Not Really Perfect!

I attended the "MBA Panel" today which was organized by Alpha Kappa Psi (the Business Fraternity I'm part of) and I found answers to a lot of questions that kept whirring in my head about taking an MBA.

One of the questions that I was particularly thinking about before the panel took place was about what the ideal MBA applicant should be. And really haven't we heard a lot about who the perfect MBA applicant is? A consistent 4.0 GPA in college, college leadership experiences and a lot of work experience coupled with great recommendation letters.

The truth is that this perfect candidate is still quite imperfect. Attitude is what can tip the scale.

Going retrospective, I realized how much my own attitude has changed over the years. I've made so many mistakes but I'm happy I made them because I learned a lot from those mistakes. I remember the tough years I had at high school. Having social problems in high school is not something unusual, I'm sure. Each one of us have seen this. And although I didn't have the greatest times spent in high school, I know that those years were important. Because they helped me learn! I was a shy, introverted, taciturn, stubborn and sentimental individual who, in spite of getting good grades, was missing out on one major important thing: her attitude.

All the panelists emphasized the importance of attitude. Most top MBA programs hold interviews where they evaluate the candidate's attitude.

Forming a good attitude is almost a science. I don't think I'm exaggerating myself when I say this because developing a good attitude can be learned, even by introverts. Good attitude is something you see in many leaders today, or even in some of your friends! I think what I've observed in some of the people who I think have a good attitude is showing a genuine interest in other people. People who are always thinking of themselves can never find space in other peoples' lives. Maintaining eye contact and keeping in touch are two simple ways of expressing a positive interest. Yet, a lot of us forget to do even that. We all are busy and just a short, personalized e-mail or even a 5minute chat with complete attention to the person you're talking to can leave a favorable impression.

So you could have tremendous analytical skills or exceptional grades, but if you don't have a good attitude, you're not there yet.