Having just concluded our Ivey Get Conn-X 2021 event, there is an important message in 2 Corinthians 13:5 about reflecting on your journey.
When we started the MBA program, one of our professors asked us to reflect on our MBA journey. He said, “Imagine a plane taking off, that sudden vertical thrust into the clouds. That is how you will feel in the first few weeks of the program. After a while, you will be cruising, and later descending from a sky-high sooner than you could imagine or want.”
Despite how fast-paced things are, and the number of activities we have to juggle at the same time, the advice was to, “Stop and smell the roses.”
It is just past day 100 of the program and what a better time to reflect. We have had a roller coaster experience – a transformative experience I should say.
Recently, we had a marketing simulation. It was like nothing I have ever experienced before. You thought case study as a mode of learning was good? This is even better.
I would like to share some advice for anyone considering an MBA at Ivey.
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Manage your expectations
People decide to do an MBA for different reasons. It’s important to know your objective. And even more important to learn to manage your expectations. Individual experiences during the program may differ for many reasons – differences in backgrounds and the ways we handle change and the unexpected are factors to consider. - Tell your story – your identity
Your story is your past, current journey, and your destination – tell it. It’s the only way people can relate to you and possibly understand you. Beyond all the technical knowledge and expertise, learn to share your experience and aspirations. You never know who’s listening – someone who needs inspiration or motivation, or someone who can lend a helping hand. The importance of your story cannot be overemphasized.
Remember what is important to you. It may be the easiest to neglect on the MBA journey. - Imposter syndrome – to thy own self be true
Give yourself some grace as you wade through all the impressive and intimidating backgrounds you encounter. Remember, there’s a reason why you’re in the program too. You are a star. You bring a lot to the table. So, when the professor raves about the experience of a colleague, celebrate those moments – that’s why you came to the program. - Diversity – embrace it
Speaking of celebrating others, business school is a honeypot for diversity. There’s the temptation to lean towards the familiar, avoid it. Lean in to your differences instead. You may come with a certain bias about a concept or subject, however, be open to new perspectives – it may be life-changing. Besides, the more you know, the wiser you are for it. - Adopt a growth mindset
As you encounter the daily challenges of school, adopt a can-do attitude, be open-minded and willing to be vulnerable. Like in life, you will never have enough information, time, or resources at any given moment, but commit to the process and make a decision. If you would fail, fail fast and fail forward. Leverage your colleagues. If you knew it all, you wouldn’t be in the program.
Remember, progress over perfection. - Balancing – you can’t do it all
There are a few things you will need to balance and manage. For example, time and collaboration in teams.
As you work in teams, there will be drivers and supporters. You will learn to manage the different personalities, balance their diverse interests, and ensure the task at hand is completed. You will learn the skill of persuasion and to understand the value of “fit” and team dynamics.
Avoid FOMO (fear of missing out). Everything is exciting – schoolwork, socials, personal to-dos etc. – until you realize you don’t have the time for it all. You will learn to differentiate between what must be done and what should get done.
Overall, the program will take you outside of your comfort zone no matter how prepared you think you are, so have fun while at it.