About this time last year I had just stopped working and was enjoying a few weeks off relaxing in California prior to moving up to Sloan. I remember being nervous about not having enough work experience or not being able to cut it academically at MIT. Finances and logistics were secondary to those, and by some miracle I was fortunate enough to have not started to stress about an internship, mostly because I didn't even know what lie ahead in that area.
Looking back I wish I had recognized the following:
1) I wouldn't be here if I could make it academically Trust me, I have full confidence in Sloan's admissions department and as much as we probably have all wondered at some point if our acceptance letter was really supposed to go to someone else, if you got in, it was for a reason. That being said just because one has the potential to succeed here doesn't guarantee it, hard work is still a requirement in that formula. A second caveat is that academic success may require help at some point. Take advantage of the resources: tutoring, recitations, office hours, your ocean or core team....I don't think there was anyone in my class this year who was successful without help in some area be it academic or career related.
2) Find your niche and own it - Sloan is small enough and diverse enough that everyone can be a leader or expert at something, you just need to find it. Find what you are passionate about whether that be finance, sustainability, Africa, tech, student government...then go all out and own it. By own it I mean be the "________ guy/girl" and be an advocate and promoter of that niche. I have found that it provides a great sense of satisfaction and impact.
3) Caveat to #2 - Try something outside your focus area One of my favorite experiences last year was the European Luxury Tour which has absolutely nothing to do with the career options I am pursuing but I found it incredibly interesting. Sloan has an incredible amount of opportunities: cast a wide net.
4) Try to remember that what seems like a big deal now will probably be minor in hindsight - In looking back I realize that very few individual actions had a significant impact on my success. Collectively however they do have an impact, so while getting a "C" on a test will not have a huge impact, getting all "C"s on your exams will. Try to enjoy the moment, two years is a short time.
