WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT LBS?
I am glad to tell you that you couldn’t have chosen the LBS experience at a better time.
Increased globalization is bringing about a meltdown of international borders. Consequently, businesses are beginning to think less national, and more regional and global. Like most members of the elite MBA clique worldwide, your ambitions have brought you here in search of the “X-Factor”; those skill-sets that stand you apart from peers in your chosen career or business.
 |
| One of those sleepless nights |
But before the glory, you will need to live the story… and trust me; it is not all rosy.
NOW YOU ARE IN… WHAT DO YOU ANTICIPATE?
On our first day in school, we interacted with interesting people like the Dean, Enase; MBA Director, Nubi; and one of our dear facilitators, Henrietta (iron lady). But I will never forget when the Facility Manager, Mrs. Matilda Ubajiaka mentioned that LBS will open its doors to us at 6.30am, and will be glad if we leave in time for it to shut down at 8pm. In response to this, I remember my friend and group member, Mayowa, muttering under his breath, “wetin man pikin go dey do here reach that kind time?”
 |
| Burning it up at 1am |
Don’t be in a hurry, though. When the time comes, you will know.
As the age old saying goes; “who no go, no fit know”. Time has definitely revealed lots of things that kept us in school till 8pm. In fact, it became common for LBS to drive us away at night, only for my group to converge at Bie’s crib or Christie & Oyinlola’s crib. On such nights, sleep was elusive. You will encounter those unfortunate days like when Dr. Owolabi expected a group analysis of 10-year financial reports for Guinness and Unilever in PowerPoint by 9.30am. Or like when Dr. Salami asked for the submission of printed one-pagers by noon, describing in summary, the entire Nigerian Financial System… And you will learn, like we did, to stay over in each other’s houses to burn the midnight candle, in pursuit of deadlines.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
There is no question as to whether you are smart or not; you scaled through the rigorous admission process of the LBS MBA programme, didn’t you? However, on this journey with you are 60-something equally (if not more) brilliant individuals. Some of their contributions in class will make you doubt your ability to think.
 |
| Mayowa breaking it down at almost 8pm |
When Adebayo or Seun (Mrs.) speak, I ask myself, “abi no be the same case me and these people dey read so?” Ayo, Othuko and Ayowole regularly sent me free-falling through off-tangent, deep and well thought-out analysis.
But guess what? It is not a competition. Prepare well by reading those cases and technical notes. “Internalize your binders”, as Owolabi would say it. Speak with confidence and clarity when you participate in class discussions. As you gradually identify your areas of strength, feel free to express yourself and share with others. You will discover by the end of the first year, how much of your most desired/admired skills you would have absorbed.
WELCOME TO AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
When next you get to class, please take a good look at the faces of all those wonderful people. Some of your best friends will be made here. Surprise birthday parties will be hosted by these strangers who have become an integral part of your future. Marriages have been birthed on this programme. Many successful businesses started in LBS.
The LBS experience is whatever you make of it. Beyond the grind of your daily school routine, find time to get to know each other. With the help of your lecturers, your colleagues and the many people you cross paths with within the next 21 months, you are set to create some of the best memories you will cherish for the rest of your life. I hope you make the best of it; and as the LBS cafeteria staff like to say, I sure do hope you “Enjoy it”.
Best Regards.
Kelechi Okere
Class President, MBA 11
No comments:
Post a Comment