5 common mistakes made by MBA students in India

Management in the corporate sector is all about assessing, estimating, and forecasting events. With the advent of the new motto of “manage, organise, and oversee”, MBA graduates are expected to embrace these strategies from their very first day in college. Every year, a large number of students enrol in MBA programs, making the competition quite fierce. Five years later, at their workplaces or alumni gatherings, MBA students lament the mistakes they made.

We, at Sunstone, understand your dilemmas and thus here we highlight some of the common yet major mistakes that students commit during MBA and what are the challenges for MBA students. With admission to MBA courses opening soon, we want you to be careful and avoid making MBA application mistakes.

5 common mistakes made by MBA students

How you decide to pass your MBA days will determine how your career graph will be. Go through the 5 common mistakes made by MBA students to ensure that you avoid committing any of them.

• Not choosing correctly – pick the right stream or specialisation
  The most common mistake during MBA made by students is choosing the wrong college or specialisation on the suggestion of friends or relatives without actually going through the details. The range of specialisations available is so vast that selecting the right stream has become yet another difficult task for students.

How to avoid this mistake?
Before enrolling in a specific college and for a specific stream, prepare a list of the best MBA courses, and a thorough list of course outcomes that you expect. Now try to match a suitable course with the expected outcome. The future career chances are significantly influenced by this. It is essential since some students may desire to study for an MBA to become great entrepreneurs while others may want a career in banking.

While preparing a list of the institutions to consider for the admission process, consider important factors such as the institute’s accreditations and reputation. Go through the website of the institution for detailed information. Choosing the right college and stream is the first important step toward your MBA career. Make sure to be confident about your choice.

• Not starting with the end in mind- study from day one!
  Most students sit back and relax, revelling in the fact that they have gotten into one of the top business schools, and believing that everything will fall into place on its own. This is one of the most common mistakes during MBA, made by most students! They simply repeat the mistakes that their seniors have regretted.

How to avoid this mistake?
Instead of following their path, buckle up and start working with vigor and focus from the start. Determine your areas of interest ahead of time so that you can choose MBA electives accordingly. If you want to maximize the benefits of the management course, make sure your focus is clear.

• Ignoring practical sessions & training- taking every step seriously
  Every MBA program has one thing in common: business practicals. These help students get a better understanding of the business world. So, once a student has decided on a major, the next critical aspect of the program is to actively participate in projects and practicals.

Most students do not devote enough time and value to practicals, believing that the MBA program is more focused on theory than on practice, and this is where they go wrong. Both aspects of the MBA program are equally important and can expose you to real-world situations that you will face once you enter the industry.

How to avoid this mistake?
Avoid making the big mistake of undervaluing internships and summer training. Job opportunities frequently result from internships. Make the most of your training by paying close attention to it because businesses that hire MBA students for internships typically also need full-time staff.

• Not developing communication and language skills- effective communication is your way to success
  An MBA student might benefit from having strong language and communication abilities. To determine final admission offers, Group Discussions and Individual Interviews are typically held in MBA colleges. Therefore, it’s critical that you do well in these rounds if you want to be guaranteed a spot in an MBA school.

How to avoid this mistake?
Your ability to convey your ideas clearly and confidently in front of the jury will depend on how well you can communicate and use language. Your communication skills are also taken into consideration when you apply for placements because they serve as the cornerstone of a successful career as an MBA professional.

• Not being present on campus during important occasions- be at the right place at the right time!
  Management colleges organise a variety of activities such as job fairs, conferences, and talks by industry experts to provide students with much-needed industry exposure. MBA students, on the other hand, make mistakes by failing to attend such events.

How to avoid this mistake?
These events provide an opportunity to capitalise on opportunities solely for the benefit of students. These activities should be given careful consideration if you want to stand out from the crowd.

Apart from these, the students must ensure that the B-school that they are choosing in India should be a UGC and AICTE recognized one. If you are still wondering, “Are MBAs in demand in India?”, you must know that it is one of the most sought-after degrees after medical and engineering. Parents put a lot of hope in their children and do not think twice before spending their hard-earned money on the education of their children. Therefore, you must ensure to avoid all the common mistakes made by others and reap the maximum benefits from the course.

About Sunstone

Remember, when you need guidance and expert opinions, Sunstone will always be there with solutions. You will not only be aware of the mistakes to avoid but also well informed about the right steps to take for a successful MBA career.

Sunstone is a leading higher education services provider that works with academic institutions in upskilling students for employability. Sunstone offers career-oriented training interventions for undergraduate and postgraduate students at 40+ institutions across 30+ cities.

Sunstone’s training programs are industry-endorsed to enhance employability. These programs are designed for hybrid delivery with an unparalleled focus on soft skills and personality development. Sunstone’s focus is to provide students with a holistic educational experience.