Several years ago, I found myself at a crossroads in life. I was drained by my 8-to-5 job, disinterested in my career, uninspired by my usual hobbies, and dissatisfied with my surroundings. After much reflection and seeking career guidance, I made the bold decision to pursue an MBA in a distant country, aiming for the career transformation I so desperately needed.
The decision to pursue an MBA should not be made hastily, as it requires careful planning and consideration. An MBA offers a transformative experience, providing valuable knowledge and shaping the future of your career. It is a long-term investment in a lasting asset that yields lifelong returns.
During my first semester, I discovered how intense the program could be and how critical time management was for survival. You need to know what you truly want from this journey in order to maintain control and stay focused. In my case, structuring the process has been key to making the experience more enjoyable. Not to sugarcoat it, there have been dull moments too. Creating a personal mission statement was challenging, but it has become my go-to guide to stay motivated and efficient.
Being open-minded has helped me embrace new ideas, perspectives, and experiences without immediately judging. Completing some courses has taught me to unlearn stereotypes and value the richness of different cultures.
This journey has also been a time of self-discovery: I’ve learned and unlearned aspects of myself along the way, particularly from an introverted perspective. Graduate school is not just an academic experience; it’s an opportunity to make lifelong friends, build a strong network, and form meaningful connections. It is a chance to develop a well-rounded skill set that will enhance both my career and personal life.
While hard skills are imperative for conquering the areas of study, I do not overlook the importance of soft skills. I have improved on collaborating with people from different backgrounds, managing conflicts, and delivering results—skills that are invaluable in the workplace. The key is to find a balance: concentrate on becoming a subject expert while also learning how to lead, adapt, and solve problems effectively.
SFU offers a wealth of resources available to help, and I would advise you to take full advantage of them. Their Career Management Centre can help you polish your resume, prepare for interviews, and connect with potential employers through networking events or job fairs. You must proactively seek these services early, as it is never too soon to think about your professional future.
Similarly, our alumni network is one of the most priceless tools at your disposal. The alumni are always excited to share their experiences, provide advice, and even open doors to opportunities. Building genuine relationships with alumni can give you insights into potential career paths, help you avoid common mistakes, and expand your professional network beyond the classroom. Hence, attending alumni events, reaching out for interview information, and asking questions are highly beneficial.
This is my first year of MBA studies, and these are my nuggets.
About the Author
Priscilla Maame Adjoa Ayisi is currently enrolled as an MBA student at Beedie School of Business. After working in various positions in finance for the last five years in Ghana, she is looking forward to expanding her education at Simon Fraser University. Her dedication to assisting others and her love for communication have inspired her to establish a friendly atmosphere for new students and lead them through the admissions procedure.