My 2 cents

Summer is almost over, and it is time to begin the 2nd year of my MBA. I had the luck to get an internship (…ahem... "paid" if I may add) in a great company with great people and in my area of interest (i.e. corporate finance). Before that, I had to endure a series of in-depth interviews; here is some advice about what I believed helped me to tell a better-rounded story about my experiences, therefore standing out from the crowd.

• Participate in Business school competitions


• Take initiative in student run organizations on and off campus

Participate:
Business Plan Competition:
Last year there were two business plan competitions that were organized at GSBM. The business plan competition that was organized by GSBM’s Entrepreneurship Club was open to all Pepperdine schools while the other was in partnership with UCSB. My team made it to the finals of the business plan competition at UCSB (4 finalists out of 28 teams… awesome, right!). In my opinion, Business plan competitions give you a safe place to experiment with different feasible “get rich quick” business ideas that you or others around you might have come up with. Well it’s not that safe as you still get grilled by a bunch of “Angel (ya right) Investors” and have to defend your plan in front of a large audience (prepare to test your public speaking skills). It also gives you a chance to explore the different resources that b-school has to offer i.e. Alumni network, professors etc. And if that’s not good enough for you… they also have cash prizes, if your plan has what it takes to be a successful business venture.

Case Competition:
Like most of the business schools, GSBM also holds case-competitions. The Graziadio Case Competition sponsored by Value-centered Leadership Lab, requires competing teams of 3-5 students to think creatively, analytically, and ethically to solve a real world business problem. I have heard from the winners of last year, the “In it to Win it” team (i.e. Kasie, Vineet, Jerry, Frederik) that it was grueling but a great experience. Again, gives you something to talk about during interviews, looks good on resume and cash reward if you win.

Take Initiative:
Student Clubs:
There are 13 distinct student clubs at GSBM that organize different events, career treks, guest speaker events in their focus area. I am sure at least one of the 13 varied students club would interest you. If yes, take leadership roles at these clubs. In my opinion, don’t just sign up and be a part of the mailing list but try and organize or help in organizing different event. This will test your time management skills and how well you prioritize. More importantly it will give you a chance to reach out to Pepperdine’s Alumni network and generate contacts, which would come handy when you are looking for internship/job. Benefits… leadership position in student clubs adds to your resume, helps you network (most used term in b-school) with people in your field of interest and helps you stand out.

So the bottom line is - don’t be overly focused on your grades/GPA. Involve yourself in meaningful extra-curricular activities that will differentiate you from the crowd and help you meet your career goals

One other thing, attend the Mixers organized by MGBS. I missed a lot of mixers last year and missed out a bit. I wouldn’t say they are the best place to complete the group assignment (or maybe they are.. depending on the assignment or the group) but they are a part of the Business School experience - and the friendships you form are valuable and will help you later on in your professional and personal life.