Heading to B-School this year? Brush up on your basics

Heading for an MBA this year? First of all, congratulations! You finally made it. After investing time and energy in endless mock tests and preparing for MBA entrance tests, it’s time to reap the benefits.

However, before you head for the management classes, we have a couple of suggestions. Do not end up just partying or holidaying in these final few weeks. MBA first-year is full of shocks and adjustments.

First of all, manage your online reputation and join a couple of relevant social networking sites. View these seven social networks every MBA student should be present on.

Apart from online reputation management, brush up on your basics. Go through the following five factors before you head to a B-School.

 

1. Finance / Accounts

An overwhelming majority of students who make it to business schools are engineers who have no clue about accountancy and economics. It is good idea to go through the basic principles of both the subjects. Accountancy involves matching balance-sheets and understanding the concepts of debit, credit and other financial jargons. Go through a financial book and try to master the subject before entering the MBA classroom. The same holds true for a commerce student. Revise thoroughly and make sure you don’t err in these subjects.

2. Spreadsheet

With a week or two left more to go before your MBA classes commence, enrol for a short-term course on Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheets. Managers cannot exist with spreadsheets. And prior knowledge of Excel or Google Doc will be a huge advantage during your management classes.

3. Basics

Brush up your Class 10 and Class 12 mathematics. No arguments here. Imagine how embarrassing will it be when the professor asks you the definition Pythagoras theorem and you stare at him blank-faced! Also go through whatever you pursued at graduation-level including subjects and projects.

4. Industry trends

It is extremely important to be aware of the current trends in the industry. Facts such as Facebook acquiring Whatsapp or Vishal Sikka becoming the CEO and MD of Infosys should be on your fingertips. Read and watch business-oriented news. It is also important to be aware of political, social and other issues of the world.

5. Writing

Managers don’t just order. They also write. It is extremely important for every MBA student to write at least two pages daily. This not only helps in improving writing skills but also developing opinions.

 

With inputs from Ankur Agarwal (CIO at Endeavor Careers, IIM Lucknow alum)  and Virender Kapoor (founder of MILE Management Institute for Leadership and Excellence, Pune and former director of SITM)