After months of hard work, preparation, anxiety, stress, mocks, classes, applications, interviews, etc, aspirants are finally starting their B-School journey. Everybody is aware that B-Schools can be overwhelming. It will actually require considerable effort to make the most of it. However, as 1st year MBA students, the initial days of B-School are the most vital. There are a lot of expectations and a lot of things to know. Often students relax after securing a seat in their dream college and miss the momentum. So, never do this mistake. Thus, through this blog, we present to you some of the tips for 1st year MBA students to make the most out of their MBA journey.
Utilize the Resources
Every MBA institute offers their student several facilities and resources. The most basic of all is the library. Most MBA students never visit the library during their entire course. Don’t do this. Libraries are filled with various books and journals which are meant to enhance your knowledge as a manager. Apart from it, several online subscriptions for magazines, blogs, articles, etc are also available. Use them and learn from them. Along with these, several seminars and workshops are also organized on regular basis. So, never hesitate to take part in those interactions and utilize all the resources at your disposal.
Read the Pre-Reads
The 1st year is focussed totally on business foundation subjects. It may seem overwhelming, but these subjects are the ones that matter the most. Specializations are important, but only if the foundations are crystal clear. So, try to stay aware of the course outline and outcomes. Always prepare for the class before by going thoroughly through the pre-reads and discussion materials. Remember that the knowledge of foundation subjects is the one that pays you maximum during your placements and professional life.
Participate in Class Discussions
One of the most important elements of an MBA program is the peer learning culture. Very few post-graduation courses have this level of the peer learning environment. MBAs are known for their diverse student background. Therefore, leverage this diversity. Class discussions are the perfect forum for accumulating different perspectives on different subjects. The varied opinions, arguments, and counter-arguments make you think outside the box. Also, class discussions help you polish your communication skills. And lastly, class participation helps you earn brownie points in internal assessments.
Read and Discuss News
MBA graduates are meant to be knowledgeable on multiple topics. They are considered masters of none, but a jack of all trades. So, staying updated on current affairs and technologies is a must for MBA students. The best way to stay updated on these things is to read newspapers. Don’t avoid them. Even for 15 minutes a day, read any newspapers in any form. Apart from it, discuss whatever you have read among your peers. These discussions will eventually help you connect the concepts you learn in classes with real-world happenings.
Take Care of your Health
Nothing else matters in your life if your body and mind are not in the right condition. The early days of B-Schools can be very overwhelming and hectic. The daily grind of classes, clubs, cases, competitions, etc will take a toll on your body and mind. And don’t forget, you are not at home. So, self-help is going to be the best help. Take care of your diet and don’t skip your meals. Ensure a minimum of 6 hours of sleep daily. Remember to stay hydrated. The bottom line is to avoid exerting so much pressure on yourself, that you eventually burn out. Falling sick can make you miss many important opportunities. So, relax from time to time and don’t forget to take care of yourself.
B-Schools are undoubtedly hectic, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be enjoyed. MBA is once a lifetime journey of opportunities, fun, stress, and learning. So, utilize these tips for 1st year MBA students and make the most out of this journey. All the best – Purvesh
Purvesh is a bibliophile currently pursuing MBA at IIT Madras
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