It seems, from your piece and the other related items in this online Economist, that there are a lot of expectations by MBA students and graduates, and consequent disappointment when reality turns out to be different. I think the key requirement is to modify the expectations to better fit reality as it shifts and changes, and that means keeping in touch with the outside world - which is what I'd expect from an MBA student in any case.

Having said that, your final point, Fardeen, to be true to your goals, would probably result in greater satisfaction because you end up doing what you truly want to do. As you observed, you need to be relentlessly focused on those goals, and tailor you study, experience, and (horrors!) networking to give yourself the best chance of landing your peach job.

I'm afraid I'm less focused - just enjoying the MBA, and will see what comes out of it at the end. My expectation is that it will help my career, but in what direction - who knows? If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there. (Lewis Carroll).

Inspiring! I really admire the resilience even amidst all the loose ends and chaos. I guess this is the kind of grit which needs to be ingrained if you wish to come out a successful MBA.

Fardeen
You are an excellent writer. Poignant, emotional and factual all in one pot. This could be something you should pursue part time. I feel your diaspointment, which is always directly related to expectations. I am also pursuing an MBA and at the same time running a training firm. My objectives and therefore expectations being in self employment are different from yours but your article has opened my eyes to staying true to my goal and to hang in there when the goal posts shift further than expected. More importantly 'man proposes abut God disposes'. All the best in your career I am sure in the end you will get your dream job, only through a narrower and less rosy route than you expected. Kudos too to the Economist for allowing us to share with so many different people giving us prespectives that enrich our lives.

Hello there,

Many thanks everyone for your kind words and wishes. The experience has been a reality check! I do wish you all the very best.

Fardeen

Very well written article dude. I also graduated from MBA during the financial crisis in 2008 and can completely understand the challenges you faced. Hope you get a permanent job at a PE fund soon. Best of luck.