Except for medical school, Ken White can’t imagine any educational journey more transformative than an MBA program.
“When students graduate, they’re completely different from who they were when they first walked in—often in just two years or less,” says White, associate dean of MBA and executive programs at William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business in Virginia. “Make the most of that. I always tell my students, ‘Leave with no regrets at graduation.’”
But before MBA students reach that milestone, experts say there are key things they should keep in mind from day one—like the value of building connections with classmates, showing up at recruiting events, diving into activities beyond coursework, and being open to the possibility of failure.
Don’t Let Classmates Intimidate You
For anyone nervous about measuring up to their peers, White shares advice he once got from his first boss:
“He’d say, ‘Don’t take other people’s inventories. Focus on improving yourself,’” White explains. “And that really hits home for new MBA students because it can feel overwhelming. But it’s also an incredible chance to learn from everyone around you.”
Janaina Siegler, associate professor of operations and supply chain analytics at Butler University’s Lacy School of Business in Indiana, also sees business school as a prime opportunity to grow through others.
“There’s not much cutthroat competition—I don’t see that,” she says. “People want to succeed, but my success doesn’t depend on your failure. We can both do well. So there’s tons of collaboration and endless opportunities—I’d see my peers as a resource, not rivals.”
It’s about leveraging each other’s strengths, adds Archish Maharaja, a business professor and director of graduate programs at Point Park University’s Rowland School of Business in Pennsylvania.
“One student might bring a background in healthcare or engineering, while another has deep business knowledge—they should exchange ideas,” he says. “Ask, ‘Hey, can you help me grasp these business concepts?’ or ‘How can I explain engineering principles to you?’”
Make the Most of Recruiting Events
Beyond bonding with classmates, experts urge MBA students to fully engage with recruiting fairs. Siegler sees them as golden opportunities to connect with companies that appreciate their skills.
“Companies want strong candidates, but you’re also vetting them—checking if the role fits your personality, desired flexibility, salary needs, and more,” she says. “Treat these events like a lab where the university lets you chat with 10, 20, even 30 companies eager to hear what you offer.”
Maharaja advises attending even if the industries or employers don’t initially appeal to you.
“Even if you’re not interested in a particular business, talk to recruiters to explore what’s out there,” he says. “Sometimes you stumble on opportunities you’d never considered—and end up loving a field you’d overlooked. Stay open-minded.”
While White encourages students to participate, he warns against winging it.
“Don’t walk in unprepared,” he stresses. “Do your homework. If you know which companies will be there, research them. See how your skills align. If it matters, reach out to an alum working there first. Yes, it’s work—and MBAs are busy—but you need an internship and a job. Recruiters can tell instantly if you don’t know their company or industry.”
Embrace Learning Beyond the Classroom
Recruiting events aside, experts emphasize that extracurricular activities are just as crucial as coursework. Maharaja pushes students to apply their learning in real-world settings.
“I always urge my students to network with local business owners,” he says.
Siegler recommends joining business clubs, attending speaker series (like Lacy’s CEO talks), and going on school-sponsored trips to businesses domestically and abroad.
White, who also teaches communications at Mason, says out-of-class learning opportunities are everywhere.
“Treat school as just one part of the experience—not necessarily more important than internships, job searches, networking, bonding with classmates, or stepping up as a leader in your cohort,” he says.
Don’t Fear Failing
Finally, experts agree: Taking risks—and sometimes failing—is essential.
Maharaja sees risks as learning opportunities. Siegler views them as skill-building moments. And White says failure is just part of the process.
“I used to think entrepreneurs were a special breed because they’d fail eight, nine, ten times before succeeding,” he says. “But they just know how to handle it—learn, adapt, and move on. An MBA program is a safe space to fail because you’ve got support every step of the way.”
