10 tips to survive the roller-coaster ride of business school

I shared this note with the incoming class of 2014 at ISB. I graduated from there in 2013.

Originally published on ISB Canvas in 2013.

Congratulations! You made it past the Orientation Week. The ride that you had been waiting for has begun. You have heard it being described as a roller-coaster and it is a very apt description that you will begin to appreciate with the passing of time. As you make the slow climb towards the first peak, here are some tips from someone who has been on this ride before.

1. Stretch yourself

The ISB experience will expose you to a many things along the way. Ensure that you do not lose out on any new experiences because you have held on to preconceived notions about the experiences or about yourself. Discover what you are capable of doing by trying new things.

2. But keep your hands in at all times

While stretching yourself is good, stretching rules of conduct is not. Be it classroom etiquette, study group dynamics, or extra-curricular commitments – make sure you do things like you used to at your workplace.

3. Make new bonds

ISB is filled with like and unlike minds and all of them are unique and exceptional. Take the time to meet your neighbours, help them get through the journey, and let them make your journey more beautiful. Take away bonds for life from this one year.

4. Smile for the camera

Keep up the positive spirit with which you came to ISB. Good memories, friends, or opportunities could come when you least expect them.

5. Enjoy the highs

There will be plenty of moments of individual and shared glory at ISB. Make sure you take the time to pat your team and yourself on the back for the hard work and creativity that went into your victory.

6. Learn from the lows

Success is a habit for most students at ISB, but you need to see the lows as well. Embrace them, be they in inter-personal dealings, academics, or extra-curricular activities, and learn from them.

7. Scream (or not!)

You are here because you are unique. Do not lose that in your quest to be like everyone else. On a roller-coaster ride, some people scream, some close their eyes, while some sit quietly and smile. Keep an open mind to other ways of doing things, but do not lose your uniqueness in trying to fit in.

8. Hold tight, but let go once in a while

It is great to be prepared, give your best, and go for gold every time. But life is more than optimising every moment. Let go of your tight hold on things once in a while, see what new sights and sounds you can find.

9. Relax and enjoy the ride

Remember that just like a roller-coaster, the ISB experience is completely safe and that everyone makes it to the other side. Stress and worry are acceptable because the real world does have them. But do not be overwhelmed by these feelings lest you forget that you are here for an enjoyable and unforgettable trip.

10. Look back when you are done

This one year will be over before you realise it. In this year, ISB will give you a lot and help you transform yourself for the better. Capture your moments here and relive them to internalise the academic and non-academic learning. Do not forget to keep coming back to ISB for the rest of your life so you can make the ride better for all those who follow.