Four Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming to Simon
December 31, 2024 | Lan-Huong Nguyen ’26S (MBA)
As the year draws to a close, it's a common time for reflection. As I think back on 2024, beginning my MBA at Simon was a milestone. I figured I'd take a look back at my journey so far and share four things I wish I had known before starting my degree in case it can be helpful for prospective students who have business school on their list of New Year's resolutions for 2025.
1. Embrace the Tight-Knit Simon Community—and Beyond
Simon’s small, supportive community fosters meaningful connections and opportunities to lead. You'll develop deep relationships through shared experiences—both challenging and rewarding—in your personal and professional career here. While this closeness is invaluable, remember to explore the vibrant and diverse Rochester community. From cultural events hosted at bookshops or pubs to local dining, expanding your social circle beyond Simon can bring fresh perspectives and a well-rounded MBA experience.
2. Have a Career Focus Before You Begin
The Simon curriculum is flexible enough to let you explore diverse career paths. Still, the fast-paced recruiting timeline means it’s crucial to have a general idea of your target function—marketing, consulting, or finance. I received this advice from an MBA student before starting at Simon, and it helped me approach coffee chats and interviews with intentionality. By narrowing my focus early, I could identify roles aligned with my values and goals, making my recruiting journey much smoother.
3. Plan Financially for Your MBA Journey
Start saving early! Setting aside money before enrolling will help cover conference fees, travel, and housing costs. I underestimated the financial demands of attending conferences and events, and looking back, I wish I had prepared more. Planning will ensure you can fully participate in these enriching opportunities.
4. Know Your Organization System and Set Clear Boundaries
Business school is a whirlwind of academic deadlines, interview prep, conferences, and social events, so staying organized is vital to managing it all. Develop a system that works for you—a digital planner, task management app, or a good old-fashioned notebook. Equally important is learning how to set and enforce personal boundaries. Prioritizing your time and saying “no” when necessary can help you maintain balance, stay focused on your goals, and avoid unnecessary stress or distractions.
Lan-Huong Nguyen is a member of Simon's MBA Class of 2026 and an admissions ambassador.
Follow the Admissions blog for insights into applying to Simon as well as many other topics. For more content like this, visit the Admissions Blog Main Page.
Related Blogs
-
January 8, 2025 | Shabnam Popal ’25S (MBA) and Lan-Huong Nguyen ’26S (MBA) Diversity Conference is right around the corner here at Simon Business School! Shabnam Popal ’25S (MBA) and Lan-Huong Nguyen ’26S (MBA), admissions ambassadors and former Diversity Conference attendees, share their biggest -
December 20, 2024 | Simon Admissions Team January 5 is the Round 2 application deadline for the Full-Time MBA and MS programs at Simon Business School. If you missed the Round 1 deadline, Round 2 offers an incredible opportunity to submit a strong application and still be considered for merit-based -
Here in the United States we are celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday—a time when we pause and reflect on what enriches our lives. Naturally, we thought it also might be a good opportunity to think about what we are most thankful for about Simon, so here are a few reasons we feel grateful today and -
While researching business schools, many candidates are looking for personalized insights. What better way to get an inside look at business school than talking to a current student? Simon’s Admissions Ambassadors—current students eager to speak with prospective students—are available to answer -
Connecting with current students is an essential part of researching business schools. Simon’s Admissions Ambassadors can answer your questions about all things Simon. -
Apply to Simon's MBA, MS, or PMBA for free! Deadlines: PMBA by Dec. 1, Full-Time MBA/MS by Dec. 5. Get your decision fast. Apply today! -
US Army veteran and Techolution's director of public sector sales, Robert Massey, shares how his Simon MBA helped shape his military career. -
The following blog post was written by Jenny Timineri, current Professional MBA student and former Simon Games PMBA grand prize winner. The Fall Simon Games are designed for those interested in the Full-Time MBA, a full-time MS program, or the January start PMBA program. My favorite video game -
Get ready to play Simon Games, a virtual business simulation that builds résumés and offers experiential learning—all while competing for tuition scholarships! -
April Marroquin, Simon alumna and PMBA student, shares insights from her decade in admissions, guiding part-time students with expertise and personal experience. -
Jenn Crandall, Simon’s executive director of admissions, shares insights from 10+ years helping students through admissions and beyond into alumni life. -
Simon launches the new MS in AI in Business program, adding to its STEM programs that equip students with AI skills to transform industries worldwide.