What I learnt as a BBA student
After high school, a degree in Business Administration is something most of us have considered. Many seem to believe that a BBA degree is our best bet at securing that high-paying job in an MNC. While our degree has no bearing on our talent and capacity as individuals, the realities of such an abstract discipline might at times leave us wondering what we've taken away from the experience, if anything at all. So here's a look at what I've actually learnt in my four years as a BBA student.
HOW TO 'RESEARCH' EFFECTIVELY
In other words, gauging the minimum input we'll need to get the maximum output. This is where research comes in. With a little luck, we'll be paired with a team member whose sleuthing skills are on par with Nancy Drew. For the remainder of our undergrad life, we'll regularly team up with said person whose magical ability to conjure an 80-page report in no time will save hours of forced interaction in a futile group thread.
FREQUENT FIBBING
Semesters are a series of endless presentations because that's all we'll ever do. When presentations are more frequent than Trump's 4 a.m. tweetstorms, we begin to rely on the same formula to get through every time. For example, we frequently cite random Facebook groups as credible survey sources but 'accidentally' leave them at home when our faculties ask for the files.
Don't roll your eyes - we've all pulled the proverbial rabbit disappearing trick before.
THEORIES CAN ONLY GET YOU SO FAR
We spend all our time learning about theories and models that we will, in all likelihood, never need. As our seniors love to remind us, the corporate world is nothing like what we study in classrooms. PESTLE analysis, BCG, marketing mix - they're helpful to an extent. At the end of the day, all you really need is sound judgement. Sadly, there ain't no course on that.
EXCESSIVE USE OF JARGONS
The next time you feel the need to shift the paradigm, leverage a best practice, or synergize, by all means, do it. But only business students will use these cringe-worthy jargons every time. Not only do we sometimes drop these overused phrases into casual conversation but we also vehemently use them in every report, presentation and exam. For instance, describing a firm's fundamental strength almost always involves the cliché core competency - even though that's not what 'competent' means.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP CLASSES DON'T BREED ENTREPRENEURS
No matter what they tell you, no class can turn you into an entrepreneur. Neither can they bestow the knowledge that 'makes' one. We've all sat through a course where a professor well-versed in theories tries to motivate you to choose an entrepreneurial path. Problem is, said course would probably have more of an impact if it was taken by an actual entrepreneur. They tend to ditch the books and impart a lot of valuable practical advice that gives us better insight into the corporate world - which is the entire point.