1) Buy Used Books: And Don't just go to the bookstore. Try Amazon. Ebay. And start early. You are getting your MBA. Think of keeping costs down, especially in this economy.
2) Sell Used Books: Ditto from above. If you have zero interest in Accounting after you are done with Accounting, no reason to keep it. And there are a few books that you will have to buy that are completely useless. You'll know it when you crack it open. I won't say what they are here. Ask me in person.
3) If I had a relationship going in, I might not have it going out: This didn't happen to me, as I was single when I started the program, but I know of at least 3 people who had bf/gf's going in who found that their relationships didn't last. You must know your priorities, and I can promise you, this program is more important than some girl you met in Vegas two months ago. This is not a fast and true rule, but it should give you all at least a little bit of pause.
4) You're not going to like everyone, and vice versa: When I first arrived, I found that I loved everyone. Still feel that way, but I don't always like everyone, and in full disclosure, vice versa (I'm if nothing else, honest). A few people get straight A's and throw it in your face. A few people are massive blowhards. There will be negativity and there will be people you might wonder what the heck they are doing here in the first place. But guess what? That's life. This is your chance to learn how to deal with people you can't stand, work around them, and perhaps, work with them. Your education extends outside of the classroom. And full full full disclosure, we are a very loving and supportive group. And I'm quite proud of that.
5) The Drama: Guess what? Remember #3? Keep that in mind. People meet people at school. There is dating. There is drama. My advice? Stay away from it. A few people will pounce on me for saying this, but do not date within the program. Do so at your own risk, because if it implodes, you are stuck with that person for (potentially) the next 20 months.
6) There are good teachers....and then...not so good teachers: Most of the teachers here are fantastic. A select few, not so much. The bad news is that you are pretty much stuck with a potentially bad one until January, where you have some say in what classes to take. Talk to us 2nd years and we'll guide you the right way. But again, if you are forced to take a class with someone you can't stand, use it as a learning experience. And good news, for the most part, I loved my teachers. Supportive, intelligent, full of knowledge and awesomeness.
7) There are fantastic group members, and then...: You get the idea. Same as above. But I must tell you that with your marketing class that you take from January to April, you will make a 5 minute decision that lasts for 14 weeks. Chose wisely. When dividing up groups, chose ever so wisely.
8) Career Services is decent. Not great: There is no better resource than yourself. Do not depend on anyone to get you a job but you and you only. Use GTO but don't forget to go out, network. That is how the game is played. Anyone who has ever gotten anywhere in life did so by networking. No exceptions. You are not above networking.
9) The "Geek" Professors love the Pong: By Geek (I'm a geek myself, so it's not an insult), like the ones who teach Data Analysis and Tech Ops, love to play Ping Pong. Get on their good side and bring the fury! They might beat you, but they will respect you. Could mean the difference between a B+ and an A-.
10) Remember the mantra: Get an internship, get a job. Get an internship, get a job. Nothing matters as much. It's called B-school for a reason. Better to get straight B's and a job than straight A's and no job. I know you have four classes per quarter but there is a 5th class that is more important than all of them put together. GET. A. JOB.
That's all for now. Hope it helps.
Jordan
====================================
Jordan Rockwell
Director of Communications
The Entertainment Club of Pepperdine University
MBA Candidate April 2010
Graziadio School of Business & Management
Pepperdine University
jordanrockwell@gmail.com
310-502-0235 (c)
Wow. well said...thx Jordan
ReplyDeleteThank you sir!
ReplyDeleteKasie is, hands down, the most congenial human beings I've met in a long time. His laugh is contagious.
I'd also like to add #11: Eat lunch/Breakfast elsewhere besides the cafeteria.
It's a bit pricey, and fattening. The burgers are good but horrible for you, the pizza tastes like rubber. The Chicken Tenders are great, and the people who work there are a riot. You'll find lots of people there hanging out, doing work, but do remember that there is a Subway down the hill on PCH right near campus.
I think that number 8 is an important one. Business school is about hustle! Nothing will be handed to you in the business world just cause you're getting an MBA. Get involved. Bite off more than you can chew and scale back. Head first is the way to dive.
ReplyDeletehaha funny, sad, and so true!
ReplyDeleteJust came across this and wanted to thank you for the insight! I hate to admit it, but there was already group drama during orientation. Everything's all good now, but man! B-school is like a reality TV show! Alliances will be formed!
ReplyDeleteVanessa,
ReplyDeleteYou're quite welcome, and I'm not surprised! There is always drama when you put human beings this close together. And thank you again for the RT :)