Live Projects is like interning while studying.
While it's an immense learning opportunity for MBA grads to implement their learnings during their course into another organization (and bonus CV points too!), it can be difficult to manage both MBA life with academics, extra-curricular activities, etc. along with the work in the Live Project.
So how to manage the Live project along with MBA Life? Here are three tips from my experience:
Time Blocking
Decide the time when you need to focus on the Live project work and do only that during that time, and the time you decide to focus on MBA, do just that.
Here's an example -
Early mornings for Live project work,
Morning to Evening for classes,
Late evenings for Extra-curricular activities, and
Nights for studying, Preparing for class the next day, etc.
This is only one example. You need to set up your routine according to your schedule and what suits you and follow it consistently.
Limit the number of Live Projects
It is very lucrative and it gives a big-time FOMO when you see others earning more than you during Live projects (or you aren't earning in your Live project at all), or others have more interesting projects that you also wanted, etc. There could be various factors.
But this doesn't mean that you should take up 5-7 Live projects all at once, and for good reasons.
We. Don't. Have. Time. Really.
Moreover, we've all heard this, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." You are not in a B-school to be dull.
"
Amrita, yar point pe aa na." (Translation: Amrita, just dome to the point)
The point is: Don't take up too many Live projects. it will be tough to manage. :)
Decide your priorities
I know it's easier said than done and you'll find every other project attractive, so you'd want to apply for every other Live Project, but understand that if you want peace of mind in your life,
prioritize.
If you are doing an MBA, do it wholeheartedly. Otherwise, don't do it.
Don't let go of the opportunities you have in MBA like Case Competitions, and Networking with the people on campus because you are also working on a Live Project.
You can take up more interesting projects later in your career too, But
YOBO (You Only B-school Once).
Live projects are amazing, but like everything else, you need to balance them with other aspects in your MBA life. Know the areas you are interested in, learn more about the company and the project, and shortlist the Live projects that you want to apply for.
The more focussed you will be while applying, the better use you'll be able to make of the opportunity you get. Most importantly, don't forget to have fun and make friends while you are working with a new team and a new organization. Networking goes a long way always. :)
I hope this article was useful for you. All the Best for your next Live project!