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Reflecting on a Memorable Weekend at Business School Events
Reflecting on a Memorable Weekend at SEED Business School Events in Hyderabad and Bangalore
I want to extend a big kudos and heartfelt thanks to the amazing organizing team at SEED Business School. The founders and the entire team orchestrated everything seamlessly, making it a pleasure to meet and connect with all of you.
A special thank you to my alma mater, UCI (University of California, Irvine), where I pursued my MBA at The Paul Merage School of Business. It was an honor to represent the Paul Merage School of Business for recruiting and admissions. Thank you to Melanie for this wonderful opportunity and reaching out about this and the UCI Paul Merage Leadership Team - Burt and Lisa for your support. Thank you, Nikhil Dawra, for representing, co-hosting, and all the incredible support. It was my pleasure working with you.
To the admissions and recruiting teams from various universities across the US, Canada, and other countries, I cherish the camaraderie, collaboration, and partnership we share. Thank you for the wonderful moments and the great times. I look forward to staying connected with you all!
The event had a fantastic turnout, with numerous aspiring students, both new graduates and working professionals, in attendance. It was energizing to witness so many passionate individuals eager to keep advancing in their lives and chase their big dreams. Reflecting on these moments, I'm reminded that the best way to enjoy life is to keep learning, giving, and growing in both our personal and professional lives.
#EverydayLearning.
For those exploring business school programs for graduate studies, here are a few recommendations:
Explore Various Schools: Review all the programs thoroughly. Beyond the traditional MBA, many universities now offer specialized master's programs like MSBA, MFin, MAcc, etc. Find the program that best fits your current life stage and goals.
Reach Out: Connect with alumni and admissions teams, and study the options thoroughly.
Stay Connected: Follow SEED Business School for updates and participate in live/online events if you are an aspiring individual in India.
Check Out eGMAT: I met the amazing founders at the event, and their programs are worth exploring. Stay tuned for more updates on this.
Someone once told me that you're halfway through your graduate journey once you get admitted and start orientation. That's so true! You've already done your research, fulfilled academic and experience requirements, written essays, recorded video self-introductions, and interviewed with admissions teams. That’s the first part of the journey. Next, if you're studying abroad, you'll get your visa, acclimate to a new place, find housing, deal with homesickness, cook for yourself, and possibly find roommates. This is where you learn so much outside the classroom. Then the main thing to remember is once you enroll yourself after all the efforts, there is no backing up ----you will graduate with the degree - 100% guarantee (unless something really unavoidable happens which is a rare thing!).
On ROI and Graduate Studies:
I often get questions about ROI. To me, the journey's value goes beyond measurable financial returns. The true ROI is the personal transformation and the sense of accomplishment that you can truly value.
Regarding concerns about program choices, job opportunities, and the fear of not getting any, remember not to be swayed by societal pressures or external competition. This journey is about self-discovery, and you are in complete control of understanding your "why," "what," "where," "when," and "how." If you put in the effort and walk this path, you'll find a way to pursue new goals, regardless of external circumstances. This is the essence of life education, especially graduate studies.
Beyond Financials:
When considering the value of higher education, it's essential to look beyond the financial aspect. While a degree can indeed open doors to better career opportunities and potentially higher earnings, the true value lies in the broader impact you can have on your families, friends, society, and community. Think about how your knowledge, skills, and experiences can contribute to the well-being and growth of those around you. Whether it's inspiring a family member to pursue their dreams, mentoring a friend through a challenging time, or actively participating in community initiatives, the ripple effect of your actions can be profound and far-reaching.
Reflecting on Maslow's hierarchy of needs (read my other blog about wealth), it's essential to recognize that education can fulfill various levels of needs—from basic financial security (Physiological and Safety Needs) to deeper psychological and self-fulfillment needs (Belongingness, Esteem, and Self-Actualization). Achieving higher levels of this pyramid involves not only personal accomplishments but also contributing to the greater good, finding purpose, and making a lasting impact. As you embark on or continue your educational journey, take some time to reflect on your big "WHY." What drives you? What are your passions? How do you want to make a difference in the world? Understanding your deeper motivations can provide clarity and purpose, helping you navigate challenges and stay committed to your goals.
Selecting the Right Program:
To align your educational journey with your goals, follow these steps:
Self-Assessment: Identify your career goals and interests.
Research Programs: Explore options, including MBAs and specialized master's programs.
Practical Considerations: Evaluate location, duration, format, and costs.
Pre-Work and Application Requirements: Understand prerequisites, prepare application materials, and put in efforts to stand out (essays, recommendations, interviews).
Connect with Alumni and Faculty: Gain insights and understand program culture.
Support and Resources: Check available career services and networking opportunities.
Reflect on Fit: Ensure the program aligns with your values and long-term aspirations.
Choose a program that empowers you to grow, make a meaningful impact, and, most importantly, gives you HAPPINESS.
On a Personal Note:
Participating in these events always takes me down a memory lane. The transformations I experienced during my MS at USC and my MBA at UC Irvine are moments I will always cherish. Beyond academics, the connections, friendships, and self-discoveries make up the other 60-70% of this enriching experience.
#ReflectionTime — Is your life heading in the direction you want it to go? Have you put aside any big dreams because the timing wasn't right or due to self-limiting beliefs? Feel free to reach out if you or anyone in your network needs career/life coaching or any other services we provide.
'Life is a journey, not a destination.' - Dream Big and Persevere.
With lots of love and best wishes!
Sandhya
@Trail Blazers Consultancy Services
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#CareerCoaching #ExecutiveCoaching #LifeCoaching #Mindset #GoalSetting #Career #Motivation #MBA #SpecialityMasters
