Postgraduate tips, before and after you begin your journey!

Postgraduate tips, before and after you begin your journey!

Beginning your postgraduate studies can be a daunting task, we asked a number of current MIB and MBA students to give some advice and insights about their experiences so far. Read their thoughts on how to best prepare and make the most of your time with us at RMIT!

Pham Thi Lan Huong, RMIT Vietnam MBA student Pham Thi Lan Huong, RMIT Vietnam MBA student

Huong Pham, MBA student

Networking: The MBA is not only about learning from your studies, but also an opportunity that enables you to get in touch with new friends, lecturers and experts from various industries. Extending your network during your time in the MBA will be valuable for your future career development.

Teamwork: Most of the courses in the MBA involve teamwork assessments. Your competence in working with your teammates in investigating, planning, and completing your group work is expected. You can find your “true” teammates through the networking events the postgraduate team organises every semester.

Seek support: Whenever you struggle with your MBA progress, please remember you have the support of RMIT staff. Everything you need support-wise is available if you ask. For example, lecturers are very supportive. If you don't know something or need any help, ask them; they're very open and happy to help. You can achieve good results or grades if you frequently ask for advice from the lecturers.

Le Thanh Tung, RMIT Vietnam MBA student Le Thanh Tung, RMIT Vietnam MBA student

Tung Le, MBA student

Planning for the incoming deadlines: The MBA course is not completed within four intensive days. After time in class, your deadlines will genuinely come and require proper and strict planning. Breakdown the deadlines into small milestones will help you follow and complete your assessments easier. 

Preparation before class: Prepare in advance. When your Canvas is open, you can access the course materials and review all the modules before class. Take note of questions - more importantly, think about your assessment in advance because the deadline can come suddenly.

Utilise all materials: RMIT provides all the necessary tools and materials to help you complete your assignment. Canvas is a powerful tool to help you keep track of your deadlines and includes all of the course material. The RMIT library is a valuable source of information to help you enrich your assignment contents.

Vu Tran Khanh Ngoc, RMIT Vietnam MIB student Vu Tran Khanh Ngoc, RMIT Vietnam MIB student

Vu Tran Khanh Ngoc, MIB student

Pre-reading: Many students underestimate how important it is. Things work differently in a postgraduate class, as students are expected to have some initial understanding of a subject before they come to class.   

Ask questions: Ask lecturers how the theories they teach are applied in real life practice. Don’t be afraid to question the applicability of what you learn.  

Time management: Time management skills are perhaps the most important to have when taking a master’s degree. Plan the day. Make a to-do list when you wake up and be strict with yourself to align with that plan. It’s a daily task, and one that you must stay on top of. 

Know when you need a break: If you are working while taking your degree, raise your voice when necessary with your company and with your lecturers if you think the workload is too much. I thought I would be rejected if I did, but in fact, both work and school understood my request and supported me as best they could.

Nguyen Le Hoang Phuc, RMIT Vietnam MBA student Nguyen Le Hoang Phuc, RMIT Vietnam MBA student

Nguyen Le Hoang Phuc, MBA student

Create relationships: I would suggest focussing on relationships and connections. You cannot get this type of opportunity just anywhere. 

Take advantage of RMIT services and facilities: When you pay for the degree, you should also take advantage of everything that RMIT has to offer, thus using your money effectively. Join clubs, take time to get to know staff and lecturers. The first place I checked out when I began my studies was the library.  

Mindset is key to your transformation: Try to remember that it is your mindset that is most important. Background doesn’t matter and prior knowledge can only take you so far.  What really matters is your passion, your mindset and how much love you bring to what you are doing. Turn your obstacles into motivation.

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