A Few First-year Tips

Now that I am oh so seasoned in the B-school world (look at that lingo!), I want to tell my new brethren some tips that I wish I'd been told around this time a year ago.

1. It is always 55 degrees in the classrooms in Sanford. In the warm summer and spring months you will likely be glowing, possibly panting and red-faced. However, you will still need a cardigan, sweatshirt, parka, scarf, hat, and/or mittens.

2. If you are in a relationship when you enter MBA school, you will probably be in one when you leave, just not with the same person. Ouch. Sounds harsh, I know. I read an article of on a similar topic at the start of my first year and I scoffed too. In fact, I debated the validity of the article with the cute classmate next to me, insisting that I would not become a statistic. My relationship did not make it. Instead of my former partner, I am now dating that cute classmate with whom I debated.

That’s not to say that your relationship will not survive – it’s not impossible, just really, really hard. However, if you do become a statistic, you have a good chance of following the failed relationship up with one with a classmate. It’s only natural. Don’t fight it. Enjoy it.

3. Let me preface this tip with this: I’m a Mac. Have been for while, and I’m fiercely loyal. My Mac was a parting gift from my former employer and opening it, even to do schoolwork, was somewhat comforting to me particularly during those terrifying first months in the MBA program. But when I tried running linear regressions in Excel for the first time in Dr. McClain’s Business Statistics class, I wanted to chuck my sleek silver MacBook out of the window. Make sure you look into the computer requirements for classes and ask people who’ve taken them before, particularly before you spend big bucks on a new laptop. You’ll be glad you did.

4. Get to know your professors. They are not only great teachers, but really cool people too.

5. Don’t freak out. Despite my use of adjectives like “terrifying” to describe the first semester, everything is doable. And we human beings have an amazing ability to adapt to our environments. If I can do it, you can do it. I sound like those weight loss infomercial spokespeople, but I mean it. If you need help with a class, juggling a schedule, or general questions about anything school-related or otherwise, just ask your friendly neighborhood 2nd year.