Reflections on learnings from the MBA (1)

My MBA Journey began out of my bustling curiosity, the sheer quest to know more about business education, connect with leading experts, network with like minds and conquer my fear of navigating spaces that confront multifaceted business issues. From the onset, I was open minded to any experience; just a willing heart ready to consume teachings and practicalities I was not used to. There was a sense of optimism, excitement and also anxiety and eagerness. All I knew at that point was that I needed to be ready for an entirely new and eccentric challenge that would consume me for the next 24 months.

My first introduction to LBS work was a brush-up week. This was some sort of technical orientation to the program. It was designed to introduce us to the rigorous course and be familiar with the lectures, program routine, staff, faculty members, dos and don’ts, school culture and just a general introduction to the program. A few of the sessions were held online. In these sessions, we got introduced to the world of data analytics, financial recording and accounting, professional communication, decision making etc. In our inaugural physical session, we held etiquette classes and also sessions on emotional intelligence. These were very eye- opening sessions; they were very informative and really triggered a feeling of hungry curiosity in me. I was more prepared to go for the jugular when the full course resumed.

Aside from the academic aspect, we also got a glimpse of what extracurricular activities look like on campus. We were tutored on the various clubs we could join to help us with our academic sojourn. Clubs like Toast Masters, Data Analytics, Entrepreneurs Club, etc provided a refined variety for folks who wanted to improve, connect and try out new circles for themselves. The sense of community this sort created was quite intriguing and nice, considering the fact that the school drew diverse audiences and people from different backgrounds.

Interestingly, as part of the extracurricular activities, we also got a touch of what it means to have the crème de la crème of the professional, political and civil society be together in one space sharing ideas and espousing ideas and thoughts that make them. At one of the events, we had the honorable high commissioner of Canada to Nigeria come speak to us about the economic, cultural and political relationship between Nigeria and Canada. He stressed the bilateral relationship between both countries. He then went on to answer questions from a teeming crowd of Nigerian professionals, students, workers and even just enthusiasts. It was an eye- opening event. Other events around this period included a career fair, a round table discussion that featured a lot of well-to-do people.

Finally, and crucially, the first week of my Lagos Business School journey just showed how much was to be gained in terms of experience, relationships, knowledge and networking. It feels just as rigorous, intense as much as it is interesting to be here. Ultimately, this will be one of the most profound periods of my lifetime for me.

Enjoy!!!