Build Strong Foundation: Tips and Tricks for Good Placements

Journey to get into good company starts from day one of your MBA program. Few things you have to keep in mind as a budding manager are :

?1.???? Keep yourself updated: Unlike earlier times, currently there are multiple avenues to keep yourself updated. Read newspaper, especially the editorial, watch business news channels, subscribe to e-paper, business magazines, relevant channels on YouTube, create google alerts, follow the sources of genuine and reliable sources on social media platforms like X, LinkedIn etc.

?2.???? Work on your weaknesses: We all know about our strengths, but it is equally important to know about our weaknesses as well. Identify your weakness and work upon it. If you do not have good communication skills, or do not have confidence or are scared of speaking in public, then start interacting in the classroom, do not shy from asking questions, form peer groups and help each other, identify similar avenues which will help you in overcoming your weaknesses.

?3.???? Look for opportunities beyond academics: Do participate in extracurricular activities, there could be many events in your own institutions, there are platform where many opportunities related to management festivals, events are shared. Keep a watch on all such events and participate in the ones that interests you. Keep in mind winning is not important, learning should be your goal

?4.???? Identify dream company or sector you are passionate about: ?Start following all the news related to your dream company. Share your thoughts on the posts on LinkedIn or X about the company/sector you wish to work in. Connect with employees in these companies/sectors.

?5.???? Learn from the Mentors: Every business school have a mentorship program where they assign a buddy / alumni /faculty mentor for each and every student. Do not miss on the opportunity to learn from there experience. No one can guide you better than the Alumni as they have gone through all the challenges which you face during your MBA journey.

?6.???? Right Attitude: “Half the battle is won with a right attitude”. Your scores do not matter if you do not have right attitude. You cannot change your attitude overnight, it changes with time. BE open to criticism and feedback, listen to the faculty members, mentors, peers and change wherever required. Focus on developing soft skills as they will play a key role in your career success.

?7.???? Gain practical experience: These days companies do offer online / live projects and there are several platforms where such opportunities are being shared. Take up such online / live / short term projects so that your CV stands out from others.

?8.???? Create your Personal Brand:? Right from day 1 of your MBA program, increase your presence on LinkedIn, X etc. Connect with industry professionals who visit the campus, follow them and comment on their posts. Ensure that people in your network write recommendations for you, highlighting your key skills. (To learn strategies on how to create your personal brands read my blog Personal Branding on Social Networking Sites https://blog.siib.ac.in/personal-branding-on-social-networking-sites/)

?9.???? Does all the learning happen in classrooms only? The answer is “No”. There are many platforms which offer online courses. Numerous courses from renowned universities and institutes are available on SWAYAM/ NPTEL portal. Even UGC has permitted that a student can pursue two degrees at the same time. There are no limit to learning provided you are ready to put in the required efforts.

?10.? Acquire new skills: While doing your MBA, focus on taking up courses that will help you in acquiring new skills. Industry is looking for candidates that match with the skill set they are looking for. In this era of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Analytics etc., upskill yourself with the latest tools and techniques available in the market and open doors for the bright career prospects for yourself.

?11.? Global Exposure : Many universities / institutes in India have collaborations with foreign universities as part of which they offer student exchange / twinning program etc. If possible do avail the opportunity, visit those universities/ institutes/ business schools, broaden your horizon, increase your network and look for career prospects not only in India but abroad as well.

12.? Focus on learning during your Summer internships: Keep in mind that doing summer internship in a good company is not important, but it is very important to work on a good project in your internship wherein you must get lot of learning and exposure. Go for internships which offer opportunity to connect with the customers, which involve field work. Learning in field is much more than learning while sitting in an office. During final placements companies prefer candidates who have field experience over those who would have worked in an office setup.

13.? Projects and Assignments: Focus on doing dissertation/ assignments on your dream company/sector and highlight the same in your CV.

14.? Have an open mind during final placements: If you would have worked on all the points mentioned about final placements will not be a problem for you. If not in your dream company you will definitely get into the sector you are passionate about.

Remember your final placement will depend on the time and ?efforts you will put in during your two years of MBA program.

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