B Schools do not instill an appetite for risk taking

If they did, we would have more entrepreneurs than investment bankers and FMCG marketers

B-schools provide and make sure that their students are conceptually strong.

But the corporate world only turns and seasons them as true professionals

No B-school can be a substitute for on the job experiences. The shift from education to execution is tremendous

Getting your hands dirty

Summer internships can aim to match the on the job, real time exposures; though they can be extensive they would be only for shorter duration. Possibly, industry veterans can be requested to share their perspectives even as theoretical frameworks are being taught.

Indeed the shift from education to execution is a tremendous one in terms of thought, word and deed.

Leadership

B-Schools do provide opportunities to a few elected student body posts.

But leadership is really all about looking at current reality and mobilizing the appropriate response. In addition, working with people of all background and qualification will shape one perfectly

A good leader is one who can lead by example and get his hands dirty when required.

Decision making

This is indeed a critical learning as decisions have lasting, even monetary impact.

Decision making is unique because people who do not have the power to take decisions have all the ideas and suggestions; the moment they get that power, they calm up and start taking safe decisions.

The role in the corporate world is often defined by the alacrity with which you take decisions; and if you get more of them right than wrong, then you are well on your way

Risk taking

If there is one truism in the corporate world, it is that the only thing constant is change. As circumstances change at bewildering speed, it is time to cultivate a managerial appetite for risk taking and this is true of any industry. Risks are real and stare you in the face every day in the corporate world

B-Schools teach you to identify, assess and manage risk; they do not instill an appetite for risk taking. If they did, we would find more B school graduates becoming entrepreneurs than investment bankers and FMCG marketers

MBA like any other opportunity in life is worth only when you make use of it. Any B-school is only as good as the attitude and aptitude of its students. It is important to keep your head firmly on your shoulders, face reality with resilience, and go through life enjoying every moment.

If B-schools do not help one in cultivating these traits, the real corporate world will ensure this. Just make certain that you are not caught on the wrong foot

Thank you