The Best MBA Advice I Ever Received

Note:  This was originally published on 8/24/10 in my first MBAA Newsletter

Today begins my last “second day of school”, and the beginning of my 6th and final year at the  University.  (I apologize now for the blatant nostalgia which will inevitably percolate in my musings).  There are countless bits of knowledge and advice given throughout these inspiring halls, the majority of which usually only amount to wasted energy entering an easily distracted short-term memory.

However, if I could pass one nugget of wisdom to you as you begin the program, one simple, yet  resonating truth, it would be this:  “Balance in life is everything.” I found the phrase jotted on a white pad that contained my notes from my first POB speaker, and looking back have since recognized its significance.

Let this be a heed of warning to those of you thinking this is just a two year deferment of the real world or an extended college party.  Over the next two years, you’ll face presentation time crunches, loafing group members, and the ever ubiquitous HBR case study; all the while you juggle the other facets of your life such as a part-time job, social life, significant other, and your faith.  It can all get a bit overwhelming, but if you stay focused, work hard, and maintain a healthy balance of all life aspects (especially that last one), you’ll truly find  success within this program.  Ask any second year student, and if they’re truly honest with you, they’ll admit their fair share of late caffeinated nights, groups that met too close to a deadline and an overall disillusionment with the world of statistics.  (No offense, Dr. Chun  :-) ).  However, these same students can also speak of the pride of learning how to write an effective case study, nailing a group presentation, and pulling out an A in a class in which they thought was impossible.

I know for me and my colleagues, this second year won’t be a cake-walk by any means, and life will be on fast forward for the next nine months or so, but by keeping a sense of focus and balance in life, we’ll ultimately find success within this program and beyond.