MBA Class Of 2015: ‘My Biggest Lessons From Business School’

Be Humble And Don’t Overlook Your Peers

“My classmates are brilliant and amazingly talented people. However, it can be difficult to effectively lead in a room full of leaders (effectively being the key word). Goizueta does a phenomenal job with ensuring that students understand that a leader = a teacher = a collaborator. It was surprising to realize how much practice is required in order for people to internalize and master this concept. Everyone had to eat a slice of humble pie.” — Naomi Johnson / Emory University, Goizueta Business School

“It was probably being reminded constantly that the people doing the coolest things in the world are regular people like you and me. There’s no magical formula or secret society – just smart, hard-working and motivated people who have put together a vision and are driving towards it. That’s how everything great has been done and it’s not changing any time soon.” — Bruno Valle / Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

“The biggest lesson I got from business school is to be humble and endlessly curious.  There are a lot of smart, hardworking people in the world and you can learn a tremendous amount from just about everyone.” — Peter Nurnberg / Stanford Graduate School of Business

“The high payoff of investing time is getting to know people who tend to be introverted. In the high-energy environment of a business school, it is easy and tempting to go with the flow and focus on the most outspoken and self-confident people. But if I reflect on the most interesting conversations I had throughout my MBA-year, it was often with people who don’t try to catch attention in larger group settings.” — Elena Rittstieg / INSEAD

“Everyone has their own strengths and passions. Getting to know each person, and what they are good at, solidifies a strong team.” –– David Hanley / University of Wisconsin School of Business

Look Into Yourself

“For me, business school was a time for intense personal and professional development. I learned how to identify my strengths and weaknesses, how to improve on each, and how to match my skills to a career that I would love.” — Emily Groffman / HEC Paris

“Be comfortable in your own skin and not care too much about trying to please everyone.” — John Lockwood / Ohio State, Fisher College of Business

“Be aware of your biases – and always willing to challenge your own assumptions.” — Daniel Drummer / Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Give And Accept Feedback

“I learned the learned the importance of peer coaching and feedback. As peers, we work together on projects and assignments and it is important as a community to give honest and direct feedback to facilitate personal and team growth.” — Alyssa Callister / University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management

“In the business world and in leadership positions, you are dependent on your team and when delegating, you have to trust them and their decision-making.  While things may not always work out to how you ideally hoped, take advantage of the opportunity to coach someone (or ask for feedback if responsible) so that we better each other in the process and set ourselves up for continued success.”- Eric Barajas / Purdue University, Krannert School of Management

“Business school is often filled with countless A-type, driven young professionals.  Some of my biggest lessons came not from when I tried to be the most articulate or domineering voice at the table, but when I took a step back and listened to the thought processes and perspectives of my peers.  They have taught me so much and really impacted my perspectives on many areas of our studies.” — Amy Bi / University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management 

Take Nothing For Granted

“Two words, in bright block letters, on my laptop wallpaper: “Hustle harder.” For me, pursuing a niche path in healthcare management meant that I had to be a part of the community, networking with alumni and other professionals, and diving into academic and practical learning opportunities. With no healthcare experience prior to business school, I pursued two independent studies in palliative care and home health and secured an internship at one of the nation’s leading hospitals. I drank a lot of coffee, meeting health care professionals early in the morning as often as I could. I knew that I would have to work hard academically, but I learned that the hustle extended far beyond the classroom. You have to stay hungry.” — Gina Bruno / Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management

DON’T MISS: CLASS OF 2015: WORLD’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST MBAs or SAVVY ADVICE FROM MILITARY MBAs FROM THE CLASS OF 2015 or THE BEST ADVICE THAT GRADUATING MBAS HAVE FOR NEW B-SCHOOL APPLICANTS