Starting your MBA: Advice from the 2018 Cohort
It’s hard to believe I started my MBA here at CU a year ago already!Ìý The last year has flown by; I’ve made amazing friendships that will last a lifetime.Ìý This past summer, I worked two different internships to help pivot my career in a new direction.Ìý And now, I get to be part of our and help shape the program over the next year and beyond.Ìý
During Orientation we held a session for the incoming class to provide advice and talk about the things we wish we knew a year ago.Ìý Here are the top 5 things our class suggested:
#1: Embrace teamwork!Ìý The most important thing you will learn is how to work as part of a group; this includes leadership skills, how to delegate, and conflict management.
#2:Ìý Set goals—focus on why you are here.Ìý We all came back to school for different reasons.Ìý You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do when you graduate, but define your goals and work towards them.Ìý They may change as the year goes on and that’s OK.Ìý Have a plan and work towards it.
#3: —The program and Boulder/Colorado has so much to offer!Ìý Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there; try something new, meet new people, get outside your comfort zone.
#4: The biggest investment in your MBA is your classmates and your community; network early, network often.Ìý These are the people you will rely on when you graduate; and as soon as next summer for an internship!Ìý Utilize your .Ìý
#5:Ìý Take a deep breath; you do have time.Ìý There is a lot of pressure to do well in the program.Ìý Take advantage of opportunities to meet people.Ìý Don’t lose track of your hobbies; it’s good to take a break sometimes!Ìý Work/Life balance can apply to school as well.Ìý
The program truly is what you make of it.Ìý You’re in control—utilize your resources, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and make sure to have fun—It will be the experience of a lifetime!