Think Outside the Classroom as an MBA Student

When I was in undergrad, I readily admit that I likely spent too much time at the campus pub. Although I do look fondly upon many of those afternoons (and am still good buddies with Samuel Adams to this day), it is clear to me that I missed out on some more rewarding opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities. As I entered the MBA program, I made myself a vow not to let this happen again. Whether it be a student club, a community service initiative, an intramural sports team or something else, come together with fellow likeminded students and get to know them better while doing something you share as an interest. For me, this was joining the student government, but in an MBA program, the opportunities are endless. Not only will you become much closer with your peers, but you will do so in an environment that lets you all showcase your talents and passions. It is important to supplement your academic schedule with a nice dose of extracurricular participation, as the latter will more likely stand out when you look back and reflect, several years down the road.

I know this comes more naturally to some than to others, but it’s worth putting in the effort. There may never be another time in your life where you’re surrounded by such an ambitious, intelligent and tight-knit group of people. Your MBA graduating class will almost certainly go on to extremely diverse and successful careers. Most importantly, being social and getting to know people on a deeper level will genuinely enrich your experience while you are in the program. Also, years later, when you need some business advice that is outside your area of expertise, it will pay dividends to have a network of good friends (not just acquaintances) spread out across various industries across the country (and likely even the globe) that are more than happy to lend a hand. So, even though it may initially seem as though it’s every MBA student for him or herself, I suggest shaking off that mentality and going in with an open mind and friendly disposition. You may just find that on the very first day of Introduction to E-Commerce, you’re sitting next to your future lifelong best friend who may also happen to go on to be Canada’s most powerful CEO under 40.

Just about every student entering an MBA program wants to get the most out of the academic experience and brighten his or her future career prospects. This is a given, as it absolutely should be. After reading this article, though, I hope you will not allow yourself to be a prisoner in the four walls of the classroom, but will pursue the most fulfilling and well-rounded MBA experience possible.

I was watching A&E’s Duck Dynasty last night as I was writing this piece, and as the closing credits rolled, Willie Robertson, the very successful CEO of Duck Commander, said the following: “Life can't be all about work. And sometimes the best way to get people to work hard is to let them have a little fun first. Because even though hard work is important, everybody deserves a little fun now and then.” I though it was rather fitting. Good luck to everyone as they undertake the one-in-a-lifetime experience that is the MBA.

Jay Mintz is currently pursuing his MBA in Finance at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management in Montreal. He holds a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies from the University of Western Ontario, where he majored in finance and minored in ethics. Throughout his career, Jay has worked in capital markets, asset-based lending and the high-flying world of day trading. Jay has travelled to more than 30 countries around the world and when he’s not on the go, loves spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoys golfing and playing soccer, and has a long-standing passion for fine dining.