you have made in my education! NB.
  
• Thank you for everything this semester. I really enjoyed your class. It was one of my favorites. LB.
• I had hoped to tell you in person, but I have decided that I will not be returning to Elmhurst next year. I thank you for everything that has gone so well this semester. CB.
• Thanks for class, I got a lot out of it.BM.
• I just wanted to say thank you for all your help! I went for an interview today for an internship with XYZ and got it! I appreciate everything you have helped me with! MF.
• Thank you for a great semester! CB.
• I really enjoyed your class and think you are a very good professor. CB.
• Thank you again for the recommendation and encouragement. JB.
• I just wanted to send a short Thank You for your time, advice and suggestions for our capstone project, as I know your schedule was very busy. PO.
• I just wanted to say thank you for meeting with us today. It meant so much to know that you truly care about the experiences from the trip. HW.
• Thank you for letting me know and thank you for all your help with everything over the past two years. It's been a pleasure to be your student and advisee. MS.
• I didn't have to tell anyone else this but I know (from experience) that you are willing to sacrifice a lot for your students...CV.
• You are one of their favorite instructors. They NEVER complained about your class...(a Mom)
• Thank you again, it means the world to me. AC.
  
• I certainly have been thinking a lot about Elmhurst College these days, particularly about giving back. I certainly enjoyed speaking at your class last fall, and have always had a passion to empower others with knowledge. CJ.
  

Teaching Business....

I taught an intro course on Global Business to a diverse group of students. It was very challenging and time consuming, but rewarding.

Student Comments on the Global Business course

• This class has allowed me to see things in a whole new light...With Globalization of Business comes increasing responsibility not just towards a specific country or people but the world. SH
• I have learned how to handle many situations, and how to look at every angle before deciding what action to take....Professor Gopal challenges all of his students to think outside the box to contemplate ideas that might seem like a stretch, but once more thought is put into it, it is an imperative piece of the puzzle...This is a class about global business, but it is just as much about life and decisions. CB.
• This class has taught me how to work with people and collaborate in a respectful way. CH.
• BUS271 was probably the best class I took this semester because it had the most information that could be applied to the real world. AH
• Disparity between what is suggested as reality and how things truly work was the subject of many structured in-class debates. JZ
• Though I have found myself struggling at times, this class has truly forced me to think about concepts and ideas I had never thought twice about or even cared about before....The comments Dr. Gopal left on my papers challenged me to go even further beyond what I felt was an already well thought-out write-up to think extremely critically....DP.
• The main thing I got from this course is that if we want to progress as a whole world and as the human race in general, we all have to work together to achieve greatness. No one country can do everything by themselves. We can all progress individually but if everyone in the whole world works together, we can make a better world for everybody and these improvements will come at a faster rate. LB.
• My experience in this class was amazing. I gained so much in this class in terms of my understanding on globalization. AJ.