My first year at MBA school has been a wild ride. It looks all business, financial models, and leadership skills; however, the real learning is outside of the classroom in late night happy hours, conversations in the hallways, and many moments of feeling like an imposter.
So, what did I really learn from a year in MBA school? Here’s my personal reflection on things they don’t teach in the textbook but could be some of the most important lessons. Spoiler alert: it’s not all about the spreadsheets.
1. You Can’t Do Everything — And That’s Okay.
At first, when I began with my MBA , I assumed I needed to join every club, attend each and every event, and perform fantastically on every assignment. I came to learn that doing it all results in burnout, anxiety, and a great amount of cold pizza. Finally, at the end of this year, focusing became really crucial.
What I Learned:
Quality over quantity: I began being more selective over where I invested my time rather than trying to do too much. Be it concentrating on a few key activities or putting in solid hours for assignments, I learned that less can really be more.
You can’t please everyone: I used to feel a lot of pressure to be likable and accepted by my peers, teachers, and future employers. But then I learned that the best kind of relationships-be it personal or work-related-are based on being real and not on trying to impress everyone all the time.
2. Networking Is More Than Just Business Cards
Ah, networking. Just hearing the word used to make me nervous. I thought it was about trading business cards: “Hi, I’m [insert name] from [insert school], let’s swap cards and hope you’ll hire me someday!” But as the year went by, I learned that networking is really about making friendships, not just getting LinkedIn connections.
What I Learned:
Being real is important: People remember you not for your job title but for how you made them feel. A simple, “Hey, I noticed you like, tell me more!” starts the way to deeper, more meaningful relationships. It’s about finding things you share and being really interested in others.
Networking can happen anywhere: Whether you’re waiting in line for coffee, collaborating on a project, or chatting with a professor after class, connections aren’t confined to formal events. Every interaction is a chance to build your network — so be present, approachable, and genuinely interested.
3. Imposter Syndrome is Real — And It’s Part of the Process
If you don’t know what imposter syndrome is, it’s that feeling whereby you often question your skills even though you know you are qualified for what you’re doing. The first few months at MBA school were hard because I felt unsure about myself, most especially with classmates who had great resumes, internships, and business ideas. I kept asking myself, “How did I end up here?”
What I Learned:
Everyone feels it at some point: Whether it’s a future CEO or a first-year student, imposter syndrome affects everyone. It’s not a reflection of your abilities but a sign that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone and growing.
Growth is uncomfortable: The moments of doubt are often the moments right before significant growth. The key is learning to embrace discomfort, because it means you’re pushing yourself in new directions.
You are in the right place: The more I faced my discomfort and trusted the process, the more confidence I gained. Remember, you’re in MBA school for a reason — you belong there.
4. You Can’t Overestimate How Important a Good Group Project Is
Doing group projects in MBA school offers great lessons in how to be a diplomat, a coworker, and most importantly, how to lead teams.
Teamwork is a skill: Much of what we do in real life involves working with others, whether leading or just lending a hand, so learning to work well with others is probably the most important skill you can acquire.
Conflict resolution: Conflicts will come in group work, but they make us grow. I learned how to resolve conflicts, make concessions, and manage issues while keeping the big picture in mind.
Strengths-based leadership: Not everyone in a team is going to have the same abilities, and that is just fine. The best leaders know what each person does well and then ask them to do those things. Letting go of control and trusting others is important for good results.
5. Time Management is Important (But It’s Not Always Perfect)
I felt I was good at time management before MBA school, but the heavy workload, networking events, and activities made me improve my time management skills 10x. However, I learned that even the best systems can fail — and that’s okay.
What I Learned:
Leave room for flexibility: No matter how well you plan, life in business school can be chaotic. So, while it is nice to have a clear calendar, it is also equally important to leave some extra time for surprises.
Focus on what matters: The first couple of months were replete with deadlines, but amazingly, I took less time learning how to sift through what was urgent from what was not. Some things need to be done today; others can be done next week.
Sometimes, you will not manage your time well, and that’s okay; not every day will go according to plan. You may fail to meet deadlines, arrive late, or feel like you did nothing all day. But rather than worry about it, it’s better to take a deep breath and prepare for the next opportunity.
6. Confidence Is Grown Through Doing, Not Just Thinking
I had entered MBA school feeling that my resume would be what opened the door to opportunities. In time, it was the art of carrying one’s self, having a strong presence, and presentation that makes a world of difference.
What I Learned:
Confidence is a muscle: You build confidence by constantly pushing yourself out of your comfort zone — be it raising your hand in class, making a pitch, or having that dreaded conversation.
Fake it ’til you make it: Sometimes you have to act the part before it becomes real. I don’t have a count of how many times I entered a presentation or meeting thinking, “I have no idea what I am doing,” but went on and were stronger afterward.
Be open: Confidence isn’t about knowing everything. As a matter of fact, being open and admitting that you don’t know often comes across far stronger than pretending you do. Most people appreciate honesty and a chance to learn.
7. Business School Teaches You More Than Just Business
You learn many of the hard skills, like finance, marketing, strategy, and entrepreneurship, in MBA school, but the best lessons come from a different place.
What I Learned:
The ability to be self-aware is one of the prime business skills. Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and how you show up is as crucial as understanding the spreadsheet.
Empathy-driven leadership: Leaders who truly understand the needs and concerns of their team really create a healthier work environment and better outcomes. This was emphasized in many courses, and the value of empathy in leadership is what really resonated with me.
Life is relationships. Whether it be going to a meeting or building your own company, more often than not, it is the authentic connections that lead to lasting success. Business is not just about the numbers; it is about the people you meet along the way.
Final Thoughts: It is a Journey, Not a Destination.
One year at MBA school changed my life in ways for which I was not prepared. Clearly, I learned much more than what I expected and while it has not been easy, it’s been an exciting journey packed with growth.
So, to all those of you thinking about MBA school, or wondering what to expect: it’s not always the lessons from text books or lectures that you will carry along in your life; they’re from the struggles, the friendships, and moments of doubt which force you to grow.
As you make your own journey through, just remember: it is not about perfection, it is about being genuine, present, and giving your best. So here it is to another year of learning, growing, and finding out what you are capable of!