Cypher: I know what you're thinking, 'cause right now I'm thinking the same thing. Actually, I've been thinking it ever since I got here: Why oh why didn't I take the BLUE pill?
The Matrix (1999)
I think there comes a time in every MBA student's life when he or she seriously thinks about whether or not they made the right decision is passing up <insert_name_of_business_school_here> to go to whichever business school they presently attend, or even if doing an MBA was the right decision. It usually happens when the perfect storm of company presentations, informational interviews and midterm exams all come together at the same time. My moment came when I walked out of my last midterm exam.
I came to MIT Sloan five months ago determined to do three things: 1. Meet as many people as possible and expand my personal network by getting involved in different clubs. 2. Practice and develop my leadership skills by getting elected to officer positions and 3. Transition to an investment banking career. While I was more successful at some goals than others, I also learned the most valuable skill that I will take away from business school -- Time Management. The term "drinking from the firehose" IS an understatement.
Between valuing options using Black-Scholes model in Finance and differentiating between marketable securities in Accounting, it is very easy to fall behind on the academics. The good news is that there is plenty of assistance available such as helpful tutors, kind second-years and a great core team. And not to mention an amazing Economics TA who is willing to spend Thanksgiving Eve with you going over the double-marginalization concept and how it reduces the benefits to the society as a whole...
Coming to MIT Sloan was the best decision I ever made, and as I relax over the holidays chatting with family and friends, I appreciate the education I have received about business fundamentals. More importantly, I have made some incredible friends during the countless dinners, movies, birthdays and of course, study sessions. Whether it was taking the 5:30 AM Acela express to Manhattan on numerous Fridays to meet bankers or preparing for the exams together, I truly got to know and appreciate my classmates for the cooperative and brilliant people that they are.
I am planning to take it much more easy next semester by only getting involved with two or three activities such as organizing the MIT Venture Capital Competition and securing corporate sponsorship for the Leadership Club in my role as a vice-president. I will also be focusing on the Global Leader Speaker Series for the club which will focus on executives and thought leaders within business and outside of the corporate culture sharing perspectives on leadership in today's highly diverse and networked world economy.
Well, I am off to London next week for my Independent Activities Period (IAP) externship at the investment banking division of Credit Suisse. I visited them last month too during the London Banking Days and I am pretty excited to go back. The externship will give me a great opportunity to explore the investment banking industry, gain marketable job experience, and make professional connections by working with MIT alumni in London. It is one thing to read about the fast-paced investment banking career, and it is quite another thing to be living it... I will write some more after my trip!
Morpheus: Neo, sooner or later you're going to realize just as I did that there's a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.
The Matrix (1999)
Finally! :)
Have fun in London!
Posted by: Naila | January 02, 2008 at 12:42 PM