The last week was nothing different from the weeks that came before it however there was one decision that was lurking in my head for too many days. The decision was to finalize the B-school that I should get into. Now that I am done with the final admission process and have 2 months of spare time, I thought of making a checklist for the things that would help me in surviving at a B-school. For last 2 days I Google to find some answers and here and there I found some interesting things to do however I had to search many queries to finally get suitable answers. I thought of taking bits of ideas from the many pages on the internet and from a more coherent set of things that one should be doing to survive at a B-school.

So here it is as Anthony Robbins might say The Ultimate guide to surviving at a B-school.

1. “FORM A ROUTINE”

Establish a routine a couple of weeks before B-school starts because once you get into a B-school sleep becomes an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon. Talk to a few seniors to get an idea of how life is there in that school form a routine accordingly.

2. ”TAILOR YOUR STORY”

Before starting your MBA, refine your story as to why you opted MBA and how is it going to help you in attaining your goals.

3. “NETWORKING”

Networking is the most important and crucial thing to do for any person and not just an MBA. During job your social life disappears but during MBA you will get ample opportunities to meet and interact with many different people not just new classmates but industry people, professors and a lot more. Take time to form a cordial relationship with these people because you never who becomes your future partner or mentor.

4. “ATTEND AS MANY PARTIES AS POSSIBLE”

You will reach out to a lot many people this way than the more traditional way. These B-school parties not only give you a much-needed break but a great opportunity to meet some interesting people in your school. You never know when they will be needed.

PS: For starters a simple advice: smile, be nice, be open.

5. “JOIN A STUDY GROUP”

Accept it-you can’t lead without being a successful team player and there is hardly anyone who learns all by himself. You will also get an opportunity to learn from others.

6. “FIND A MENTOR”

Reach out to an alumni/professor/senior in your B-school as they will provide a direction, broader perspective.

7. “COMMUNICATION SKILLS”

Bad managers are, frequently, terrible communicators. They have good ideas. They simply don’t know how to get them across. You cannot lead, motivate or sell if you cannot communicate. If there is one thing you want to do when you are in school, learn to communicate.

8. “STAY ON TOP OF CURRENT AFFAIRS”

Nothing beats your knowledge on current affairs.

9. “REINVENT YOURSELF”

Mahatma Gandhi is one such person I admire because he refused to be just one thing. He constantly reinvented himself. He was a lawyer, leader of Independence movement, writer, philosopher and diplomat. Labels are nothing. Outgrow them.

Posted at http://name5ake.wordpress.com