6 Crucial Ways To Extract The Most Out Of Your MBA

This article is for all the people who are lost in the promise of endless opportunities and are trying to figure how to make the best of their time at a B-school.

Simply Networking: Not Really

Is this the golden rule to success? Not really. I am not denying that a “strong network” definitely helps but we often forget two important things. First, it’s not about the first conversation as much as the follow ups which ensure that you have a strong working relationship. Second, that one good friend who would “always” help you is much better than hundred people who “might”. Thus, it’s not really about networking as much about fostering lifelong quality relationships.

Peer learning: Fast, Free and Fun

One thing which I have seen a lot of people ignore is what they can learn from their peers at a B-school. What we need to understand is that these are the people who would either be your customers or business competitors in future. In both the cases it makes it really important to understand how your peers think, react, decide and strategize. This is like a live consumer behaviour and psychology class. One has to carefully listen to their arguments during case discussions and understand their thought process. If you can really decode all of it in the little time you spend at a B-school, you can be one step ahead in the Industry.

Theory: The Best Practice Is Inspired By Theory

The one/two years at a B-school are action packed and there are so many things to do but it’s important that in the glitz and glamour one doesn’t ignore the myriad of subjects one can learn from. The theory and the cases are the work done by other people, it tells us what worked and what didn’t and all of that is then served in a ready to eat platter. These are real life situations and at some or the other point in life one is bound to face the same or a similar situation and it’s always better to learn from others’ mistakes than making your own.

Simulative Learning: Learning Is Experience; Everything Else Is Just Information

MBA is a simulative learning experience where one can make all the managerial mistakes he/she can make without being penalised for it. When one works in a group project one gets to learn how to make people work? What is that one thing that would motivate this person? Carrot or stick? Isn’t being a manger very similar? Being part of a committee is again a simulative experience where when you are part of the junior committee you get to work with a myriad of different people towards one project. Doesn’t it sound similar to a bunch of consultants working towards solving a problem together? As a senior committee member one directly handles a team, it’s an iterative process where one understands what works and what doesn’t when people directly report to you. Isn’t this what we would be doing once we graduate i.e. managing teams? It’s better to understand the tricks of the trade now than later. 

Time Management: Nobody Is Too Busy; It's Just A Matter Of Priorities

You would always be busy in life.  Use these two years to understand how to balance your life and work. It’s all about priorities and efficiency. Your family, friends, social support, job and hobbies are all equally important. If you can manage it now trust me you would always be able to do it.

Stop Being The Hamster

Nobody likes a black and white personality and thus you need to look at the bigger picture. Many a times, because we are so busy being the hamster running on a treadmill, we often forget what really makes us happy. To understand this question, introspect and understand what is that one thing which you would still want to do irrespective of your job or circumstances. If you still don’t get it try the different avenues a B-school has to offer and see what makes you happy. It may be dramatics, singing, sports, travelling, cooking, etc. Once you find it, stick to it; Period.