42 Things We Wish We Knew Before Getting Our MBAs

22) I wish I had known how much fun it would be and not to be so worried about the academics being too difficult. — Washington University Olin MBA

23) I wish I had known how many superfluous classes there are. — USC Marshall MBA

24) I wish I had known that the stereotypes of schools aren’t real and way overhyped. — Chicago Booth MBA student

25) I wish I had known how so study, business statistics, and how to better work with smart people in high pressure situations. — University of Illinois Gies College MBA graduate

26) I wish I had known what sorts of courses I should take that would give me knowledge outside of what I could learn on the job. — Emory Goizueta MBA student

27) I wish I had known the importance of having an idea of what you’d like to pursue when you arrive on campus in the fall. You might not know entirely, but having a good sense will help target your internship search. — Rochester Simon MBA student

28) I wish I had known more abuot the campus community and the quality of the network of different programs. — UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA student

29) I wish I had known to aim higher. I didn’t think I was smart enough for H/S/W but I had great stats and a great resume. — Chicago Booth MBA

30) I wish I had known that the rankings are a good place to start in terms of understanding the lanscape but they aren’t everything.

31) I wish I had known more about the career search process and the importance of developing a network among classmates and faculty

32) I wish I had known aqbout the inadequate school support for international students in navigating through the job search & work visa application process in the U.S.

33) I wish I had understood that a little more humility would have been helpful, and also to realize that getting admitted to an MBA program is just the beginning — not the end of this phase in my journey.

34) I wish I had paid more attention to the information on schools’ yields, post-grad salaries, and more info on schools not directly on my radar screen.

35) I wish I had known how impactful the network would be post-MBA. I knew this on some level but didn’t appreciate how many impressive contacts I would have.

36) I wish I had known the career outcomes for average students not just the top 10%. The entire class can’t work for Goldman Sachs, McKinsey or Blackstone. What kind of prospects does the middle of the road student have?

37) I wish I had done more research on my business school options.

38) I wish I had known the actual employment prospects at each school and not just the fancy doctored reports the schools put out.

39) I wish I knew what business schools really think about the GRE.

40) I wish I knew the names of schools that provide no-cosignor loans for international students.

41) Coming from a non-traditional background, I wish I knew more about the different careers and what they actually do in layman’s terms.

42) I wish I had known how tough the job search and interview process can be. Also, that MBA-level internships are more challenging to succeed in than you might expect. — Brigham Young Marriott MBA

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