How to get the most out of your MBA programme

Business school is intense. You’ll constantly have a lot to do in every avenue of your school life. Regardless of how prepared you are, there will be times when you are overwhelmed. That’s okay. Tough deadlines and fast-paced classes are a part of business school. It prepares you for the deadlines and fast-paced world of business. If you do it right, you’ll learn how to handle stress, get organized and manage your time. All things prospective employers are looking for! You’ll be spending a lot of money and time on this degree – not to mention sweat, stress, and sleepless nights – so you’ll want to make sure to get the most out of it as you possibly can. Here are three tips that can help you make the most of your education. 1. Be ready to hit the books from day one . The increase in pace and intensity of your classes in business school will make you feel like a freshman again, struggling to keep up. In most schools, in your first year you’ll take classes that are in line with the core curriculum of a business degree, and then the electives that will be dedicated to your particular specialization will be taken mostly in your second term. There is a lot of ground to cover. Things will move quickly. It’s important to stay organized and caught up. Prepare for a ton of reading. 2. Be open-minded Those who are most successful in business school are those who are open to new ideas. Business school is not about studying just to get good grades. If your career requires a business degree, then you will be using a very large portion of what you learn on a regular basis. You’ll take some classes that might change your view of the world, or at least give you a new and valuable perspective. Business school isn’t just about consuming information that is thrown at you, it’s also about developing skills. It’s about learning how to think critically, to innovate, to be creative and make that creativity profitable. You’ll take risks in business school and because of that, you’ll learn the value of taking educated risks in your future career. 3. It’s not just about the academics Your classes will be challenging. No doubt they will take up a very large portion of your time and energy. Remember though, that hitting the books alone will not give you a complete experience. In a business degree there is value to the social aspects of school. Think about it. Those who are in class with you are future business leaders. You have the opportunity to network and make connections that you may carry with you for the rest of your career. Your classmates can also be a great source of wisdom. Remember, not all of us go to business school right after college. Some of your fellow students will have some business experience under their belt already. You may also find that your future opportunity is waiting for you. Many recruiters visit business schools, looking for fresh talent. You could find yourself offered an internship, which could turn into a very profitable positon once you have graduated. If you are planning on going the entrepreneurial route instead, you may find connections that can help you get your business started. tips for first year mba students how to get the most out of your mba case studies and cocktails mba degree salary gmat