Our current student, Kelvin writes about some dos and don'ts. Perhaps you may find them helpful!

At some point during this year, I was going to post blogs that consisted of a list or some sort of numerical countdown. They seem easy to write and I find that I enjoy reading other people’s “lists” on topics that I am interested in.Here it is, my first blog entry in “list” form:

My top 12 takeaways so far in my MBA programme (in no particular order!). Perhaps it will be useful for prospective MBAs.

- Hong Kong is a unique city: I always find it challenging to explain what Hong Kong is like to someone who has never been here. It is truly a great city with so much to offer. There is much to do and lots to discover. The transit is efficient and I don’t need to walk through slush and snow in January. People here possess a hard working attitude and but know how to have a good time as well.

- Try to make as many friends as possible and avoid “cliquing”: The main reason people stufy for an MBA is to meet people and networking. Everyone states that on their application but in reality not many people want to make the effort to do it. Creating friendships and networks both in and out of the classroom is part of the fun of doing an MBA. Just like anywhere else, when there is a large gathering of people, “cliques” will form. It’s important to reach out and get to know everyone.

- Take on more than you think you can handle: People often under estimate what they can accomplish. Doing an MBA gives you a chance to challenge yourself and gain exposure. Sign up for talks, go to events, go to conferences, do case competitions, have drinks with an alumnus you barely know, play organised sports… etc. If an opportunity passes by, you won’t know what you’ve missed or who you could have met.

- Grades are important but actually learning the material will benefit you in the future: I find some concepts I learned in high school and undergrad have popped up again during my working career and MBA studies. As someone without a previous financial background, everything I have learnt so far has been interesting. As much as I want to deny it, sometimes what you learn in school appears in the working world more often than you think.

- Read more: Since I started my programme, I have made a commitment to read more. I feel to be successful after the completion of my studies; I need to do the proper ground work. Instead of reading up on box scores and stats on ESPN all the time, I try to spend a bit more time reading the Financial Times, the Economist and other business publications so that I can gain a better understanding on what is going on around me in the business world. I feel it’s an obligation I have being an MBA student.

- Keep your eye on the prize: The economy is looking quite grim these days and the job market isn’t exactly thriving. I sometimes think back on what I left in order to get my MBA but I realise that to achieve something you have to do something you have never done. I have met some great industry mentors so far and they always say to remain diligent and focused on my goals.

- Enjoy student life: This one is important. I remember when I was out in the working world how much I missed school life. I missed the lifestyle, my roommates and those great house parties we had. This is the last chance you will get to experience this. Make sure you don’t let the opportunity go to waste!

- Stay in touch with people back home: Just because you have made all these new friends during your MBA, it’s important to not forget the people you were close to back home. It might be difficult to find time to stay in touch but smart phones and social media has helped us immensely in this area.

- Keep challenging yourself and try to stand out from the crowd: I have worked hard to get here so why take the easy way out now? My MBA programme is only 16 months long and it will be over before I know it, so why not take the most adventurous road possible? Do and experience things that others are not doing. It will make your time more fulfilling and make your CV more appealing.

- Be a good team player: Another important one. MBA programmes are full of group projects and assignments. Putting effort into group work is important. Try not to be the person that everyone hates and no one wants to work with. This won’t win you any friends either. Plus, being a “team player” is imperative in the workplace once you leave school.

- Travel to the surrounding cities: If you have some time and spare cash, take the time to travel around to surrounding countries or cities. It’s another component of the MBA that makes the experience that much more rewarding. Some of our full time and incoming exchange students have travelled as if it were their part time job!

- Alums and executives are indeed really nice people: Some of the most friendly and helpful people I have met have been senior executive staff and alumni. They are also willing to provide guidance and help when asked. It’s important to build a network around these professionals because they have so much valuable experiences and good stories to tell.