What a difference two years can make. That’s how most MBAs feel after graduation. Whether it’s the humbling realization that they weren’t the most gifted or accomplished member of their class. Or the fact that their peers were also valedictorians who had been showered with accolades and promotions, many prevailing over heartbreaking hardships in the process. In the end, the MBAs who excelled were the ones who quickly embraced their peers.

Learning how to lead was among the most transformational experiences for these MBAs. At the same time, these MBAs discovered that mastering various principles and processes were also teaching them something deeper. Here is some advice from the alumni to candidates interested in pursuing an MBA:

Data Drives Decisions

Decision-making as a leader is both an art and a science. While it’s critical to gather hard data and input from those around you whenever possible, there’s never a perfect answer. Knowing when to make a call, and when to bring more people and data into the discussion, is an art. Saksham’s biggest area of growth as a leader was becoming comfortable with this balance between art and science.

Take Risks

Different is great. Risha Pahilani’s story began when she chose to [pursue] an MBA in lieu of a traditional business program. While her friends and family saw the new program as a risk, Risha saw it as an opportunity. And by deciding to do something different, she got to build new companies, create change in community engagement and knowledge sharing, and shape how academic curriculum should change. She got to meet lifelong friends, who will be the next Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerbergs of the world. She got to do great things, because of her decision to do something different. Risha learned that there is always something we can learn from the people around us, so ask questions and be open to challenge. Know that there is no black or white.

Learn from Your Mistakes

“Projects may succeed or fail, however, the greatest value is in what you learn and can apply to the next one.

Leadership Comes in Many Forms

Throughout his business school experience, Numaan worked on becoming the most supportive leader he could be. He recognized that in order to be effective listening was important, understand, and appreciate the concerns that were brought to attention. Everyone interprets life events and conflict differently. What may personally move an individual, may have little or no impact on the next person. As a leader, how Numaan perceived the importance of an issue is somewhat irrelevant in making sure that the person he is interacting with is heard and assisted in the fairest way possible. He learned that objectivity and acceptance are incredibly important. Everyone has the right to enjoy their experience equally and no one has the right to diminish another’s experience. Numaan’s experience showed him that he doesn’t need to compromise on his values to be effective.

Don’t Underestimate Networking

The biggest lesson Saloni Mishra gained from her time at Dalmia’s was that overused, ambiguous phrase “Your network is your net worth” really means and how to use it. Leveraging the right contacts appropriately can make a significant difference in outcomes—a job interview, a critical data point, etc. Saloni also learned not to reach out to her network only when she needs something but to foster those relationships on a personal level as well.

Soft Skills Often Trump Hard Skills

It’s all about empathy. The best teachers, innovators, leaders, negotiators, marketers, managers, facilitators, sellers, they all excel at deeply understanding other people’s needs and motivations. Reina truly believes that empathy is the most underestimated and overlooked leadership skill.

Take Nothing for Granted

Hustle harder. For Darshan Bhagat, pursuing a niche path in healthcare management meant that he had to be a part of the community, networking with alumni and other professionals, and diving into academic and practical learning opportunities. With no healthcare experience prior to business school, Darshan pursued two independent studies in palliative care and home health and secured an internship at one of the nation’s leading hospitals. He drank a lot of coffee, meeting healthcare professionals early in the morning as often as possible. He knew that he would have to work hard academically, but Darshan learned that the hustle extended far beyond the classroom. You have to stay hungry.

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