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Five Years to B-School: The First Year

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tk Dec 5, 2008 6:45 PM GMT This article really hits home with me. I just graduated undergrade with a degree in mechanical engineering. My goal is to one day obtain an MBA. Anyone have any other suggestions for people in my situation that was not mentioned in the article? For those already in an MBA program, how much did extracurricular activities matter? I currently help a 1st grade student read each week. I would like to be involved in more activities. Also, for those that are in an MBA, did you have a hard time deciding to quit work? What factors came in to play for your decision. Thanks in advance for any responses.
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Kizar Dec 5, 2008 2:02 AM GMT This article should be taken with a grain of salt. I was really expecting some substantial tidbits. Instead, this article comes off as a creative marketing strategy by MBA programs. I do agree that a plan is constantly needed by anyone destine for success! I beg everyone to go back to school for a strong education and not for a job. If you go for the latter, your way of thinking is extremely off and setting you up for disappointment.
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slymba Dec 4, 2008 7:45 PM GMT MSZV implies that getting an MBA right away is being like everyone else. However, in actuality, getting an MBA from a top school is a form of distinction regardless of when you get it. When compared to the thousands of students who apply and go to each college for their undergrad, the hundreds that apply and attend for their MBA is a very very small amount.
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kate Dec 4, 2008 4:37 PM GMT This might be helpful to a boring, cookie-cutter sort of person, but most successful CEO's and business leaders I know (and I'm fortunate to know quite a few) are not boring, cookie-cutter individuals.I agree with mszv - kids need to have more fun in life and explore the world. If anything, we're seeing a trend towards more unique business leaders whose lives have taken untraditional paths. Besides, while having a plan is convenient, most older people agree that what you do during your first five years out of college doesn't really matter too much in the long run, anyway.
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Tete Dec 4, 2008 12:17 AM GMT Haha... I'm still a sophomore in college, but have done an investment banking internship. That's just something i noticed from analysts and associates I worked with. The sad thing is, most analysts who go business school after their banking stint goes back as an associate, because they can't find a job which pays as much as their old one with a college degree!
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mszv Dec 3, 2008 10:28 PM GMT This implies that you are the sort of person who 1. has everything figured out already, 2. regards life as a race. 3. wants to be exactly in the same place as, supposedly, all your competitors. Maybe that's what it takes to get in the tip top schools, I just don't know. If that's so, that's incredibly depressing.In reality, life is not a race, and you don't have to be exactly like everyone else. I think it's fine to take some time, drift around, have fun, try different things, and experience life. You can go to B school later, or change your pick of schools, don't go at all, or you might be the kind of unusual person those top schools might want - who knows? Life is not a race.
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Tete Dec 3, 2008 9:41 PM GMT For an investment banking analyst with a 2 year contract: "Begun developing your skill set"- Financial modeling and valuation"Found a few mentors who have given you a better idea about the jobs you might like to do in the future"- Mentor? I'll be lucky if I don't get cursed at. "Found a way to translate your passions into a couple of activities in which you'd really liked to get involved"- Sure, I like strategic development, business development and the sorts. But I doubt I'll be able to engage in anything outside the bullpen or create anything other than models. "Decided how you can make an impact at the office and in those extracurricular activities and start implementing a plan of action to do just that"- I'll make an impact by leaving office at 8pm everyday. That'll scare the crap outta the associates. "Kept your mind on business by reading relevant books and articles"- I'll keep that in mind. Not sure if 10-ks count as books, they are pretty thick though"Started building a satisfying, well-rounded life and career"- Well rounded and satisfying meaning 100 hours a week on live deals instead of 140 hours a week doing pitchbooks.
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NYC MC Dec 3, 2008 2:02 PM GMT While none of this is rocket science, and most top performers have been doing these things for a long time, it's great to see that someone is actually putting a plan like this on paper as a general guide. I suppose this may become just one more piece of fodder for over-zealous Wharton undergrads to stress over, but it's helpful nonetheless...thanks, BW!
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RooeyLooey Dec 3, 2008 6:32 AM GMT ::sigh:: Life is hard...I can not believe that I have to worry about graduate school in my senior year of high school. If anyone of you experienced readers has any advice for me then feel free to throw em at me.
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JW Nov 29, 2008 12:50 AM GMT In my previous comment I wasn't saying anything about who is more qualified or how much experience one should have. I was simply stating what has been my observation...no one has a 5 year MBA plan. I attend a top 5 school, and my youngest classmates come after doing two or three years in traditional feeders like MC or finance fields. However, I dont know any one with 5+ years of work experience who was thinking about an MBA 5 years ago. I am on of those people who didnt put much though into getting an MBA until about a year before I applied, so even with about average years of work experience I had at best a 2 year plan more like a 18 month plan. As to young folks not bringing things to the classroom and old folks not cutting it academically. Neither have been true in my experience. A very small number of my classmates have less than 3 years of work experience and those that do are extremely impressive young adults. The older folks, do just as well in class...they also face more personal challenges since many more are married and some also have children.
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