How to develop skills that will help you get into B-School.

The magic of MBA does not seem to end. Every year an increasing number of students are desirous of pursuing this degree. Though there can be hundreds of reasons as to why students find this option the most lucrative one, what one needs to focus on is what does it take to be an MBA? The answer may be as simple as “clearing the entrance exam, followed by Group Discussion and Personal Interview”. Though this will ensure a seat in a reputed college; but pursuing the course successfully is an entirely different aspect.

After the initial enthusiasm of being one of the few privileged and the deserving ones to pursue the course, reality starts sinking in. Quite a few students find it difficult to cope with the demands, the competition, the rigorous study, the long college hours, the projects, placements and so on. Though most of the students decide on a career path quite early, very few take the pains of working towards developing on the areas that need improvement. This may happen as apart from concentrating on the admission procedure many students happen to overlook on the impact of personality attributes that play an important role while pursuing the course.

To ensure that a student is able to cope and successfully complete the course, some of the qualities required are communication skills, creative thinking, logical reasoning, leadership, team spirit, confidence, ability to handle pressure, decision making, problem solving abilities, initiative, presentation skills, competitiveness, being accountable, emotional stability, being proactive, adaptability and social sensitivity. Though this may not be an exhaustive list of skills, but definitely encompasses the most essential ones. Though a requirement in all the courses, in case of an MBA degree these qualities become inevitable.

While in Degree College, a student has ample time to prepare for the dream degree. Apart from the academic development, a student can concentrate on the extra-curricular activities that will add value. There are various occasions available during a student life to develop these areas.

Inter /Intra college competitions, being a member of various committees/councils, events /days, and College festivals – all these activities are full of opportunities of development. Sounds odd; but definitely true! A closer look at each event of the college broadens the perspective.

Inter /Intra college competitions: Various competitions, right from Antakshri to Sports to quizzes to debates, all these events not only give us an opportunity to portray our talents, but also hone skills. Participation in such event is very essential, as it not only gives us a chance to evaluate our self, but also to enhance our strengths and work on the improvement areas. The belongingness to ones college and the competitiveness with the guest college/s certainly raises the accountability level, thus improving the performance. Self-confidence, the ability to face crowd, perform well under pressure, sportsman spirit, presentation skills, competitiveness are definitely polished.

College Committee Members: Every college has their in-house committees /councils. Being a part of these councils – which may range from cultural committees to sports to literacy circles to being the class representative, everything is a value adding activity. These are all the positions of responsibility. With every chair of responsibility, and these responsibilities definitely sharpen qualities like decision making, organizing skills, leadership, problem solving, creative thinking, initiative, communication skills, ability to motivate the team, accountability.

Events /days: Whether it is organizing or participation, though many intellectuals feel, that it is a waste of time, being a part of the event is also worthwhile. This not only shows your team spirit but also improves creative thinking. College day, Traditional day, rose day or any other day, gives an ample opportunity also portray the initiative that you have. Social sensitivity and the ability to appreciate and participate are certainly enhanced.

College Festivals: Now-a-days, college events have become like any other mega event. Sponsorship, media awareness, advertising, budgeting and so on, all have become a part of the new, changing face of the college festival. Students are expected to ideate, plan and implement the entire event, find sponsors, negotiate and delegate and also complete the project. So being a part of these activities will sharpen skill sets like handling pressures, decision making, problem-solving, communication and negotiating skills, confidence, adaptability and time management.

These are some of the aspects of a college life which give a student an opportunity to brush up their skills. Apart from these, Reading, is one of the most important aspect which a lot students forget. Reading not only increases knowledge, but also proves beneficial to our overall development. So, students go ahead and enjoy & make the most of the college life with full zest and participation, but without overlooking the academics, as that is one of the most crucial aspects of you entering your dream degree – MBA.