Done with MBA: Key Lessons I have Learned

I can't believe two years went by so fast (retrospectively, it went by fast, but at the moment, it felt never-ending). By popular demand, I will be spending a few minutes sharing some lessons I have gained through my MBA at Carlson. Let's get started:

The MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a professional degree that equips students with the knowledge and abilities necessary to excel in the business world. The program is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in a variety of industries by covering a wide range of business-related topics, such as finance, marketing, operations, and leadership.

Many professionals typically use an MBA degree to pivot careers, - the most popular being the transition from education to consulting. And of course, there are career accelerators like myself (meaning I got the degree to accelerate my marketing career).

Completing an MBA program is a significant accomplishment that imparts lessons applicable to both personal and professional life. This article will examine the lessons I have acquired after completing my MBA.

Lesson 1: Time Management

Time management is one of the most essential skills that an MBA program teaches. MBA programs are rigorous and demanding, requiring students to simultaneously manage numerous assignments and projects. The first semester was the hardest, I was transitioning out of my previous role and taking management and quantitative courses that were not my strongest strengths while at the same time juggling club obligations and life in general. Time management was inevitable. So I quickly realized how important my 'to-do' list was. I utilized management expert Steve Covey's time management matrix in creating mine, and that worked the best for me.

I itemized all the classes I was taking and bulleted all the tasks I needed to complete for each. These tasks were organized based on their importance and urgency. I prioritized important tasks that needed to be completed in 1-3 days. I also found that Microsoft Onenote worked the best for me, especially because of the checklists and the way you can organize your notes by folders.

Obviously, utilize what works for you. Finally, time blocking was very important. I blocked out at least 1-2 hours for my online or remote classes because those were easier to forget and leave till the last. I also blocked out some time to take walks ( I never did. But I now use that blocked time for my gym)

Lesson 2: Discovering my passion for market research

During interviews, sometimes I get asked what about marketing is interesting to me. Obviously, marketing is broad, but I was generally interested in everything. Well, I finally discovered my answer. At Carlson, I discovered that the research and strategic elements really intrigued me. After taking a marketing research class, I realized how easy it was to run the research and the various things you could test with simple analysis like regressions and correlations. In my opinion, this is the crux of any significant recommendation - this is very important.

Lesson 3: Leadership Training

MBA programs heavily emphasize leadership and team management. Students learn how to inspire and motivate team members, effectively communicate, and manage conflicts. In the business world, where effective leadership can mean the difference between success and failure, these skills are crucial. There were several opportunities to hone my leadership skills, and there was a whole compulsory course on leadership that I took. Additionally, as president of Mosaic (our diversity based club), I had the opportunity to really put into practice what I had learned. Take advantage of all of these opportunities, because not only does it help build your confidence, but it also makes you better at managing people and teams.

Lesson 4: Importance of community and relationships

I'd like to describe myself as a selective extrovert. During the program, you'd make friends, and lose friends. I am deeply grateful for the African community I had. I remember that on my first week, I met Chuddy and Muanya, who were Nigerians, and immediately connected with them. Till date, we have been great friends. My advice is to focus on building genuine relationships rather than forming cliques.

Lesson 5: Embrace change and try new things

The first semester of the first year was the hardest. So in my 1Y second semester and 1st semester of 2Y, I probably took all the marketing classes available because those were my strengths. I decided I wanted to complete my course early so I could spend some time on club obligations, GA responsibilities and prepare for my move to Dallas after graduation. Unfortunately, there weren't any marketing classes available in the first term except digital marketing. I had to then take courses that were way out of my comfort zone. I took infotech, competing globally, strategic alliances, and negotiation strategy, and I loved them. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed those classes.

Advice: Take classes you are great at to get your GPA up and try classes that interest you or that you have never done before; that way, you are not too worried about your GPA paying for them if you end up not liking the classes.

The MBA was definitely life changing. I have learned a lot, made friends, and built my personal brand. If you're deciding whether to get it or not - GET IT! It is never too late.

Lucky for you, we have a graduate program info session happening on Saturday.

Carlson School of Management is hosting Camp Ignite, the ultimate graduate program conference, where you’ll learn about our graduate programs, the application process, and success stories from current students and alumni.

Register now: https://lnkd.in/g_rrz6FT

I hope you enjoyed this, and I'll see you in my next.

Elevating your knowledge one newsletter at a time - Maryann O.A