Published on 13th May 2024, 12:45 PM
The B-school journey cannot be defined by bookish knowledge. It is an experience of a lifetime that varies for different individuals. Transitioning from a convenient lifestyle to a life at your dream B-school filled with hard work and dedication can be a little overwhelming. You might feel confused about many things happening around you and start questioning yourself about whether it is even the right place for you or not. Well, this confusion is very normal and most of the students face the same, but gradually you get hold of the things that come your way.
There are no specific rules to keep in mind before stepping into your chosen B-school; however, there are certain things one should know before going to have a fair idea of what the B-school journey may demand from you and how things are carried out there, including:
> Networking Opportunities: The first and foremost important thing to do as you enter your B-school is to start communicating with as many leaders, seniors, and mentors as you can and try to build a strong network. Building meaningful connections across various levels can be of great benefit and add value to your entire journey by creating opportunities for growth and development.
> Resume Building: Curating a credible resume is a must as it is the first document solely based on which you get shortlisted for further processes in the placement drive, therefore be very careful about what you want to show to the recruiters that makes you stand out. You can also create multiple versions of your CVs for different roles. Usually, all IIMs follow a similar resume pattern covering relevant keywords with no pictures. Ensuring that the information you are putting in your resume is relevant and that you have the required documents to prove its authenticity.
> Summer Placements: The summer placements are often challenging for MBA students which usually starts in late July or early August for most of the institutes and varies for other B-schools. During this time, students have to prepare for the interviews and at the same time maintain a balance with the lectures, assignments, and exams.
> Case Studies & Live Projects: Focus on participating in case studies and other case competitions based on real-world business scenarios that take place every week in MBA colleges to boost your morale, provide a gist of corporate know-how, and gain insights into its operations. These live projects enhance your decision-making abilities and lead your path to becoming a skilled and proficient business enthusiast. Your achievements in these case study competitions & live projects also significantly increase your chances of getting placed.
> Committees & Clubs: In top B-schools, clubs are created based on domains such as marketing, finance, and HR, as well as interests including dance, music, and CSR initiatives. Meanwhile, committees are established to govern specific issues and academic activities. There are more than 40 clubs in IIM Bangalore itself, providing their students with the opportunity to engage in a wide range of professional and personal development activities. Being in a POR (Position of Responsibility) role in clubs & committees also reflects your managerial skills, giving you an edge over other candidates in placements. One can also participate in clubs of their interests to explore the different sides of their personality. Additionally, guest lectures taken by industry experts provide invaluable insights into the real world.
> Skill Development: The quest for skill improvement never comes to an end. In MBA, the acquisition of skills may vary based on the selected specialization for an individual; however, there are some generic skills that an MBA student acquires at some point in their academic journey, such as event management, excel, presentation skills, and public speaking.
Lastly, the most important thing to address is that apart from your daily schedule take some time for yourself and self-introspection, enjoy every activity you participate in, cherish each day you spend, and create the most memorable experiences throughout your time at your B-school.
To learn more about the Top B-schools in India, click here.
Best of Luck!!
