What It Takes To Get Into Harvard Business School

Learn These Habits in B-School

Business school is a stressful and time-absorbing experience with little room for slacking.

With that being said, it’s critical that MBAs make the most of their time if they hope to get ahead.

Anna Papadopoulos, a contributor for CEOWORLD Magazine, recently highlighted a few good habits that MBAs should start while they’re still in b-school.

BUILD SKILLS

It’s easy to simply study what you’re assigned and complete your coursework. However, Papadopoulos stresses that building skills or simply engaging in a sport can offer a wide variety of benefits.

“These hobbies, such as engaging in a particular sport or indulging in any of the performing arts not just add proficiency but also act as stress busters in our college life,” she writes. “Involving yourself in these activities is a good utilization of time as you are also doing something constructive by keeping your body fit rather than wasting time by sitting idle.”

JOIN SOCIETIES

For most MBAs, the value of the degree is not really the content you’ll learn, but the network you’ll build.

To do that successfully, it’s important to join a variety of different societies or clubs.

“You should opt for the society that focuses on what you are interested in,” Papadopoulos writes. “For example, there can be societies like Entrepreneurship, Music, Dance, etc. Enrolling yourself in one of these societies helps you develop your skills and even network with fellow students. It also teaches you leadership and teamwork and gives you an experience of administration.”

Additionally, experts advise students to utilize the resources available to them on campus.

“All good business schools have a dedicated careers service which will help you connect with relevant alumni,” according to Top MBA. “Often this will lead to an informal meeting to discuss their career journey and advise you on career progression. Some alumni may offer work shadowing, allowing you to observe them at work to gain a deeper understanding of what their job entails.”

COMPETE

A final habit for b-school students is to take part in competitions.

“Taking part in reputed competitions not only helps you utilize your time more productively but also gives you a prospect to learn something more, gain achievements, and bring laurels,” Papadopoulos writes. “They also help in making your resume more appealing, showcasing your aptitude, flair, and competitive spirit, something which is looked for in a potential candidate.”

Sources: CEOWORLD, Top MBA

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