It is that time of year again when new MBA students start winding down their current jobs to prepare for the 16 month program at Texas A&M Mays School of Business.  So what should a new student expect and be prepared for? 

First and foremost, be completely moved in by the time you start orientation in early August; there will be little time for cable guys and furniture delivery while in orientation and then classes start mid August.  If you need help start befriending your future classmates using FACEBOOK and ask for help and be willing to give back (you are all in this together)

Second, start being a leader; start taking charge of the experience and living like a leader.  At A&M there will be 20% of your class that are international students ... no car, new to the area etc.  if you are a student with a car start volunteering to drive your classmates to the various functions (understand that the campus bus system is not yet running when the program first starts).

Third, A&M is not like other programs that have a lot of sink time ... you will need to stay on top of your assignments and homework or you will be left in the dust.  Unlike your undergraduate course participation is MANDATORY so just doing well on the tests will NOT will not guarantee you an A ... you are to be a leader, not just some smart person ... so speak up.

Finally, make friends, these will be the people you may hire in the future.