MBA students spend months if not years working hard to get into an MBA program. However, once they are in a program, the everyday demands take over and students have little time to think about how to get the most out of their program. After scoring good grades, going through the best of preparations and examinations, when you finally have to select the best college for yourself, that is where the real decision making takes place.
And if you're among the most prospective MBA students, you might spent a lot of time researching programs to find the right school for you. But on top of all of the work involved in finding and applying to MBA programs, it’s important to think about what will happen once you’ve enrolled. Your time in school is valuable, and it’s up to you to make the most of your MBA experience.
MBA Rendezvous Team spoke to some meritorious students of IIM Udaipur -
Nayanika Bhatnagar
Aman Choudhary
Sparsh Heda
Saumya Vishwal
They have the following things to advice to the MBA Aspirants:
- Clear Understanding:
You might know about an MBA course from your friends or peers. But then you need to ask yourself, “How is an MBA Degree going help me?” You can have a plethora of information before you, but the decision making is at your hands. “Having a clear understanding and expectation about what you want from the college is the most important thing. No website or person will tell you this. That is something you should have clarity about!” says Nayanika Bhatnagar, student of IIM Udaipur.
- A Shift in Career:
Always try and analyse the career prospects after an MBA. And if it is a wise decision after your graduation. Figure out the pros and cons of doing an MBA, and what possible jobs you are looking for and how will your graduation be related to an MBA Degree. “Now we have an opportunity to combine the two careers, and a very bright career can be made with a combination of Engineering and MBA and I got an opportunity to use my analytical knowledge that I gained during engineering in my MBA Classes”, Nayanika said.
- Work on Your Weaknesses:
Analyze the areas you think you are weak at, and then work harder on those points. Those might be any section of the exam, or Group Discussions or Personal interview, try and practice more of it, take guidance and help from peers and mentors in your preparation if needed. “ Being an engineer, I was good at mathematics and quants, this was followed by DI-LR, and English goes hand in hand. So I did appear in a lot of mocks and test series. So, eventually I sorted out the topics, I got to know my weaknesses and started working on it and gradually the scores were better” says Aman Choudhary, student of IIM Udaipur.
- Research Well:
Always remember to research well about the exam, the scopes after doing the course and benefits of doing it. Also, you need to know the admission process of different colleges. Find out which all colleges have group discussion, case analysis, personal interview and prepare accordingly. "I did thorough research to know where GD preparations are required and where the interview consideration is more in the final weightage of merit list.” Aman said
- Overall All Development:
Most MBA colleges look for all rounder students. You might be necessarily good at studies, but you must also have a good record in extra-curricular activities. A lot of things are taken into consideration while selecting you among other students: the board exam scores, graduation results, CAT scores, Extra Curricular Activities, job experience (if any), Interviews, GD etc. “I was never a studious person, I was always an all rounder. I have won national awards for being an all rounder. And in college, I did take part in a lot of activities because at the end of the day it is about overall development” he added. Aman has been into Hockey Nationals and has marched at Rajpath on Republic Day as a part of Brass Band with Saxophone.
- Connect with Alumni
Alumni are one of the biggest sources factors who help you to know the college well. They give you a clear picture of the campus, placements, culture of the college. They are one of the pillars in your decision making. Try and connect with alumni of MBA colleges, or people who have a good knowledge about the colleges you want to get in. “ I talked to a lot of people before joining IIM Udaipur. I reached out to some of the alumni and my relatives to discuss with them. I was selected in all the IIM CAP colleges. I had talked to at least 2-3 alumni of these colleges and got to know about their culture. You get the vibe about the college culture from them. And that's how I felt IIM Udaipur is the best for me”, says Sparsh Heda, student of IIM Udaipur.
- Advice to Working Professionals:
If you believe you have the potential to manage work and prepare for MBA entrance exams, then you should go for it. You need a motivation to drive you to prepare for the exams. “Obviously, many people prepare for CAT exams on their own, but I thought of finding an institution, because that will be my motivation to prepare. Because I had a job, and would slack off on weekends and would not study. So my biggest motivation to join a coaching institute was to attend those three hours of lecture and I have some direction to my goal” says Saumya Vishwal, student of IIM Udaipur.
An MBA cohort can be competitive or it can be cooperative, it is up to you. Our advice is to help each other and create an open and cooperative atmosphere. Everyone will gain more from it and ultimately you get what you give. While everyone’s MBA college selection experience is unique, following the above tips could help as food for thought and may ensure you can make the most of the experience and achieve your own goals.
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