The Business of Success: An MBA Student's Guide to Life

By Sarah Clark
Career Colleges Columnist

Graduate-level business school is no walk in the park. It requires discipline, hard work, and stamina. What can you do to prepare for the two-year academic and social marathon that is business school today? Here are a few friendly words of advice.

Business School Food for Thought
Success is meaningless if you aren’t well enough to enjoy it. One of the most important steps you can take is to improve your health. Start eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like whole wheat bread and brown rice. Pack your fridge with healthy snacks like baby carrots, apples, and nuts. Avoid quick energy fixes in the form of sugary drinks, candy, and cakes.

MBA Students Need Sleep, Too
The Journal Sleep reports research by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine that found lack of sleep impairs cognitive function. Most people need around eight hours of sleep; some might need a little more and others a little less. The interesting finding of the University of Pennsylvania study is that those who are sleep deprived often aren't aware of it, so if you think you're rested on six hours of sleep, think again. You might be functioning below your potential.

Personal Business: Examine Your Relationships
If you've gone through a nasty break-up or just lingered in a relationship fraught with tension, you know what a toll it can take on your professional life. Try to liberate yourself from any unhealthy emotional entanglements before you begin your MBA program. This will allow you to focus on business school affairs and free you to build lasting friendships with MBA program mentors and peers.

Budgeting 101: Get Your Finances in Order
Financial worries are a huge distraction and burden, one you don't need as an MBA student. Plan far in advance to make sure you are eligible for any student loans you need. If your credit is poor, or credit history limited, find someone who will serve as a co-signer to a student loan. If necessary, line up a part-time job to help pay your living expenses during school. It’s a balancing act, but and MBA will improve your post-grad earning potential tremendously. Your education is your greatest investment.

Take Some Time Off Before Business School
You're going to be busy the next couple of years, so take some time to spend with family and friends before you dive into your MBA program. Make sure it's relaxing and that you get an opportunity to do some of the things you love most.

About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development and postsecondary education.

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