Emerging as an MBA Graduate
15 lessons I learned
Last week I graduated from HKU BSchool. I always wanted to do my MBA and finally made it happen!!! It was during COVID-19 that I decided to embark on this journey, and for the last 2 years, juggling a full-time job and studies has been challenging and fully rewarding in many ways. I am taking time to note the top 15 lessons I learned during my MBA days. Hopefully, it will help others and myself as I step out into this world and embarrass other challenges of life:
1.Have a Growth Mindset: Sitting in my classroom and listening to the professor and classmates every time made me realize that I must learn so much about so many things. It brings you some insecurity, but if you get into the growth mindset, you will be eager to learn and evolve as a better professional. A growth mindset is a powerful tool to help you achieve your goals and live a fulfilling life. By embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and believing in your ability to grow, you can unlock your potential and make a difference in the world.
2. Indulge in collective learning: With every group project I did, I got to work with ppl from all walks of life and understand their perspectives, which enriched my understanding of business and management concepts. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, communication, and open-mindedness in the learning process.
3. “It’s Gonna Happen” Mindset: To do great things, we must first believe great things are possible.
4. Be Confident no matter what: The difference between the “dumbest” and the “smartest” was not intelligence it’s the power of confidence. No matter how well or poorly prepared you are for the presentation or the exam, get in with a confident mindset it will bring in the results.
5. Independent thinking: Never do what everyone else is doing; challenge the status quote. I was someone who constantly asked a lot of questions in class, asking why and why not.
6. Reverse Psychology: Never have a victim mentality. No one has the time or ability to help you except yourself.
7. Figure it out: This is where most people need to do better. They focus on tactics instead of first mastering their mindset. No amount of productivity hacks can make up for a disbelieving subconscious. Optimism (especially when everyone tells you it’s impossible) is a superpower.
8. Surround yourself with the right people: Surrounding yourself with the right people during your MBA can be a transformative experience that enriches your learning, broadens your horizons, and opens doors to future success. By actively seeking out connections, valuing diversity, and fostering meaningful relationships, you can create a supportive network of individuals who will enrich your MBA journey and beyond.
9. Lead: Take up responsibility and lead whenever you can, you will learn a lot about yourself in the process. No one can teach you leadership in MBA it comes with practice.
10. Give 100%, expect 0%: Be easy to work with, Be kind, Be low ego. Always be a giver & and contributor
11. Make family a priority: If it weren’t for our parents’ dedication & and love, I don’t know where we’d be.
12. Be Kind to all: Try to make the other person feel good about themselves. Don’t cut them down.
13. Ask for what you want: Ask!!! Even when it seems unlikely or impossible. Even when there’s a literal sign saying you can’t have it.
14. Deal with complications with ease: Explaining complicated things simply is the most critical skill for leadership. It’s also a key sign of intelligence. Play the long game. it always pays off. The world is full of signs saying “no”. It’s our job to figure out a way anyway.
15. Take risks, but be ready to face the failures: It doesn’t matter if it’s hard or easy (it will be both); it only matters that it’s worthwhile. Give your best, whether it be a new job, relationship, or venture. You will win, or you will learn.
