Getting an MBA in marketing is a great way to open up even greater options for your career goals. Not only will you have more credentials to add to your résumé, but you’ll also be able to learn more about the industry in an educational setting. However, getting a MBA in marketing shouldn’t just be about hitting the books and taking exams. Instead, students should also make an effort to find a mentor that they can look to for advice and guidance. Here are some important things to consider when looking for a mentor during your MBA studies and why having one can be so helpful.
What To Look For
No matter where you decide to get your MBA, it’s likely that the business school will be filled with plenty of educated and experienced individuals who may be a good choice for a mentor. However, you should keep in mind that not all mentors have the same experience or background that will be applicable to what it is you want to do with your own pursuits. Therefore, you should look for a mentor who has aligned his or her own professional career to the way you hope yours turns out. Do some research into the past experience of potential mentors and find out whose path may personally help you best. Diversity MBA magazine suggests you create an action plan to help in your selection.
After you have narrowed down your options to a few potential mentors, approach each of them with your own pitch and goals to see whom you connect with. Also consider being candid and open with the mentors when letting them know your objectives. This will help develop a strong bond and give them a better idea of where you want to go with your MBA in marketing.
Experience
After you have selected a mentor, it’s time to soak up every bit of information they give you. From the lessons they learned in school to the struggles they’ve experienced in the real world. The more that you can take from the experiences of your mentor, the more you can work to figure out what paths are right and wrong for you. Furthermore, you can use their experience to look at the mistakes they have made. This will help you avoid making the same mistakes, which will certainly save you time and headaches in your own career.
Future Opportunities
Lastly, be sure to utilize the mentorship for opportunities that may present themselves in the future. Sure, it’s great to get out there and network on your own. But using the same resources that your mentor has already developed will help you build connections with people you may otherwise not have had the chance to meet. In the business world, there is plenty of truth behind the conception that it’s not what you know, but who you know.
Setting out on the path to get your MBA in marketing can be an enjoyable experience. However, in order to truly maximize your efforts, be sure to consider working with a mentor. In doing so, you’ll open yourself up to learning more and making great connections in the process.
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