Advice to the Kenan-Flagler Class of 2007

I came across another blog last week belonging to a current second year in the Kenan-Flagler MBA program. He had written a post at the conclusion of his first year listing all the lessons he had learned during the first four Mods.

 

The post can be found here. But I am going to copy and paste from his blog the nine bullet points of wisdom that he wishes to pass to the Class of 2007:

 

1. Prioritize Prioritize Prioritize. When you are inundated with work and responsibilities in the first semester, remember why you came to b-school and focus on developing that area.

2. Foster a deep relationship with your study group. They are going to carry you on so many things. Treat them with the respect they deserve.

3. Don't be a book worm - get out! Socialize. Connect with as many people as possible. Remember, "A P is a P is a P"

4. Develop your weakness. If you are a quant jock but suck at the "soft skills," do your best to develop those skills.

5. Lead. Give speeches. Take on responsibility. Prior to starting in the fall last year, I joined up with the head of the e-ship club and we put together plans to have a west coast trek to meet VC's and entrepreneurs. I planned the trek and made the connections to the VC's and entrepreneurs. It was an amazing experience that allowed me to foster relationships with my classmates, work with second years, and connect with some great people on the west coast. The people I met on the west coast helped me immensely later with career advice or making connections to other folks.

6. If you are married, dedicate time to your spouse. They are priority #1 - remember that!

7. Be prepared for rejection. I realize that most of you to this point have never faced rejection after an interview or two or three or four. Get ready to be dinged. It happens.

8. Connect with your professors. They will give you very candid feedback on your job search and will potentially offer connections to the appropriate hiring managers.

9. Ask the blindingly obvious questions ... you will benefit and your classmates and professors will love you for it. I have to admit that I wasn't good at this ...

 

On behalf of the Class of 2007, thanks Vince!