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By DIANA MIDDLETON
An M.B.A. program can feel like a full-time job. Students have a full plate networking, hunting for jobs, attending classes, joining clubs and doing homework. Especially at first, the pace can be overwhelming, so it's important to have a game plan when transitioning from work to school.
"You haven't even unpacked yet and you'll already have another calendar—school and the job search," says Scott Shrum, director of M.B.A. admissions research at Veritas Prep, a business-school admissions consulting firm in Malibu, Calif. "A lot of people tend to trip up on that."
Here's how to make a successful transition from office to classroom:
Know what you're getting into. Some schools focus on case studies and academic work. Others encourage students to participate in clubs and competitions outside class. Understanding the campus environment will help you prepare. If your school offers a student mentor program, sign up. You'll get the chance to solicit advice on school and job-hunting from a more-seasoned second-year student.
Talk with your significant other. Your school schedule will be different from your work schedule, so your routine with your significant other is likely to change. "That person in your life has to know exactly what sort of schedule you'll be keeping," says Michael Cohan, founder of MBAPrepAdvantage, an M.B.A. consulting firm based in Miami. "You have to tell them you'll be giving them a little less time now."
Prioritize your activities. There will be a lot of things to juggle: your job search, academics, campus activities and socializing. Resist the urge to join every club that interests you. Decide what you want out of business school and focus on activities that will boost your career. If you want to learn about branding, for instance, join the marketing club.
Mr. Shrum says those who are switching careers need to take special care preparing for job interviews—which may mean spending less time on academics. "I'm not saying not to focus on your classes, but you're trying to get a lucrative job and you'll need to start prepping right out of the gate," he says. "It's nearly impossible to find someone who failed out of business school, so throw your energy into the career search."
Build your network. Your school network can be a valuable career asset. Join a club and volunteer for leadership positions to meet new people, including second-year students you might not meet in classes. Spend downtime getting to know your peers—just hanging out over dinner or drinks can be a good career investment.
"Without fail, students say they wish they had spent less time on academics and more time with classmates," Mr. Shrum says.
Also, even if the classroom atmosphere is competitive, don't be so cutthroat that you refuse to help your classmates. That attitude will make it more difficult to form networks.
Be friendly but professional, advises Stacy Blackman, an admissions consultant and president of Stacy Blackman Consulting in Los Angeles. Bring business cards to class, career fairs and presentations, she says.
Embrace the hectic pace. Mr. Shrum warns that being an M.B.A. student can feel more time-consuming and difficult than your previous full-time job. When you aren't in class, you'll be doing group work, attending study sessions or reading on your own.
"You have to embrace the craziness, or it's going to drive you insane," Mr. Shrum says.
Write to Diana Middleton at diana.middleton@wsj.com更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net
By DIANA MIDDLETON
An M.B.A. program can feel like a full-time job. Students have a full plate networking, hunting for jobs, attending classes, joining clubs and doing homework. Especially at first, the pace can be overwhelming, so it's important to have a game plan when transitioning from work to school.
"You haven't even unpacked yet and you'll already have another calendar—school and the job search," says Scott Shrum, director of M.B.A. admissions research at Veritas Prep, a business-school admissions consulting firm in Malibu, Calif. "A lot of people tend to trip up on that."
Here's how to make a successful transition from office to classroom:
Know what you're getting into. Some schools focus on case studies and academic work. Others encourage students to participate in clubs and competitions outside class. Understanding the campus environment will help you prepare. If your school offers a student mentor program, sign up. You'll get the chance to solicit advice on school and job-hunting from a more-seasoned second-year student.
Talk with your significant other. Your school schedule will be different from your work schedule, so your routine with your significant other is likely to change. "That person in your life has to know exactly what sort of schedule you'll be keeping," says Michael Cohan, founder of MBAPrepAdvantage, an M.B.A. consulting firm based in Miami. "You have to tell them you'll be giving them a little less time now."
Prioritize your activities. There will be a lot of things to juggle: your job search, academics, campus activities and socializing. Resist the urge to join every club that interests you. Decide what you want out of business school and focus on activities that will boost your career. If you want to learn about branding, for instance, join the marketing club.
Mr. Shrum says those who are switching careers need to take special care preparing for job interviews—which may mean spending less time on academics. "I'm not saying not to focus on your classes, but you're trying to get a lucrative job and you'll need to start prepping right out of the gate," he says. "It's nearly impossible to find someone who failed out of business school, so throw your energy into the career search."
Build your network. Your school network can be a valuable career asset. Join a club and volunteer for leadership positions to meet new people, including second-year students you might not meet in classes. Spend downtime getting to know your peers—just hanging out over dinner or drinks can be a good career investment.
"Without fail, students say they wish they had spent less time on academics and more time with classmates," Mr. Shrum says.
Also, even if the classroom atmosphere is competitive, don't be so cutthroat that you refuse to help your classmates. That attitude will make it more difficult to form networks.
Be friendly but professional, advises Stacy Blackman, an admissions consultant and president of Stacy Blackman Consulting in Los Angeles. Bring business cards to class, career fairs and presentations, she says.
Embrace the hectic pace. Mr. Shrum warns that being an M.B.A. student can feel more time-consuming and difficult than your previous full-time job. When you aren't in class, you'll be doing group work, attending study sessions or reading on your own.
"You have to embrace the craziness, or it's going to drive you insane," Mr. Shrum says.
Write to Diana Middleton at diana.middleton@wsj.com更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net