Dear readers – thank you for the massive encouragement so far – especially on my previous two posts - "An ode to Schooling!" Special thanks to Nammo for following my blog enthusiastically, and finding errors in it! I am receiving comments, suggestions and requests! Keep them flowing for they are ambrosia for my soul! One of the requests is by Ram, an incoming Booth student – Class of 2011 - who wants to know more about life at Booth. Therefore, I will take a break from my previous theme, and address Ram's request. I will come back to it later.
Fortunately and unfortunately, I have a lot to say on the subject. I guess I will start with a topic which is important to all incoming business school students - networking. Since the intent of this post is to provide useful tips to admits, I sincerely request everyone who has an opinion on the subject to comment on my post.
Please be aware that I claim no authority on the subject, and assume no responsibility. However, I am happy to accept credit!
Networking is extremely important, and your attitude to networking will define how successful you are at it. The reasons why networking is important will become clear as you read through the following posts.
People's reactions to it vary from an innate affinity for it to an absolute disgust. While some derive energy from it, others call it "sucking up" and mean so literally. It definitely helps if it comes naturally to you. In this context, I was blessed in that I love other people – I want to reach out to them, know them, and share with them. Others matter more to me than I. My innate extroversion was compounded by a career in consulting – a relationship based business. Therefore, is not surprising to a lot of my friends that I am on my way to join the Investment Banking industry – which is a lot more about relationships. However, for me, nothing beats my experience in Booth when it comes to learning by living it.
My dear incoming students - my tips on how to network for success at Booth follow.
Be humble: We all know that you are extremely smart and an asset to humankind. However, do not wear it on your sleeve! Everyone at the business school thinks the same. It implies that there are some very brittle egos. Do not shake that ego. Give the Admission Process at your school some credit in that they have more complete information about that cohort-mate you think is dumb, and in that they have much more experience in finding the future leaders. The person next to you must be good! If you cannot figure out why she is any good – most likely it is a problem with your ability to spot talent. Always be warm and smile. Find reasons to say thank you. Always say sorry when you suspect that you messed up.
In the same vein – do not go to your internship wearing Chicago Booth on your hat. Remember – till you get the offer, you are no good in that company. Irritating someone, or telling others how the Booth method is superior to the Acme Ltd. method, is the easiest way to not get an offer. Every company has a culture. Live in Rome like Romans live. When you become the CEO, you can change that culture. Hold off till that happens.
You are smart and everyone knows that thanks to Booth. Now be sweet – because no one knows that.
Next I will talk about why the "First quarter is the most important quarter."
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1 comments:
'Be humble' - This is TRUE. I like it!
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