CAREER ADVICE TIPS FOR MBA STUDENTS
Going to business school is a bit of a paradox. The student is working towards his future, but in many ways is also reentering his past. For many individuals, getting an MBA is a goal in and of itself. It’s a great goal, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. An MBA is a stepping stone and so is the MBA student’s first post-MBA job. Both, one’s MBA and first job should be seen not as a final destination but as the beginning of a very long journey. Their career is, and should be, an ever-changing and evolving piece of their life. As one gains experience, completes projects and develops his personal brand, his career should grow in conjunction with his expertise. This article aims to provide future MBA students with some advice on what they can expect from and during the course as well as how they can go about their lives once they have graduated. These tips aim to help the MBA student how to navigate the rough waters of his career with some helpful tips. It’s not a magic pill Several business school graduates have admitted to getting their MBA degrees because they want to get out of the industry in which they are presently working. However, one should always keep in mind that it is not that easy, both in terms of getting the initial job out of school but more so succeeding at it. Recruiting starts immediately If the student wants to get into finance or consulting, recruiting firms will often be on campus soon. Some consultants began recruiting for summer internships as soon as they can get around to it. This means that the student should keep in mind two main things: Firstly; he should concentrate more on his core courses like accounting, statistics, strategy etc during their first semester. This will mean that they then have a more solid base during the first round of internship interviews. Secondly, if some concepts are fairly new to the student, then they should take an online course during the summer so they aren’t cramming while networking/interviewing. This furthermore, helps getting one used to towards being back in college. No need to dress up: There is no need to dress like a banker in class unless one is presenting or meeting with a potential employer at school. Networking tools are mostly junk: High-ranked business schools suggest to students a preposterous quantity of matter and workshops intended at helping students interview and network. If the student knows how to talk to people, and they have already done it in a business setting, then they should not waste their time. If anything, training to network can sometimes teach the student the wrong skills. If the student is outgoing, then they should use it to their advantage: Business school consists of a lot of group projects that culminate in presentations. If the student is comfortable being the point man or woman, then he can often get away with doing less of the grunt research work, as many experts and former students have testified. Popularity matters immensely: Making actual friends is important. Real relationships with classmates matter and MBA grads often need favors. They will also want access to the best and brightest for group projects. It’s full time: Even in the first semester, one has so much more free time on his hands than one can ever do working a full time job – even if he is doing all the readings and all the work. The student should be prepared because; free time can often be detrimental if one does not know how to use it properly. Don’t get pressured: Top business schools often recommend numerous clubs, daily networking occasions, near-nightly talks and lots of additional goings-on. The student should not be pressured into taking part in everything and spreading himself too thin. He should assess the value of every opportunity selfishly and accordingly move ahead. However, one should try to lead a group: While the student does need to take part in every event, taking a leadership position in the industry group he is targeting is highly recommended. In addition to looking good on the resume, it will give the student direct access to deans and working alumni. Recruiters rarely remember you: Often the goal of networking events is to chat with a recruiter for a minute or two, but ultimately to get their card so the student can “thank them” and start a real dialogue. Finally, know if you really need it: The student should think about what he plans to do with his MBA and if there are alternative paths to accomplishing that goal, especially if the student is taking out loans on his own behalf. With the expense of an MBA and two years of lost salary, most MBAs lose out on a lot of money if they don’t plan properly. Think of Your Career as a Journey The first job one has after his MBA is not the job he will be doing for the rest of his life. The first job is a great starting point, but it doesn’t have to be one’s final destination. However, this doesn’t mean that one shouldn’t take care to get the best possible job after graduation. He should be intentional about his choice and should make sure to choose a job that will help him move forward towards his ultimate goal, whatever that may be. Stop Stressing About the “Right” Path The truth of the matter is that there is never just one path to achieve one’s goals. In fact, there are multiple paths that one can take to get him where he wants to be. The worst thing one can do post-MBA is freeze up because he is so worried about making the “right” choice. One does not need to have to decide the rest of his life upon graduation. Instead, it’s important to make purposeful choices and allow himself to change directions and make different decisions on his journey. One should use strong rationale when he chooses his jobs but he should stop putting so much pressure on himself. As long as one has an end destination and wants to continue to move forward, he will get there. He should not stress over the pace of his gait but should just keep moving forward. Make Moves in the Right Direction Ideally, everything one does post-MBA should be in the direction he wants. Yes, there are many different paths to get one to his end point, but every path should still take him in the general direction of his destination. For example, one should not jump into a career in finance if his dream is to eventually start his own business. It is important to make career decisions that provide one with the skills, training, reputation, and contacts to reach the end of his journey. Stay Open to New Ideas and Options Just because one has an MBA doesn’t mean that he does not need to keep his eyes open for new opportunities and ways to develop. One of the best reasons to get an MBA is because one is looking to grow, learn and develop his skills. That shouldn’t end when one graduates. Don’t Be Afraid of Risks Staying safe might be easy, but it won’t help one on his post-MBA career path. Taking a calculated risk to leave his current company and jump to a job that will allow one to expand his skill set is necessary for his career. Taking risks is also about thinking outside the box. One does not have to start a career at Goldman Sachs post-MBA. Instead, one can explore a variety of career options until he can find what suits him the best. Pay Attention to Your Path When one is not on the right track, they need to know it and call it quickly. One of the worst things one can do is stay on the wrong career path because they’re not paying attention. Risk-taking means that one won’t always make the right decision, and that’s okay, as long as one can recognize his mistakes quickly and work to get back on track. There will be some parts of his journey that don’t fit into his grand plans. Part of the learning process is figuring out when he is in a position that doesn’t work for him and assessing how to get out of it and move forward. Over time, he will get better at making the right choices and avoiding the wrong ones. Keep in Touch with Your Network It is important to challenge oneself to stay in touch with their network, even when they don’t need to. In addition to staying connected to the fellow alumni, it is vital to engage with them and to be vocal. One should tell people that he is looking for a new opportunity. Mentors, sponsors, advocates and classmates are vital to one’s journey. One should make sure he always makes connections and builds a highly-valued network of individuals who will be his helpers along his career journey. They’ll be worth his time.