It’s not even officially Spring yet however we know some of you are actively planning your Summer — which is good! Planning ahead, when you’re doing this big and important things like preparing for your matriculation at business school as part of the Class of 2022, or preparing for your applications to business school to hopefully be part of the Class of 2023, is wise and appropriate.
Some of you in the former category may have lined up a pre-MBA internship (discussed here including some pros and cons). Or, you’ve got some fabulous trip in the works — Coronavirus notwithstanding — where you’re going to visit far-off places with family and friends, or as part of your incoming class such as the KWEST program at Kellogg or many other such opportunities at other great schools. Obviously there’s uncertainty around all of those things, which sucks, but having the opportunity of travel is still a nice headspace to be in! It may feel really stressful because you don’t know if you need to cancel it or not, however it doesn’t hurt to remind yourself of what a great position it is for you to be in.
For those of you in the Planning-For-Class-Of-2023 category, where you’re looking at the excitement of gearing up on your applications — and yes it’s exciting!! you’re embarking on a rollercoaster ride of exhilaration and craziness!! — we’ve already been offering some tips on a critical next step in preparing for coming applications.
Sitting here at the beginning of March, it may feel that all these events are far out in the future.
What changes can you implement today to make sure you’re a new person when September rolls around?
Most of us are not in touch with the seasons anymore; we don’t live in an agrarian society. We may buy our kale at a farmer’s market but it’s likely set up in the middle of a parking lot, not a field.
Yet there’s value to consider the seasons.
What you plant in the Spring will be harvested in the Fall.
That’s just as true for the farmers as it is for you.
The things in your life that are valuable, that add to the worth of you as a person, these things take time to nurture and grow.
If you want to change your life, then that whole carpe diem thing is worth remembering.
You know, seize the day.
What does that actually mean?
It means not letting today slip you by.
It means not putting off your life until…
Yes your bschool experience will be transformative. Yes lots will happen to you in those two years. Yes you’ll meet all sorts of new people and even potentially discover your tribe.
If you’re looking ahead to how you will spend your summer, you’ll see so much opportunity at hand.
Maybe now is a time to sit down with a calendar?
Maybe there’s goals to be set, and growth to be had, through some planning of months and weeks stretching forward?
If you’re hoping to be part of the Class of 2023, then you can put a big X on the month of August, as you’ll be knee-deep in essays for Round 1.
Sitting here in March, there are so many weeks to make the most of.
How will you spend them? How will you invest the limited time that you have?
It need not be bschool-app-specific.
Maybe you want to take a dance class.
Maybe you’re going to play soccer or softball.
Maybe you want to be a foster home for some orphaned kitties from the shelter.
Maybe (ugh) there’s the GMAT or GRE to deal with again.
Today is the day to set these things in motion!
Plant some seeds in the Spring.
If you do so with foresight and intention, you may be surprised at what sprouts, and what you are able to harvest come Fall.
Tell us what you think.