What I wish I knew before joining GBSH

As a fresher student, choosing to switch my career path seemed daunting. What if I am not prepared? and Is it worth the risk? were just a few of the many questions I had. But that's life, it is always uncertain, and as humans, one thing we’ve learned is to evolve and adapt.

I have definitely developed both my professional life and personal life during my time at GBSH. However, at times, I wish I knew the following before joining GBSH:

1. How to break the ice

Studying with a diverse cohort can be difficult to navigate at times. Some students can be very friendly and approachable and some students are the complete opposite. Knowing certain icebreaker phrases or relatable ones could definitely come in handy!

2. How to cook

As international students, we yearn for a traditional home-cooked meal. Although we can survive on pasta and instant noodles, a simple homely meal is all you need to get over that homesickness sometimes. I wish I learned some of the dishes from my mother before arriving here.

3. How to operate online classroom tools

As someone who graduated in the pre-covid era, I've never been confident with online classes. During my Masters, apps such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Teams became a part of my daily routine. From online meetings with classmates to guest lectures, proficiency with such tools is a must!

4. How to network

As a healthcare professional, I’ve been foreign to the concept of networking, until I joined a business school. The power of networking is paramount in the management sector. GBSH provides a multitude of opportunities to meet and connect with people from different backgrounds, industries, and cultures. Networking not only helps you to make friends and build professional relationships, but it can also lead to job opportunities in the future. Over the course of time, I have developed this skill, but it would have been beneficial if I had mastered it in advance.

5. How to research

A Masters student must know how to research and look for credible articles. You should be skilled in using booleans, databases, and referencing. They are fairlyy easy concepts, but they do require an active effort as referencing styles vary in different institutes. 

6. How to communicate effectively

The programs at GBSH are designed to challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone, which can be both exciting and daunting. The weekly interactive seminars, reinforce this through team discussions and presentations. In order to function efficiently in a team setting, a key skill is required in communication. Putting your thoughts into words, which are easy to comprehend and convey the message, is a must have skill to shine in class.

7. How to manage stress

Lastly, I wish I knew how to deal with stress and manage my time effectively. As university students, we are racing to meet deadlines and keep up with the classes, along with the additional stress of managing expenses and household chores. The importance of being organised and effective at time management cannot be overstated. A thoroughly planned timetable, with a couple of hours for breaks, can help you avoid that last-minute hustle and alleviate stress.

There is no denying that we learn through our mistakes, but some proactive measures can ease your future difficulties and help you lead a better student life.