Peer learning: Fast, Free and Fun
One thing which I have seen a lot of people ignore is what they can learn from their peers at a B-school. What we need to understand is that these are the people who would either be your customers or business competitors in future. In both the cases it makes it really important to understand how your peers think, react, decide and strategize. This is like a live consumer behaviour and psychology class. One has to carefully listen to their arguments during case discussions and understand their thought process. If you can really decode all of it in the little time you spend at a B-school, you can be one step ahead in the Industry.
Theory: The Best Practice Is Inspired By Theory
The one/two years at a B-school are action packed and there are so many things to do but it’s important that in the glitz and glamour one doesn’t ignore the myriad of subjects one can learn from. The theory and the cases are the work done by other people, it tells us what worked and what didn’t and all of that is then served in a ready to eat platter. These are real life situations and at some or the other point in life one is bound to face the same or a similar situation and it’s always better to learn from others’ mistakes than making your own.
Simulative Learning: Learning Is Experience; Everything Else Is Just Information
MBA is a simulative learning experience where one can make all the managerial mistakes he/she can make without being penalised for it. When one works in a group project one gets to learn how to make people work? What is that one thing that would motivate this person? Carrot or stick? Isn’t being a manger very similar?
Being part of a committee is again a simulative experience where when you are part of the junior committee you get to work with a myriad of different people towards one project. Doesn’t it sound similar to a bunch of consultants working towards solving a problem together? As a senior committee member one directly handles a team, it’s an iterative process where one understands what works and what doesn’t when people directly report to you. Isn’t this what we would be doing once we graduate i.e. managing teams? It’s better to understand the tricks of the trade now than later.
Time Management: Nobody Is Too Busy; It's Just A Matter Of Priorities
You would always be busy in life. Use these two years to understand how to balance your life and work. It’s all about priorities and efficiency. Your family, friends, social support, job and hobbies are all equally important. If you can manage it now trust me you would always be able to do it.
Stop Being The Hamster
Nobody likes a black and white personality and thus you need to look at the bigger picture. Many a times, because we are so busy being the hamster running on a treadmill, we often forget what really makes us happy. To understand this question, introspect and understand what is that one thing which you would still want to do irrespective of your job or circumstances.
If you still don’t get it try the different avenues a B-school has to offer and see what makes you happy. It may be dramatics, singing, sports, travelling, cooking, etc. Once you find it, stick to it; Period.
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Comments
Rukmini Singh
Well composed!
27 Mar 2019, 12.35 PM
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Sajal Suri
Sajal is currently pursuing an MBA from NMIMS, Mumbai. Some qualities which describe him are sincerity, efficiency, punctuality, conviviality and adaptability. He believes that in life it is the little things that matter. He loves animals and would almost instantly stop to pet one. He is an avid traveller, a part-time actor, a cook and is constantly on the lookout to learn something new.
Thank you, Rukmini.
29 Mar 2019, 07.35 PM |
Udita Nayak
You have done a wonderful job in putting all the relevant points with a new twist. I find this piece highly relatable.
27 Mar 2019, 12.48 PM
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Sajal Suri
Sajal is currently pursuing an MBA from NMIMS, Mumbai. Some qualities which describe him are sincerity, efficiency, punctuality, conviviality and adaptability. He believes that in life it is the little things that matter. He loves animals and would almost instantly stop to pet one. He is an avid traveller, a part-time actor, a cook and is constantly on the lookout to learn something new.
Thank you, UD. I am glad you relate to it.
29 Mar 2019, 07.35 PM |
Anirudh Sen
I am a telecom geek turned management enthusiast, ambitious , opportunist and optimistic individual.
Good read!
27 Mar 2019, 04.18 PM
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Sajal Suri
Sajal is currently pursuing an MBA from NMIMS, Mumbai. Some qualities which describe him are sincerity, efficiency, punctuality, conviviality and adaptability. He believes that in life it is the little things that matter. He loves animals and would almost instantly stop to pet one. He is an avid traveller, a part-time actor, a cook and is constantly on the lookout to learn something new.
Thank you, Anirudh.
29 Mar 2019, 07.36 PM |
Prasenjit Nandi
Pure and True !!
27 Mar 2019, 04.57 PM
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Sajal Suri
Sajal is currently pursuing an MBA from NMIMS, Mumbai. Some qualities which describe him are sincerity, efficiency, punctuality, conviviality and adaptability. He believes that in life it is the little things that matter. He loves animals and would almost instantly stop to pet one. He is an avid traveller, a part-time actor, a cook and is constantly on the lookout to learn something new.
Thank you, Prasenjit.
29 Mar 2019, 07.34 PM |
PAVAN TULSIJA
Beautifully written!
27 Mar 2019, 05.20 PM
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Sajal Suri
Sajal is currently pursuing an MBA from NMIMS, Mumbai. Some qualities which describe him are sincerity, efficiency, punctuality, conviviality and adaptability. He believes that in life it is the little things that matter. He loves animals and would almost instantly stop to pet one. He is an avid traveller, a part-time actor, a cook and is constantly on the lookout to learn something new.
Thank you, Pavan.
29 Mar 2019, 07.34 PM |
Angad Singh
Very well summarized Sajal. MBA specially in India is glorified & sought after because of the placement package it offers. In many ways that process is broken and you'd be aware of it. Hope you are having a great learning experience.Keep writing and sharing.
27 Mar 2019, 06.36 PM
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Sajal Suri
Sajal is currently pursuing an MBA from NMIMS, Mumbai. Some qualities which describe him are sincerity, efficiency, punctuality, conviviality and adaptability. He believes that in life it is the little things that matter. He loves animals and would almost instantly stop to pet one. He is an avid traveller, a part-time actor, a cook and is constantly on the lookout to learn something new.
Thank You, Angad. True, while pursuing an MBA people at times do wear blinders through which they only see placements but I feel it's more about the bigger picture.
29 Mar 2019, 07.30 PM |
Nikita Mittal
This makes so much sense!
27 Mar 2019, 07.57 PM
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Sajal Suri
Sajal is currently pursuing an MBA from NMIMS, Mumbai. Some qualities which describe him are sincerity, efficiency, punctuality, conviviality and adaptability. He believes that in life it is the little things that matter. He loves animals and would almost instantly stop to pet one. He is an avid traveller, a part-time actor, a cook and is constantly on the lookout to learn something new.
It does, right :)
29 Mar 2019, 07.33 PM |
Arshad Akbar
Worth the read and very much relatable.
27 Mar 2019, 11.10 PM
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Sajal Suri
Sajal is currently pursuing an MBA from NMIMS, Mumbai. Some qualities which describe him are sincerity, efficiency, punctuality, conviviality and adaptability. He believes that in life it is the little things that matter. He loves animals and would almost instantly stop to pet one. He is an avid traveller, a part-time actor, a cook and is constantly on the lookout to learn something new.
Thank you, Arshad.
29 Mar 2019, 07.32 PM |
Bns Anurag
A very well written article. Summed it up pretty nicely.
28 Mar 2019, 08.39 AM
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Sajal Suri
Sajal is currently pursuing an MBA from NMIMS, Mumbai. Some qualities which describe him are sincerity, efficiency, punctuality, conviviality and adaptability. He believes that in life it is the little things that matter. He loves animals and would almost instantly stop to pet one. He is an avid traveller, a part-time actor, a cook and is constantly on the lookout to learn something new.
Thank you, Anurag.
29 Mar 2019, 07.32 PM |