The Setting Sail Series is a collection of blog posts from graduating Career Captains that include their favorite memories from the business school, as well as advice for incoming/returning students.
Ayswarya here – It’s almost time! As I look back at my time at the International Business School there is a gush of emotions but above all there is a sense of achievement and gratitude. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t all rosy – in fact it was challenging for most part, but it was also an experience necessary to evolve and grow in my chosen career path. Here are some of the things that I believe helped me survive graduate school and hopefully will help you too!
- Remind yourself of why you are here – With so much happening around you all the time, it’s easy to get overwhelmed; especially if you are going through a program that is completely new to you. Here just remembering your reason and your end goal will help prioritize and do better.
- Take classes and courses that add value to your career path – The University offers a variety of courses to choose from, to the point that can be confusing. One way that helped me stay on track is by thinking whether each class will actually help me in the future. At the end of the day there are only so many courses you can take before you graduate.
- Join clubs – University clubs are a good way to show your future employers your interests. They can be good conversation starters and can also be used as an example to demonstrate your leadership skills and your ability to manage time effectively.
- Participate in events/competitions – Get out of your comfort zone! Brandeis is a diverse and inclusive community, which is a great opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world, learn about their culture and create a global network.
- Go to speaker sessions – This one is so underrated! Think about it – people who have been at the same position as you just a while ago, doing jobs that you want or even better, jobs that you didn’t know you wanted until you heard them speak.
- Take advantage of the plethora of resources Brandeis has to offer – There are lots of resources at the University aimed at supporting you such as Career Strategies and Engagement Center, Department of Community living (if you need assistance with off campus housing), International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) (for help with visa and immigration related questions), Peer Advocacy and Resource center (PARC), and my personal favorite – the Library (great collection of books in excellent condition, what more do you need?)
- Ask for help – Brandeis is a small school and the advantage of that is that you are a part of a close knit community. Your Professors and Career Coaches would probably know you by your first name, take advantage of that and let them know who you are and what your interests are and leverage your Brandeis network.
Time at the University goes by very quickly and of course this is not an exhaustive list and yes, some of this may even seem trivial but this has been my experience and my hope is that yours is even better!
P.S. – My experience would be incomplete without mentioning my favourite installation at Brandeis; that is literally how I felt most mornings after I would walk up the hill to the Business school!
Some other favourite memories!
The Cruise, Career Captain Team Photo, Casino Night, Dogs on Campus, Diwali Night
