JOIN USThe journey of an MBA student starts, perhaps, when the student makes a conscious decision and effort to get into a top B-school to receive the degree. It is a challenge that requires a single-minded purpose. Hours of hard work and dedicated preparation are mandatory to secure a place in the B-school of your choice. While some people juggle work or college education to prepare for entrance exams, others resort to sabbaticals.
So, how does one prioritise? Students aiming for a management degree need to devote their time judiciously to various activities such as lectures, assignments, projects, internships and extracurricular activities. There are various subjects to focus on, classes to attend and case studies to analyse.
While juggling several things at the same time, students should give it their best shot, and strike a balance as well to derive maximum learning benefit. While this journey could be a tough one — an emotionally, physically and mentally draining one — it might just be their last formal education before they enter into the corporate world.
Beyond studies
Contrary to common perception, MBA is much more than just imbibing theory. It allows students to apply the various management concepts they learn on a day-to-day basis in real life. How? This is done through the various intra- and inter-collegiate events that offer the students an opportunity to apply various concepts they have learned in class in a practical environment.
So, participate in as many events as you can and also try to be an active member of some of the clubs and societies that your college has. Being a part of such events and clubs teaches students the art of management, effective communication, the ability to multitask, and also the ability to handle stressful situations. Here students compete with each other to grab the best spot, score high marks and build the widest network. And in the process, students are able to enrich their learning process.
A significant part of an MBA course is the summer internship. Internships allow students to apply the skills and lessons they have learnt in classroom in the world of business. Although it is for a brief period, it gives students a sneak peak into the corporate world and identify the kind of employment opportunities that are available for them. Internships are an essential part of a student’s MBA journey as they act as an eye opener and are of help during the final job selection.
A stepping stone
A B-school attracts people from different geographies and diverse backgrounds and is an interesting experience in itself. It provides an opportunity for students to expand their horizons and hone their interpersonal skills, which is vital in the corporate world today. Being in a B-school can prove to be a life-changing experience for many students as they go through many experiences that reshape their thoughts.
Additionally, most students stay on campus, making it a home away from home. As a result, they are out of their comfort zones and are spending time with new people. This journey also gives them time to introspect, decide on their next career move and identify the right path. Therefore, they do end up learning more about themselves and their priorities. The overall environment also encourages them to work hard and excel.
One of the important reasons for pursuing an MBA degree is the ‘job placements’. However, one should take note that the journey of an MBA is not fulfilled by merely getting into a ‘good job’; it continues when a student enters the corporate life as a professional and makes a mark as a credible management professional.
Organisations expect a management graduate to add value through sound thinking and strategic approach. They expect the individual to bring in a fresh perspective to the job and implement innovative ideas.
An MBA is about rebuilding the skill sets and enhancing knowledge; it is about meeting new people and widening one’s horizon. More so, it is about becoming an educated and responsible citizen and
engage in sustainable business practices. One’s life can be filled with various experiences but this journey has the capability of changing the entire milieu.
(The author is with Infosys, Bengaluru)
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