10 years ago today i started B-school. What are 7 things i will tell someone starting B-school today?

10 years ago today i started B-school. What are 7 things i will tell someone starting B-school today? Life-Work Doodles

1️⃣ Imposter syndrome is real. Feel it. And let it pass.
▶ ▶ Your peers are from Ivy leagues, Fortune 10 companies, started/sold their companies, olympians – and you wonder why you are even there. The irony – everyone feels imposter syndrome. So chin-up, know and believe that you belong.

2️⃣ Create a solid Plan A for recruiting. And plan B, and C. Your first job out of B-school is important, but only somewhat.
▶ ▶ You will aim to be recruited by the top investment bank/VC/PE/consulting firm/tech company. You might, but don’t take it personally if you aren’t. Cultural fit is a real thing – It’s best only if, just like in marriage, you are compatible. In ten years, (hopefully sooner!) you will not care about peer validation, and will go on to do just that which will let you shine for who YOU are.

3️⃣ Invest time and effort in getting to know each and every classmate. Your network IS the B-school.
▶ ▶ Make friends. Not just connections. B-school is competitive and cut-throat. So try to find a few people, who you can be vulnerable with and who will cheer for you. Years later, these are the classmates who’ll jump hoops to find you a job when you are laid off/when life happens.

4️⃣ Interact with professors outside of class. They will stay with you forever. Not the cases, classes, nor the content.
▶ ▶ By far, the most under-rated part of B-school. World-class professors who have seen thousands of students like you come and go. They are a great sounding board. Not just through career dilemmas, but for life perspective. Reach out to them and stay in touch with them.

5️⃣ Travel on every global study trip despite the tight budget. Later, you’ll have all the money, but no time.
▶ ▶ You count every penny as an international student. But don’t cut back on experiences and travel. A few thousands will be a drop in the bucket of a few hundred thousands. You only B-school once (YOBO). Maximise the experience. You’ll make it all back in millions. With interest.

6️⃣ Cultivate daily activities that center you. Keep family and friends close by.
▶ ▶ B-school is intense. Throw in 300+ Type A high acheivers from around the world and it’s easy to get carried away. Everything is shiny, and everyone is fascinating. But remember, it’s all temporary. Hold on to anything and everything that grounds you. This will allow you to soar high.

7️⃣ Savor and trust the process. Stress less about the outcome. It will seem un-necessary 10 years later.
You will fret about the humungous student loan. Worry about not getting a call back from your dream firm. Feel silly for not being able to articulate thoughts well enough during a cold call in class. But it is all a process. Trust it. YOU are in the making. And years later most of it won’t matter.