Do you think you’re done with my advice now that you have received that fat envelope? Not so fast. I still have a tip or two for you. There are a few things you can still do to prepare for your MBA studies and enhance your chances of getting a great internship and ultimately post-MBA job. After you finish celebrating, consider:
1. Are you feeling a little stale and disinterested at work, like you’re just going through the motions?
Especially if you are planning to be a career changer, consider asking your employer if it can give you an internship more related to your post-MBA goals. I know there aren’t too many employers that will be willing to do so, but you’ll never know if you don’t ask. If yours is one of them, take advantage of the opportunity. Your employer will have a motivated employee until the last day and you will have a valuable learning experience… along with a satisfied employer.
2. Use the next several months to explore your intended field(s).
Set up informational interviews with people in your chosen field to find out what courses and experiences they found most valuable when they were in b-school. Ask about good internship options and typical career paths. Remember: You are not asking for a job or internship at this point, just information, but you never know when that informational interview might lead to an internship or full-time job.
3. Allow yourself some time to unwind before starting your MBA.
Financial reality may dictate that you work until the last minute, but if you can, give yourself time to vacation, travel, or relax. The next two years are going to be busy, and it would be great if you can start the experience refreshed.
4. Plan to arrange your life at business school before business school starts.
Set up your apartment, open a bank account, figure out where the supermarket, post office, dry cleaners, and hairdresser are. Once classes start you will be thankful you did.
Follow these tips so you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when the program starts, and be able to take advantage of everything offered.
Need to decide between multiple acceptances, request a deferral, negotiate a scholarship offer, or navigate any other issue that comes with acceptance? Contact Accepted to be connected with a skilled consultant to help!
By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted and co-author of the definitive book on MBA admissions, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools.
Related Resources:
• Paying for Your MBA: Before, During & After, a free webinar
• Choosing From Multiple Business School Acceptances
• When & Why to Pass on a B-School Acceptance Offer
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