If you're considering a graduate program, make sure it is structured so that you'll develop friendships with your classmates. That's my advice for today.
I started back to school a year ago, through the MAB program at Kansas State University, without a real clear understanding of how that aspect of learning would unfold. I knew the subject matter I wanted to study. I understood the expectations placed on a student enrolled in an executive track program. But I had not considered the impact of developing new relationships with other successful agribusiness leaders from around the world.
Twelve months into this program, I probably value that aspect as much as the knowledge I'm taking away from the courses. We are a cohort some 20 people large -- not very big compared to most classes for higher learning. And moreover, we're scattered to the wind, spread across the United States with a few coming from places in South America and Africa.
But just the same, we've become great friends. Every week for 11 months out of the past year, we've met up on Saturday mornings or Thursday evenings for lectures and discussions in a virtual classroom. We've shared phone calls, lengthy e-mail exchanges and virtual chat sessions working on projects, papers and homework assignments. We've delved into research together and produced group projects, using technology to bridge the hundred and thousands of miles that separated us.
And now we're friends. We have inside jokes -- laugh about stories and each others' commentaries. We discuss the day's issues and talk about our businesses and careers.
Learn where it's best for you. Seek out the program that provides what you need. But if you're investing a few years of your personal time and money, make sure the learning gives your more than just a diploma, too. It never hurts to make a few new friends along the way.
No comments:
Post a Comment