{"id":10395,"date":"2023-10-19T21:38:42","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T21:38:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/creadom.co\/?p=10395"},"modified":"2023-11-03T09:35:42","modified_gmt":"2023-11-03T09:35:42","slug":"networking-in-mba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/creadom.co\/networking-in-mba\/","title":{"rendered":"Networking in MBA – How Do I Start Building My Network From Scratch in B-school?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What if I told you that networking helped me get job offers from outside the campus<\/strong> even before my placements at IIM Udaipur even started? That\u2019s true. Therefore, I knew I had to write this about Networking in MBA. There\u2019s just too many misconceptions<\/strong> about it out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You, as an MBA student, want to make the best of this MBA opportunity that you have. You are probably at one of the top B-schools in the country and I know that navigating the vast landscape of an MBA program can be both exhilarating and daunting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the curriculum, case studies, and group projects form the academic backbone, there’s another crucial element that often gets overshadowed: Networking in MBA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, clearly, it is at the back of your head. You know you have to make time for it. That\u2019s because that\u2019s what you\u2019ve heard everyone around you talk about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMBA is about networking! MBA is about what you do outside the classroom!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, have you ever found yourself wondering why everyone emphasizes networking so much? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, it’s because networking isn’t just about exchanging mobile numbers at formal events. It’s about building genuine relationships<\/strong>, understanding diverse perspectives<\/strong>, and carving out opportunities<\/strong> that might not even be on the radar yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Networking is an exchange of value<\/strong> (explained later as we discuss).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many MBA aspirants and students, the very thought of networking can be intimidating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Questions like, “Where do I start?” <\/em>or “How do I approach someone without seeming pushy?”<\/em> are common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But here’s what you need to know today: Networking in B-school is an art<\/strong>, and like any other skill, it can be honed with the right strategies and mindset. Yes, even if you are a super-reserved<\/strong> and introverted person like me.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, I will delve deep into the world of MBA networking, offering insights, tips, and actionable steps to help you build a robust network from scratch. Whether you’re an introvert who shies away from large gatherings or someone who loves to mingle, there’s a networking approach tailored for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, gear up as we embark on this journey to uncover the true power of networking in the MBA world<\/strong>, ensuring you graduate not just with a degree, but with valuable connections that can boost your career forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is networking in B-schools even important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The very fact that you are reading this, I know I don\u2019t need to sell you on networking during your MBA. You have your reasons why you think it’s important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But before I dive into how you do it right, let me establish the ground regarding whether it is genuinely important or not. And what are my reasons why I would recommend it to a student like you? Moreover, is it worth losing your mind for or can you do without it as well?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what I feel about it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have made it to a good B-school, and if all you do there is: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • study well, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • get good grades, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • participate in events and, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • be a part of a club or committee\u2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    I think you will do a decent job in justifying to any recruiter what you did during your MBA and you will get a good job as well.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In fact, some of the recruiters may not even care about it unless they\u2019ve been MBAs themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But, yes, you can do much better for your career and for your growth if you think beyond just attending lectures and submitting assignments. Networking is one of the most valuable outside-classroom things that you can do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Networking is about making connections that last a lifetime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here are my quick 5 points of why networking is such a big deal<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Unlocking career opportunities<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Networking is like having an inside track. Through the people you meet, you can discover job openings, internships, or projects that might not be advertised to the general public. It is true. And it pays off only in the longer term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Gaining real-world insights<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        When you interact with alumni or industry professionals, you get a firsthand look into the current career landscape. Their experiences offer invaluable lessons and insights that no textbook or even faculty can ever cover. After all, these alumni are doing what you intend to do!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Personal development<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Every conversation and every interaction in networking helps you grow. It sharpens your communication skills, broadens your perspective, and builds your confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Simply put, it’s a safe space for you to test out how would you conduct yourself in front of someone who is important in the corporate world. You have the leeway to mess it up as well (after all \u201cyou\u2019re just a student\u201d<\/em>). But if you do it even half-decently well, your confidence will improve.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. A supportive group of mentors<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            The MBA journey has its challenges. But with a strong network, you have mentors to guide you, peers to collaborate with, and alumni who’ve walked the path you’re on. It’s reassuring to know you’re not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Trust me, you will need them if you genuinely seek a high-growth start. Never assume you and your hostelmates know it all. In most cases, you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            1. Access to exclusive resources<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              A well-connected network can introduce you to specialized workshops, industry reports, or even global conferences. It’s about staying updated and always being a step ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Frankly, you might require this kind of help rarely in your career. But yes, there could be some days when you need that special expensive research report for the report your boss asked you to present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Or you might want to talk to an industry expert in a certain domain. That person could be in your network already!<\/p>\n\n\n\n