So, you’ve wrapped up your CAT prep, interviews are done, and now you’re just... waiting. Whether you’ve already got that dream B-school convert or are hopeful about the upcoming calls, this in-between period can feel weirdly empty. But here’s the good news—this is actually the perfect time to invest in yourself.
Here are 9 meaningful and practical things you can do right now to get a head start before your MBA journey begins:
1. Start Preparing for Summer Placements
Summer placements happen within the first few months of joining, and the competition is intense. Use this period to polish your CV. Start building one if you haven’t already—list down achievements, quantify impact, and highlight leadership experiences. Once that’s in place, explore different MBA domains like Consulting, Finance, Marketing, etc., and begin light preparation. Practice guesstimates, read business news, and try a few case problems. Even spending 30 minutes a day now can put you ahead of the curve when B-school starts.
2. Explore Case Studies
Case studies are an integral part of MBA life. They improve structured thinking, teach you how to break down problems, and prepare you for both classes and competitions. Try solving a few HBR-style cases or pick up ones from past B-school contests. You don’t need to crack every case, just focus on the approach—how to think critically, identify key issues, and suggest actionable solutions.
3. Network with Current Students & Alumni
This is the best time to build your B-school network. Reach out to seniors from your target B-schools, alumni in your preferred career paths, or even peers who converted from other institutes. Ask them about the curriculum, clubs, culture, and their preparation tips. Most are happy to share insights. These conversations can shape your expectations and help you avoid beginner mistakes.
4. Join an NGO (Offline or Online)
Volunteering helps you develop empathy, leadership, and collaboration—all of which matter during an MBA and beyond. Look for opportunities that align with your interests. Whether you teach, manage social media, or help with operations, every bit counts. Plus, it’s a great talking point for your CV and interviews.
5. Try Content Writing
If you enjoy expressing yourself, start writing on LinkedIn, Medium, or Quora. You can share your CAT journey, learning resources, domain insights, or reflections on books and courses. Writing improves your articulation, builds your digital footprint, and positions you as someone who takes initiative.
6. Take Relevant Online Courses
B-school will be full of buzzwords and tools—don’t let them overwhelm you. Pick up basics in Excel, PowerPoint, Google Analytics, or financial accounting. If you’re leaning toward tech or analytics, try SQL or Power BI. These courses are often free or cheap, and they’ll help you hit the ground running.
7. Start a Mini Project or Side Hustle
Always wanted to build something? This is your chance. It could be as simple as a blog, a YouTube channel, a newsletter, or even a freelancing gig. If you’re more entrepreneurial, try launching a small online product or service. The idea isn’t to be perfect but to learn by doing.
8. Work on Your Communication Skills
Communication is a core skill in every MBA function—whether it’s pitching ideas, networking, or acing interviews. Join a Toastmasters club, participate in mock interviews, or just record yourself speaking on random topics. This will help you gain confidence, structure your thoughts better, and sound more polished.
9. Learn Tools That Make You Workplace-Ready
Being tech-comfortable makes you more efficient during MBA assignments and club work. Learn how to use Canva for posters and presentations, Power BI for data dashboards, or even simple video editing tools like CapCut or VN for making short reels or pitch videos. These tools are easy to learn but highly effective.
Final Thoughts:
This pre-MBA phase is a golden window—not too intense, not too chill. You don’t need to cram your days, but a little bit of intentional action every day can set you up for success in ways you won’t even realize until you're months into your MBA.
Use this time to explore, experiment, and evolve.
Your MBA journey is about to begin—why not step into it a few steps ahead? ?
