Modern managers are expected to deal with several scenarios, some of which are unprecedented. They are expected to analyze, predict and estimate all the possible outcomes and draw up contingency plans accordingly. With the rise in competitiveness across the business world, it is difficult for professionals to make their mark. MBA graduates are at the forefront of these activities but many of them lack the necessary mindset or the relevant skillset. The biggest regret of any MBA graduate is to remember the lost opportunities and mistakes made during the golden days of college life. As the admission season is coming to an end, we present to you some of the common mistakes to avoid during MBA life in order to make the most of your MBA learning process. Hope you enjoy it.
Wrong College and Stream
The first mistake made by many MBA aspirants is not selecting the right college and stream. As the number of colleges and specializations has gone up, the options to choose from have multiplied many times. This has made opting for the right course a daunting task for many students. Due to fear of losing a year, peer pressure, misinformation, and poor due diligence, many students are opting for courses that they regret later on. It is extremely essential for an aspirant to select a course as per his / her long-term career goals and preferences. The reputation of the college should not precede the reputation of the course. This mistake of selecting the wrong course can have lifelong implications for any aspirant’s career. So, please have a clear set of expectations for your MBA degree and choose the most suitable course.
Not having a head start
It is often seen that once an aspirant enters the college, he/she just sits back and relaxes. Getting a seat in your dream college should not be the end of an MBA aspirant’s dream. Rather, it is just the beginning of a rigorous journey. Hoping that things will fall in place, people sit back and lose the steam from their preparation days. From the very beginning, one must work hard and stay up to date with their studies. Staying ahead of the curve is the game during MBA and students must focus on gaining as much as knowledge possible. Therefore, roll up the sleeves, work hard and focus on your education from day one. If you want to reap the best possible benefits from your MBA, don’t repeat this common mistake.
Avoiding practical exposure
Even though classes and books comprise a chunk of MBA education, students should not be limited to those only. Acing the exams should not be the only objective of any MBA student. The major learning of an MBA degree comes from practical education. In the form of presentations, case studies, competitions, training, workshops, industry interactions, live projects, and internships, students get to learn about real-world problems. Even the companies look for students who are accomplished and exposed to these real-world settings, rather than just books and theory. So, pay attention to these practical forms of learning and never shy away from these things.
Poor communication skills
We tend to feel that most management jobs are about analyzing and planning in general. But in reality, a major part of it is communicating your thoughts, ideas, and plan in an effective and efficient manner. Even though MBA courses teach about effective communication skills, many students tend to ignore them. Communication skills are not just required during professional life only. In order to secure job offers during placements, a person with clarity in communication and presentation will always have an edge. So, always remember to take part in presentations and discussions during classes. Also, have regular group discussions among your peers to brush up on your communication skills. Apart from this, interact with people outside your college through various clubs, committees, volunteering, and seminars activities. Remember, an effective communicator is always a better manager.
Lack of networking and interpersonal skills
A major chunk of any MBA graduate’s job profile is people management. Seldom do colleges focus properly on developing this skill. But, every MBA college has ample opportunities for self-learning this skill. The diverse background and profiles of students in an MBA course enable students to interact, learn, share and build networks that can reap benefits for a lifetime. Also, interaction with seniors, alums, and industry leaders during seminars, workshops, and internships will help you grow your network and learn from their experiences. So, don’t be an introvert and try to have the best peer-learning experience. Not only your people management skills will improve, but you will also develop leadership and team working skills.
Avoiding campus occasions
B-school campuses are one of the most happening spots. Several functions, events, and occasions take place on the campus around the year. A common mistake by many students is to avoid these events considering them a waste of time. Rather, students should try to be present at most of these events. These events provide ample opportunities to network, interact, participate and learn skills, which no classroom education can provide. As truly said, being at the right time at the right place can always present you with opportunities. Therefore, be aware of these happenings on your campus and attend them and avoid these mistakes during MBA
We hope, by going through this blog regarding mistakes to avoid during MBA, you all can have a successful MBA college life. Just don’t forget, about priorities and end goals from your MBA education. Keep in mind, that MBA is not just about learning, but experiencing. So, enjoy and all the best for your MBA college life ahead – Purvesh
Purvesh is a bibliophile currently pursuing MBA at IIT Madras
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