First Quarter/Semester Survival Tips

Finished my first quarter here at Daniels strong. Although, not without a few speed bumps. So, in order to help others (and remind myself of what to do/not do next quarter) I have compiled a list of first quarter/semester survival tips.

Here are a few of my first quarter/semester survival tips:

1. It's great that you have pride, but know when you don't know - If you are struggling with a topic, go see the Graduate Assistant or professor for that topic.Other students may also be a valuable resource when the text in the book looks like a foreign language.
2. Take breaks!!!! - For two weeks prior to my finals I found myself hunched over a table, straining my eyes, in denial of a massive headache approaching, and starving. I studied for a total of 10 hours in one day forgetting to relax. Short of dying, I was not in any condition to study and my brain reached the point of diminishing returns! So, take my advice, plan on taking interval breaks to rest your brain.
3. Nobody remembers the GPA of Steve Jobs - Grades are important but don't forget that there is so much more to your time and what you can get from a MBA program. Of course you have to maintain a certain GPA but don't seclude yourself to your room with nothing but your books, get out and go to social/professional events on campus as well as in the area.
4. Take care of yourself - You are more than just a student. Create a routine that allows for free time, family/friend time, professional time (work on internships, resumes, conferences, ect.), and time to take care of your health.
5. It's not what your MBA program can do for you, but what you can do for yourself - Let me qualify this by saying that MBA programs have a myriad of resources accredited to you being a student and paying tuition. However, it will often be your task to be actively developing your professional rapport. If you want to get an internship, don't sit on your hands waiting for one to be given to you. Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands.
6. Don't forget your friends/family back at home - Sometimes friends/family is sacrificed in the midst of time constraints and building new student/professional relationships. Don't forget that where you are can also be contributed to your old friends and family. Don't forget about them!
7. Get involved, volunteer! - Volunteering for professional association events can be a great (free) way to go to an event and network. Plus, it's mutually beneficial for YOU AND THE ORGANIZATION! Score!
8. Course reading good for interviews? - During one of my courses we were required to read 100+ articles. At one point I thought, other than knowing the content and authors how else can this be useful? During my next interview, I brought up a concept and stated the author who it was from and it just so happened that the interviewer knew the article and we discussed in for 30 minutes. At the end, I was hired!
9. Remember that you don't have to take the class forever - I found motivation during a difficult course by reminding myself that I only had to take the course once if I passed but twice if I didn't.
10. Just because the quarter/semester is over, doesn't mean the work is - Ok, Ok, Ok, I know this is NOT what you want to hear but it's true. Now that the quarter is over, you'll have more time to apply for internships, meet contacts for coffee/lunch, and apply for scholarships.