Skadoodle wrote:
All,
I'm an introvert about to get an MBA, and was wondering how other introverts have planned their B-school experience to play up their strengths? How have other introverts managed the demands of group work with the awesomeness of alone time?
For further background on myself, during my MBA my top personal goal is improving communication skills, so I want to take full advantage of the group setting but avoid burn out. I did read Quiet by Susan Cain, but found it had little practical advice of what introverts can do to thrive in different settings.
Thanks!
Welcome Skadoodle! You are not alone in being an introvert getting an MBA. I have seen many introverts who have done quite well in an MBA program. The MBA is a great platform for developing and improving communication skills, for sure.
The most successful people I've observed during MBA actually have some degree of introvert in them, so that they are able to concentrate better on different subject matters.
One piece of advise though: Do not obsess over your grades and live in the library (I've seen a few students do that)...as the grade point average becomes a subject of diminishing returns. Focus your efforts more on building relationships and networking.