Life as an MBA Candidate
This webinar covers life as an MBA candidate. The transcript is below.
Samuel: Lane is a city where a community of MBA students who are enthusiastic and are looking forward to leveraging their MBA for a politically and economically inclusive Africa and this we do by ensuring that we make the continent better than it was. We tend to build an inclusive Africa that is self-perpetrated whereby we try and engage many young and talented Africans in the best track of becoming a leader by connecting them to the opportunities that will be financially self-sustaining and think of what they will do in the nearest future.
As a program, we tend to empower young Africans by assisting many global MBA programs within a given time. We usually major in those people that can actually do well in terms of improving the continent. We also ensure that the students are well connected with the recruiters of the incubation programs across and this we do to ensure their income is secured during their stay in the program. As a team, we are looking forward to working with people who are creative, people that are accountable in that he or she can be able to explain and take responsibility for their actions. We want those that are selfish in a way that they can actually put others first before they think of anything concerning them.
Chucks: Any cultural challenges based on relocation from the former location to the current location? How can one deal with it?
Saheed Falola: Cultural context in terms of communication may be challenging due to differences in culture since other cultures may not consider the fact that you are from another country. This may be stressful since you have to break things down or speak slower for efficient communication to take place.
Ezinne: All you have to do is build confidence and courage while communicating and not just see relocation as discouragement or rather a cultural shock, since this is where you can get to learn some tricks and some knowledge in the business field.
Chucks: Any challenges based on accent while talking to others?
Chioma: Some people may not be from the same country as you, so talking may be difficult due to differences in accent and this might be challenging since communication may be a problem.
Chucks: Any trial to integrate with your people beyond communication?
Ezinne: You can reach out to each other based on professional aspirations and this you can do by forming groups where you will also get to meet with others and share ideas.
Saheed Falola: It is advisable to try and make friends, or rather try participating in the activities provided and be able to network well since this might help in gaining some skills in the business field.
Chucks: How can one manage to get through the recruiting session? What tips can one use to get a job as an international MBA student?
Ezinne: You can actually form groups and practice interviewing yourselves based on different product showcasing and this really helps during recruitment sessions since it gives one an idea of how to prepare for an interview.
Saheed Falola: You should also be able to know what you intend to gain from the program which helps in narrowing down your approach. Also, take your time to check what you want and also be able to network since it helps interact with different people from different continents and this helps one to have some new ideas concerning the business firm.
Chucks: Is it possible for one to know what he or she wants in the program before considering joining the program or can one just join and figure out things as time goes by?
Saheed: It is advisable to at least have some connections so that you know where or what you are getting into especially when dealing with experienced opportunities.
Chioma: One can actually join the program and switch if at any point he or she discovers what is good for him or her since the opportunities are limited due to the high demand especially for those that wish to join the international group.
Chucks: How can one deal with the vices that are prevalent in society?
Ezinne: It is better to look for a community where people can understand you and you can also get to tell them what you have in mind and this really helps since you all get to understand similar things differently.
Questions and Answers
How can one tell a compelling story in an application especially when you are not sure of what areas to venture into post-MBA and how do coffee chats work?
Saheed: You can actually talk about yourself and ask about the program and talk of why you want to join them and why you are thinking about the industry. It is not important to talk about you looking for a job but you can just try and build up a conversation with them.
Ezinne: When we talk of coffee chats, you can just have people that you can share your ideas with since they can make the conversation begin well.
Chucks: Can one also take other non-intensive opportunities such as extracurriculars?
Ezinne: So long as you can handle both the MBA program and the extracurriculars without any problem, and you can get some time to rest, you can go for it provided you check on your limit.
Chucks: How are you able to survive only with the MBA and quitting your job given that you go to new places?
Saheed: It is advisable to first know about the program and also try and communicate with others so that you have ideas on what you want to apply for. We also provide scholarships and this helps in terms of fees.
Ezinne: One can also apply for supplementary loans since they help in terms of accommodation and other living finance needed, or rather, you can use personal income.
Ezinne: Do not let the shock of being a minority limit your experience, but instead try and reach out to people and get to know more about the program and try being open for you to be familiar with what you want to apply for.