A primary reason people go to business school is to connect with other people. After graduation, your classmates, professors, and other students can be the first point of contact in a new company or industry, and this is especially the case and how you make the most of MBA programs. Read on for more details.
Getting involved in a few extracurricular activities during your MBA program is essential. This helps you network and provides a break from the rigorous curriculum of your classes. In this post we will share essential ways to make the most of MBA programs.
Take advantage of your school's resources.
Networking is essential to any graduate program for job hunting or information gathering. Fortunately, MBA courses online come with built-in opportunities to do just that.
The relationships students build with classmates, professors, and alums can prove applicable years after graduation. For this reason, professional networking is one of the primary reasons people pursue MBAs, like at La Salle University.
When choosing an MBA program, look for one with extensive alum networks and active networking events. Also, attend MBA and graduate studies fairs to meet institutions' representatives and alums. Making connections that will benefit your career is crucial – it's no use having thousands of LinkedIn contacts if none are relevant to your future goals. You can also expand your network by participating in virtual webinars and conferences hosted by industry professionals, alums, and guest speakers.
Make the most of your networking opportunities
Getting involved with club activities, student groups, and other networking opportunities is a great way to connect with other students and make the most of MBA program. This will help you build a support network of peers who can offer advice and job leads.
It's also a great way to show off your leadership skills, which business schools look for in applicants. For example, suppose you participate in a group project to solve local water sanitation issues or lead the Darden Outdoor Club. In that case, you can use that in your application and resume.
However, it is essential to be selective about the clubs you join. Avoid listing a laundry list of extracurriculars in your applications. Instead, make sure the extracurriculars you mention have a direct connection to your career goals.
Get involved in extracurriculars
Attending social events is one of the best ways to network while in your MBA program. Networking with alumni and future employers will help you craft a solid professional profile and get valuable tips about the field you hope to pursue after graduation.
Colleges look for applicants with depth in a few activities over a long list of extracurricular activities, so keep your distance. Instead, choose activities that align with what you genuinely enjoy and can demonstrate your leadership abilities.
Push yourself to try new things, even outside of your comfort zone. It will give you experiences that will cultivate your personality and spark new passions. Plus, it will add to the diversity of your cohort, which is critical in business schools.
Get a head start on your resume
During your MBA program, you will learn a lot of new information that sometimes feels overwhelming. You can mitigate some of that stress by getting a head start on your resume.
The bulk of your MBA resume will be devoted to your professional experience, so get a head start by creating a list of your most notable achievements that you can incorporate into your application. For each position, include the company's name, title, and how long you have been in each role.
Highlighting leadership elements of your professional experience will also be necessary to business schools. Include examples of how you led a team, a project, or impacted the community. This will set you apart from other applicants.
Take care of yourself
While it may feel counterintuitive, taking time to do something you enjoy is a great way to keep your mental well-being in check. Whether exercising, playing a musical instrument, or spending time with friends, you can find solace in doing things outside class and homework assignments.
It is also essential to stay organized and have a reliable system of scheduling that works for your personal life and MBA classes. This might mean forecasting larger projects at work to coincide with exam or project due dates, working with your manager to schedule travel around your MBA program, or coordinating with professors and advisors ahead of time if you know you'll miss a class for work-related reasons can help you make the most of MBA programs.
This is common for MBA students who maintain full-time employment while in school, and it's essential to be transparent with your supervisor and communicate your plan as early as possible.
