The Hindu Business Line : Ask and learn

The key, while doing an MBA programme, is to ask questions and learn as much as possible, says Tejaswi Gupte. A public relations consultant, she says one should never do an MBA course because it's the `in' thing. Gupte, who graduated in 1998 from the Mumbai Education Trust's institute of management, says her decision to do an MBA was sparked off by her fascination with brand management. Her thoughts on B-schools and management education:

On what she learnt at B-school ...

B-school teaches you everything you do want to learn. Making a presentation in front of a class or to a group of external faculty taught me the importance of doing it well. Exactly how to do it well came with practice. While it didn't necessarily prepare me to lead a team, it prepared me for the reality that listening to and understanding what the other person says is the key to getting along and, more important, getting things done.

On what it ought to have taught ...

Giving students a perspective of their role and what is expected of them in an organisation. Simplification and application of some of the concepts — applying game theory in practice will always remain a mystery!

Defining moment at B-school ...

At the end of the first term, when we were interviewed for summer internships, it was our first exposure to the corporate world and gave us a glimpse of what was to follow.

On applying what she learnt ...

B-school cannot prepare you for real life in the sort of practical way you wish it would. It does, however, arm you with a `to do' kit to handle a good bit of it. While these tools don't solve every problem, their effectiveness depends largely on how you use them.

Advice to those in B-school ...

The key is to ask. Ask questions, interact with faculty more and get as much information as you can. Also remember, B-school is the best place to learn from your mistakes. So go ahead and make them and learn from them. It's not the same when it's the real world and the stakes are high!