There is an unmistakable sense of relief as well as excitement when you hold that MBA acceptance letter. It marks the conclusion of the admissions process which you have struggled through for the past several months. However, once the jubilation has subsided, you realize that you will now be embarking upon the actual MBA journey, one that will play a critical role in determining your professional future. Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to do.
1. Resign From Your Job
Once you have your MBA admit, you will have to resign from your job at some point. If your company has already been in the loop, then the process will proceed smoothly. If it’s not something they are aware about, then you should not leave it for the last minute. It’s imperative that you do it in a professional manner – by informing them of your plans, giving plenty of notice, and offering to train your replacement. Leaving on good terms is the best way.
2. Plan Your Finances
While you would have obviously considered the cost of pursuing an MBA, it is time to get into the details once the MBA program has been finalized. You will need to pay a deposit to confirm your place. It would also be a good idea to continue applying for scholarships. Whether you will be using up your savings or relying on loans or both, it’s important that you calculate all your costs in detail and add a buffer amount to cover any unplanned expenses that come up.
3. Figure Out Housing
If you’re pursuing your MBA in another city or country, finding housing in advance is the prudent thing to do. You don’t want to land up in an unknown place without making housing arrangements. If you wish to stay on campus, limited availability could mean that you will have to apply as soon as possible. On the other hand, if you prefer staying off campus, you may have to travel to the place to make arrangements or co-ordinate with potential flatmates.
4. Start The Visa Process
If you’re travelling to another country to pursue your MBA, it makes sense to start the visa process immediately. The reason is that while it’s quite easy to get student visas, there could be bureaucratic delays that can lead to unpleasant outcomes. Hence, you should thoroughly research the visa application process, collect all necessary documentation, and apply for the visa at the earliest. If you find it overwhelming, take the help of a visa professional.
5. Brush Up On Quant
The average work experience of MBA applicants typically ranges between 4 to 7 years depending on the business school. In any case, this means that they have been out of the academic paradigm for a few years at least. Hence, it makes sense, especially if you’re from a non-quantitative background, to take refresher courses to get you up to speed. At times, schools themselves offer boot camps in mathematics and statistics to help students brush up their quant skills.
6. Connect With Fellow Students
The MBA program offers a wonderful opportunity to get to know individuals from diverse backgrounds. These are the people you will be forming close relationships with not only during the program but also later. So why not get a head start by connecting with them earlier? It’s a great idea to socialize with fellow students at local events or meet virtually before the program starts. This way, you also will have known faces to interact with when you first land on campus.
While the euphoria of having secured your MBA seat can tempered by all the practical things you need to take care of, remember that you should also spend the time leading up to the program with your friends and family. The duration of the program will leave you with little time to indulge in any relaxing activities, and once you graduate, you may get sucked into the highly competitive world of business without any time for leisure or fun.
LemonEd can help you with all elements of your MBA application.
Call today for a free consultation.
Comentários