Every MBA student at Beedie eventually asks themselves this key question – How do I maximize my journey here? In the pursuit of excellence, sometimes we forget that time which has passed won’t repeat itself and overlook other important aspects of student life. These include personal development, developing a good network system, physical fitness, and socializing. In this post, I’ll shed some light on how I think you can make the most out of your journey inside and outside the classroom.
Before I discuss how to make connections, and which rain boots to get, I must emphasize the importance of academics. The MBA program itself is the reason we are on this journey, and most of our efforts should reflect that. It’s important to pay attention in the classroom as direct transfer of knowledge takes place within those walls, but it is equally important to prepare for the class before stepping into it, which may include readings and preparatory videos provided by the professor. Assignments have deadlines, but one should not procrastinate until the very end, thus leading to a pile-up of work. I’ve always used the ‘Pareto Principle’ to set short-term goals which has helped me focus on the tasks that carry more significance, hence translating into better results. You will also have to work in groups, and navigating through group dynamics will be a task. Always be well prepared for the meetings and contribute towards the team’s goal. I did so by over-communicating with the members to set expectations on which I had to deliver.
The day doesn’t end within the university building but only starts there. A great accountability partner or a support system can act as a catalyst for you to chase excellence. It is recommended to build a supportive social system with peers that contribute towards your professional and personal development. For this, one should socialize in class and also build meaningful bonds in the multiple networking events that take place. Do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it. My friends helped me get through the most difficult of times when I was feeling homesick and needed support. I feel that our body is a temple and we must keep it clean for a healthy thought process to channel through it. Good food, a nutrition-rich diet, and sunlight are a few additives that can help keep the body healthy.
I regularly went to the gym or for a run, as it helped me add discipline and stability to my life while also keeping my body in good shape. By giving time to my health, I felt energized in the classroom. Feeling healthy, you would be able to familiarize yourself with the local cultures and traditions which I believe are important for any international student. Knowing the culture of the place facilitates better interaction with the locals and makes you feel more comfortable throughout your journey. Keeping up with the spirit of becoming an all-rounder, it is always good to make a budget for your essential and non-essential needs. I responsibly managed my fixed expenses for the month, ensuring they were fully covered. With those settled, I then planned how to use the remaining funds.
In conclusion, I’d like to reiterate what makes my experience at Beedie School of Business both enlightening and gratifying. Firstly, prioritize your academics; they are the foundation of your future success. Remember, however, that education is not limited to the classroom. Use your free time for personal development; they are invaluable opportunities for self-discovery and skill improvement. And don’t underestimate the value of networking – socialize, mingle, and form relationships. I hope you can derive something useful from my experiences to add value to your journey. Also, get good rain boots.
___________________________________________________________
About the Author
From Biotechnology beginnings to an MBA pursuit at SFU’s Beedie School of Business, Rupinder Singh embodies the fusion of science and commerce. His career has spanned across regions and industries—from spearheading business development in India’s real estate sector at TDI to consulting for SaaS products at Cvent, to driving sales at a leading Edtech company. His global perspective is matched by a commitment to social impact, as he has actively contributed to educational welfare initiatives. With a vision set on leading innovative product strategies, he is ready to make a significant impact in top-tier firms.