An MBA is often called the best stepping ladder to a career in business, finance, or management. However, it is a very challenging degree as it goes beyond simply having the knowledge of business or theoretical concepts but requires real-life skills and applicability. When you have successfully cleared the paperwork and gained admission, it always helps to know what components the degree is divided into and what is expected of you from each class. Here are a few general tips to make sure you get off on the right foot and maintain your grades through the duration of your MBA degree.
1. Build Up The Knowledge
It never hurts to build up your knowledge reserves when it comes to excelling in your MBA. Most graduate school exams focus more on the practical component of learning theories and concepts and test you by using case study style questions. Reading as widely as possible means you will be able to expand your mind and triangulate your knowledge from different sources. Obtain extra reading material lists from your teachers and professors so you can use your free time to buy, download and read those books and research papers.
Furthermore, MBA students are in a fairly advantageous position as they are eligible to sign up for and attend any number of educational seminars and workshops simply by showing their university identity card at the entrance or signing up beforehand online with the organization. This wealth of free or discounted knowledge is a real step up for securing those coveted top grades.
2. The Shoulders Of Giants
There is an understanding in the research community that one must ‘stand on the shoulders of giants’ when writing. This simply means reading about and being well-versed in what the professionals have found in each discipline. Learn from the best but apply a simple trick which is to not compare yourself to people that have several years of experience or additional qualifications as that reduces morale and confidence and will impact your grades negatively. Look at all classes and materials as an opportunity to learn and better yourself instead of viewing it as a confirmation of how little you may know.
Never compare yourself with peers either even if they are in the same batch as you or the same age. Everyone learns and applies knowledge differently and there is no point in making comparisons. Wherever possible you can try to benefit from someone’s aptitude in a certain subject (like statistics) by having combined or group study sessions regularly.
3. Have A Clear Set Of Goals
An MBA can seem like a general degree as it opens up to a myriad of career possibilities. As a student, you need to establish early on what your objectives or future goals are with pursuing this degree. This will give you a leg up in choosing optional courses as well as other sources of knowledge like trainings and internships. Do you want to work in an organization or start your own business? Be very clear about why you have opted for an MBA and what you hope to obtain from it in the future. If you are opting for extra classes or tutoring this goal-setting will help you choose university tutors as well. Goal-setting also means you can be strategic about the networking you do such as attending events and seminars and getting to know industry professionals. Networking can also be useful once you finish the degree and are in the market for a job.
4. Strategize Learning
Strategizing your learning is a great step to take to excel in your MBA. The maxim of working smart and not hard is very useful when you sit down for your MBA exams as that can make all the difference. Studying the syllabus as well as procuring past papers and marking schemes can help you decide on the importance of certain concepts and help you focus more on them for better results.
5. Unwind A Stressed Mind
Never forget to unwind because that is also imperative for healthy functioning of the body and mind and it affects how much you are able to retain and learn. Find a hobby that interests you and make time at least a couple of times a week to relieve all the stress. Every now and then try to take a whole day off as a self-care day so you can replenish your emotional energy and return to classes with a fresh mind.
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