10 tips to help you survive and succeed in an MBA Program

If you’re thinking of applying to a business school, and would like to pursue an MBA degree, knowing what to expect before getting started is important. For many students, the ‘MBA experience’ is as exciting as is it humbling. Like with any degree, you will need to work hard and keep up in order to achieve the best grades possible.

Whether your goal is to enter managerial positions in business, or you’re an entrepreneur who is hoping to set up their own operation, here are ten useful tips on how to survive and succeed in an MBA program.

Pick the Right Business School

The business school you study at can have a major influence on how well you do in your MBA. Understandably, you will want to pick a school that is high ranking and reputable. To help make up your mind, consider visiting one of these events provided by The MBA Tour. Narrowing the connectivity gap between candidates and business schools, The MBA Tour hosts over 70 business education events across the globe every year, helping you find the right business school for you.

Avoid Comparisons

In a business school, you will be constantly surrounded by like-minded individuals. To get the most out of your MBA, it’s important not to compare yourself with others. While a little competition can be healthy, you need to remember that everyone works at a different pace. Each student on your course will be from a different academic, professional, and cultural background. The best way to measure how you’re performing is by setting a baseline for yourself. Although your MBA program may seem competitive, it’s important that you focus on your own career goals, rather than other people’s.

Don’t Seek Perfection

When embarking on an MBA, you may find that you have to go above and beyond your capabilities. Rather than trying to impress your teachers and professors, it’s best to take things slow. The sheer volume of information that you will need to process can be overwhelming, so taking your time will help you get to grips with what is required of you. Remember, you don’t need to be an expert at every new concept. If you have any difficulty with a module, rather than doing something and getting it wrong, it’s better to speak to your teachers who will provide you with further assistance.

Get the Inside View

If you aren’t sure what route to go down after completing your MBA, why not set up an informal interview? A mock interview can be a great way to find out information about a career or industry that you’re interested in. Whether you do this by setting up an interview with an ‘insider’, or tap into your network to find an expert who is willing to help, speaking to those who have been in your position can help you find out more about what certain job roles entail, and what potential career paths are available to you.

Take Risks

While there are so many things you can learn in the classroom, it’s important that your learning doesn’t stop within the four walls. When studying at a business school, it’s likely that there will be numerous seminars and classes that you can attend which can expand your business knowledge. There may be clubs on campus that you can join that will bring out facets of your personality. Although it can be daunting to take risks, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can be beneficial when applying for roles in the future. Exposing yourself to new ways of thinking and ideas can change your mind set for the better, giving you the confidence and boost you need when applying for job roles.