Introducing the MBA Survival Guide: What you need to know to survive your first semester of business school

Note: Updated December 2020

For anyone who has gone through an MBA program they know the rigor and challenge that comes with the first semester. Adjusting to the academic environment, meeting new people, being exposed to many companies and juggling multiple competing priorities all while trying to maintain some sense of balance is an arduous and rigorous task. For many, it’s not uncommon to feel overmatched, overwhelmed, and underprepared.The good news? Each year, thousands of MBA students make it through their first year of business school, eventually graduate, and go one to lead successful careers. That means you will too.

MBASchooled has handpicked a handful of MBA students and graduates to share their  candid thoughts about their first semester, including the highs and the lows. The experiences they share, and the advice they give should give any first year, or any prospective or newly admitted MBA student the insight and confidence they need to know that they too will succeed. If you’re already stressed out, feeling challenged, or anxious to begin, know that you are not alone, and take a read to learn how you too can survive your first semester of business school.

Post 1: Survive your first semester by focusing on three pillars – Ben Thayer, (Kenan-Flagler, ’16)

Post 2: The one word that describes my first semester of business school – Jill Gramolini (NYU Stern, ’16)

Post 3: How relationships helped Philip Blackett beat the first semester of business school – Philip Blackett, (HBS, ’16)

Post 4: How building relationships pays dividends – Kayla Cartwight, (Darden, ’16)

Post 5: How your first semester teaches you B-School is not a 2 year vacation – John Huang (Ross, ’15)

Post 6: How asking for help enables success – Al Dea (Kenan-Flagler, ’15)

Post 7: Navigating my First Year at Michigan Ross – Stephanie Simpson, Ross, ’21

Post 8: What Business School is actually like in 2020

Post 9: Navigating my First year at the Haas MBA Program – Joey Parker (Haas, ’21)

1 thought on “Introducing the MBA Survival Guide: What you need to know to survive your first semester of business school”

  1. Pingback: 6 Tips to Survive and Succeed in an MBA program | MBA Crystal Ball

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