Ask any MBA students about his learning experiences during his college days, most probably s/he would tell you that most of what he actually “learned” came from beyond classroom experiences. Obviously students not only spend more time outside the classroom but also find more interesting stuff to do outside the classroom. If you have enrolled in prestigious B-school some of these (beyond classroom) learning experience will be part of your programme or pedagogy but if not, you better have a plan for yourself to make most of your MBA. Here are some suggestions for learning outside the classroom
. Travel – You can get lot of opportunities to travel in these two years. You should make a list of “must-visit-places-before-I-complete-MBA”. It may include national or international destinations depending upon your budget and capabilities. You may organize study tours which may include industrial visits, company visits, meeting with business executives. Further, there are many events, seminars, conferences being organized by different b-schools around the world. You can register yourself for academic or non-academic events and there are pretty good chances that your organization will provide you some financial assistance also. You may also avail student exchange opportunities if offered by your institute.
. Volunteer – You may say “where is the time” at this suggestion. But I would recommend it another must-have experience. There are many colleges that make it mandatory for their students. So it is better that you make it mandatory by yourself. Besides the cause you choose to help, volunteering offers many benefits to the volunteer as well. It helps you to develop important social and relationship skills which may help in your career. Through volunteering you make friends, develop important contacts which could be very useful in advancement of your career.
. Teach – Joseph Joubert was right when he said the golden words, “To teach is to learn twice”. So if you are good in a particular subject, your will for sure help your buddies in their studies. But the experience is more enriching when you formally take a class. Request to your faculty for a regular class, or extra class for those who need help to have a teaching experience. There are also study groups where you can enjoy this experience.
. Meet a lot of amazing people – At your B-school you will get lot of opportunities to talk to accomplished people from industry and academia. Make most of these opportunities. Don’t just be present there for the sake of presence. Grab the front seat at the auditorium, listen carefully and interact wherever possible and required. You will also get opportunities to volunteer into hosting formal or informal events where you will meet great personalities. Make most of these opportunities.
. Have Fun – Last but not the least, have fun during your two year stay at campus. Experience a little bit of everything. It is okay to bunk some classes to enjoy with friends. Also understand that your classmate is not your life long competition but may be a life-long support. Investing into relationship always helps in long run. So make good friends and nurture that relationship.
This article has been written by Senior Prof. Ms. Mamta Pankaj Jain, Amity Business School, Jaipur.