First Year of Business School: Advice from the Trenches
By Stacy Blackman
Admissions Strategy Consultant
1. Not long ago, most of your recruiters were in your shoes - they are human. Be
respectful, but don't be overly impressed. You should go to interviews and corporate
presentations prepared to have a conversation and tell them about yourselves.
Since 2001, Stacy Blackman Consulting has helped hundreds of clients gain
admission to every top business school in the world. The company's approach,
based on developing and implementing a winning marketing strategy, makes the
application process less stressful and more successful.
2. If you do not get involved with some activity outside of the classroom, you will
not be reaping the full benefit of the MBA experience. There is a multitude of ways
to get involved, and you will learn as much from these activities as you will from
your studies. Activities will also help with you with networking and give you
something to talk about in your interviews.
3. While plenty of people go back to their summer employer, many do not. Even if
you end up not enjoying your summer internship, it's still worthwhile to have the
experience, and learn from it. Better to find out you don't like banking on an
internship than a full time job. Do your best and know that no matter what happens,
it is a valuable learning experience.
4. Summer positions are often more competitive than full time offers. If you are
not able to land your dream internship, you still have a great chance at the same job
full time.
5. Your grades really don't count all that much. Even if your school has a grading
system, after you graduate, no one is going to ask. So go to class to learn but don't
study so much that you miss out on the rest of the experience.
6. Your classmates will seem to be phenomenally accomplished, perhaps even
intimidating. Don't forget that you, too, were accepted into the class for a reason.
The school believes that you have a great deal to contribute so make sure that you do.
7. Even if you are entering school with a firm idea of your career goals, use this
time to explore a few options. Go to diverse corporate presentations, take classes in
new subjects, interview with one company outside of your focus - you may be surprised.
8. You will probably gravitate to the "people like you", from the same country, with
similar backgrounds. Your MBA class is an extremely diverse group. If you make an
effort to get to know those outside of your comfort zone, your experience will be
greatly enriched.
9. Not all, but most MBA programs are very flexible and constantly evolving. If you
are dissatisfied with some aspect of the curriculum or programming, don't sit back
and complain, rather speak up and do something. Often you will be able to initiate a
new class, a trip, a club, a conference and more.
10. Remember that your classmates, whether you like them or not, are your
professional network. Your class and the classes above and below you are all
members of this priceless network. While you will want to relax, enjoy and make
friends, always keep in mind that you may network with any of these people down
the line.