Graduate Studies Blog

NANYANG MBA

It takes a cohort to raise an MBA

Written by Rahul Sreekumar, Nanyang MBA 2016-2017

MBAs are generally stereotyped as being fiercely competitive, independent workers who can detach themselves from situations in order to be ruthless if necessary. Though just a stereotype, it is not that far off the mark actually. While the truth of the statement cannot be denied, one aspect of the MBA journey is woefully underrepresented – the camaraderie aspect.

One can try, one can even go his/her own way a fair distance, but one simply cannot finish the course without some form of effort, contribution, support and assistance from the cohort as a whole. It does take a cohort to ‘raise’ an MBA.

I for one don’t think I would’ve passed T1 or made it this far into T2, if it wasn’t for the random acts of kindness of my classmates.

It could be as simple as someone helping you figure out which bus route to take, or where the classroom for the day is. It could be the cute girl who lends you her notes (because you were busy doodling), or her reminding you what pre-readings to do for the next class. It could be when you’ve invariably double-booked yourself for separate team meetings (this WILL happen, trust me) and your team covers for you, as you no doubt will need to cover for them at a later point in time.

Games in the MBA lounge

When there are 23 nationalities represented in a cohort of 88, with an average team for an assignment consisting about 4 of those nationalities, approximately 7-8 such teams (in T1 alone), days with up to 3 submissions/presentations, there is NO way to fly it solo. Especially when a significant portion of your learning happens outside of the classroom and within your groups.

As stressful as it is, not only will you need to pull your weight, but you will also at some point need to lend a helping hand to ease another’s struggles during the journey. Here’s where seemingly small things, like taking a 2 AM destressing stroll with someone, or a friend bringing you some ramen at 4 AM, because you’ve been too busy working through dinner, help.

Fun at the Christmas celebration

It might be your personal, academic & professional brilliance that got you here, that sets you apart and that goes on your resume but the role that your peers play toward honing that brilliance during your time here is important.

But that’s also the fun of it isn’t it? Because, if you’re not shining out your brogues to make a couple of presentations in the morning, taking an exam in the afternoon, swapping the brogues for sneakers for the evening kick-about, and swapping the sneakers for your party shoes for the class party at night (where you’ll learn how to raise a toast in five different languages), then you’re just letting the best in MBA pass you by.