More Tips for Obtaining Your MBA

One week ago, I wrote a post in regards to tips for obtaining an MBA. Since that post was published, I came up with some other tips to reach your goal of getting an MBA:

1) Do Not Leave Any Assignments Until The Last Minute

As an undergraduate, it's easy to procrastinate on assignments until the last minute. When working as a graduate student, procrastination will not be tolerated as much and could cost you a good grade in a class.

If handed an assignment, do not wait until the last minute to complete it. Take the time to put the effort into it to make sure it is professional, well thought out, and complete. As a graduate student, the professors will expect a higher level and quality in the work and leaving it until the last minute will show.

This is true for group projects as well. If you wait until the last minute to complete everything, your professor will notice and possibly your other classmates. During group presentations, it will be more apparent to notice which groups worked on the assignment all along and which ones waited until the last minute.

2) Give 100% and Nothing Below That

By working full time and going to school part time, it can make for an exhausting week. There will be times it will be tough to complete assignments but don't put in an effort below 100%. If needed, wait until you can put a full effort into the work. Cutting corners won't help you in the long run and could affect your grade later on in the course.

3) Study in Groups if Needed

I understand this may not be what everyone prefers but it can make a difference when a big exam is coming up. Studying for a hard exam can be exhausting for one person. Doing it as a group can help you cover the material more efficiently and help you retain it for the test.

4) Read The Wall Street Journal

One of the best ways to retain the information from class is to read through The Wall Street Journal and look for articles where the content of the material applies. Take the time to read it on an app or a hard copy each day. You may also have some classes where you have to research or present an article and this is a great place to start.

5) For Group Presentations, Learn the Art of Public Speaking and Dress Professionally

Chances are, you will have to do group or individual presentations throughout your MBA program. Public speaking can be intimidating but it is a skill worth learning. Dressing professionally will show your professor and classmates you are serious about the material you are presenting.

Public speaking is a skill that takes practice. If you do not have much experience with it, take time to read books, consult with others who do it on a regular basis, and find ways to improve. This is a skill you will need to have for inside and outside of the classroom. Understanding how to present your message effectively will help you in the long run.

Make sure you are also dressed professionally for the presentation. Don't show up in cut off jeans, sloppy clothes, or look like you just rolled out of bed. As a working professional, you will want to show your professor and classmates you take your appearance seriously. Dress as if you are presenting to a board of directors or your boss.