Here is a list of things you can pursue before the hectic schedule begins again:
Marketing:
1. Read Kotler – Marketing Management by Philip Kotler, Kevin Lane Keller will be your Holy Bible for next two years in marketing, it’s better to at least be acquainted with Jesus before!
Pro-Tip: You can find the pdf version of the book in just one google search.
2. Online marketing fundamentals by Google – A free online marketing course by Google, a blessing in disguise this is. A must go-through before stepping into the marketing world. This course will provide you with fundamentals of digital marketing. It is a 23-module course that can be done in a week. Having done this course will bring Google in your CV, making it more noticeable.
You can find this course: Here
3. Google Academy for Ads: If you think that Online marketing fundamentals by Google is just a child’s play and if you want to deep dive into the world of online ads, then let’s talk business now.
A. Google AdWords: This tool is used to make paid online ad campaigns on Google’s search and display network. To learn more about it and to earn an AdWords’ certificate visit: Here
B. Google Analytics: It is a tool used to manage free and paid online ad campaign on Google’s search and display network. It is used to measure various parameters such as CTR, Impressions, average rank etc. to quantify the reach of your marketing campaigns with Google. You can access learning module and take the certification exam: Here
C. Other than these: Apart from Google AdWords and Analytics there are some more tools that will make you the master of the online marketing world. YouTube ads, DoubleClick, Digital Seles to name a few. All of these can be found: Here
Facebook marketing and pixels, Hubspot Inbound marketing are terms you should be familiar with. Research about them a bit to not become the dark horse in the family!
Finance:
If you have been a finance person, then the road is smooth. But, if you are an engineer or from arts, it’s better to have an insight into the world.
Financial Modelling whether done as part of your MBA or as a separate course prior to your MBA is a must for investment banking. The more fluent you are in setting up spreadsheets, modelling deals in Excel (VBA) and most important the ability to explain the numbers to someone will put you at the top of the pack and provide you with a chance to continue using those skills as you finish your schooling.
Chartered financial analyst (CFA): The CFA program is an excellent option for those fascinated in a career in the Finance area. It is a very exhaustive and long course so you may want to start preparing for it before starting your MBA.
Financial risk manager exam: As the name suggests, this exam is for those professionals attracted to a career in risk management. There are two levels involved: part I and part II. This is an internationally acknowledged certification exam offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). It is a multiple-choice exam held twofold a year in November and May. The preparation time would depend a lot on your background-mainly your academic qualification and experience. Certified information systems auditor: The CISA certification is an international standard one awarded by Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)
SAP: It is one of the most in-demand and top paying domain these days. So if technology interests you then go for it.
Operations:
Six Sigma: It is a methodology adopted in any process to ensuring minimum waste by recognising areas of improvements and bottlenecks. These techniques are improved over time and today it is taught in various levels of expertise. These levels are yellow belt, green belt, black belt and master belt. Being a six sigma green belt certified is good for any MBA student irrespective of any specialization.
Common for all: Some things are common for students of all the specialization.
Data Analysis Tools: HR Analytics, Business Analytics and Big Data have a great demand these days and it is only going to increase in the future. There are various tools available online such as R, SPSS, Rapid Miner, Tableau to name a few, which can improve your data analysis and data communication capabilities.
Photography, Photoshop and Corel Draw: “Every monkey with a DSLR is a photographer” this is a popular urban saying these days. However, being a photographer is always better than being nothing. Photography skills can help you to get into any major committee at your b-school. Even if you do not have a DSLR, you can learn Photoshop and Corel Draw. These tools also can help you get into a committee and you can design a campaign banner to a T-Shirt with these tools.
Getting the knowledge is the part of the education but, being physically, emotionally and mentally healthy is also important. Before joining the b-school you may want to spend most of the time with your family as you will get very few long vacations here. Visit all the hangout spots in your city once, join a gym, meet relatives and the most important part be stress-free and healthy.
All the best for your new journey ahead!
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