When I started researching my MBA, I focused on the curriculum, meticulously analyzing each course and the subjects I could choose during my elective period. I spent countless hours poring over course descriptions, faculty qualifications, and the potential career paths each elective could open to me.
Together with my fixation on the GMAT, which involved rigorous preparation, practice tests, and a relentless pursuit of a high score, this intense focus made me lose, now, in hindsight, the bigger picture.
I overlooked other crucial aspects, such as the overall learning environment, the school's culture, and the long-term benefits of the MBA program beyond just the academic offerings.
The realization came luckily during the MBA. Yes, you have earned a Master's in Business Administration, but more importantly, the SOCIAL JOURNEY defines the next stages of my life.
Eduardo made a point. You acquire knowledge, you start connecting your previous experiences with this knowledge, and you start understanding the WHY and the HOW. But knowledge is perishable, and staying updated on everything you learn is hard.
A senior faculty member once told our MBA class, "It's not important to know everything; it's more important to know people who know," which implicitly links to the social journey. If you are too focused on the content, you might lose the connections, and building relationships is harder than reading an article.
The people you meet and the ability to engage and stay in touch with them are critical to making the most out of your MBA or any academic program. These people can be classmates, other students, faculty, guest lecturers, and university staff.
You never know who might be helpful to you in the future and what your goals might be as they evolve. Build bridges, open doors, and keep them open when others want to reach you.
Happy Networking!