Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Post-MBA: a real life challenge

I haven't blogged since April 09. I was surprised that my story inspired some of MBA mom and dads who commented on my blog. I am happy at least I can inspire others to pursue their dreams.

For people who pursue a full time MBA program, life can be divided into three parts: Pre-MBA, MBA, and Post-MBA. They are so different in the way of emotions, stability, incomes, confidence, career opportunities, networks, friends, etc. For me, it is a big change for each stage.

Here, I just want to say, if you think MBA school is challenging, then you only pass one test. A real life challenge is in post-MBA. How to adapt yourself to a new career, new network, new level of intelligent, new colleagues, new corporate culture, new career inspiration, new life schedule, new living environment, new surprised high living expense if you find a job near New York, or other expensive financial districts. During MBA at school, people are nice, and understanding, encouraging, inspiring because everyone there is learning. For Post-MBA, we enter the real world, where there are no interpersonal skill instructors, free professional coaches, open-mind professors, and understanding classmates. You are all alone out there, if it is a new job, new culture, you are alone! Alone! Alone! That is a big challenge to adapt yourself to the post-MBA life.

I strongly feel that I am so lonely since I depended heavily on Yale SOM's all necessary coaches, career helps, EQ instructors. Suddenly, I do not have those close to me and no free service available. I have to say that I was exciting, and then nervous, and then frustrated in the past months. However, I am learning from where I fall down. Now I feel more relaxed after 8 months experience.

So, keep up your spirit and be prepared for post-MBA.