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
-
This post was written by Kelly McGarry '26S (MS), a Simon admissions ambassador and MS in Accountancy student. Community is an important aspect of graduate school. While lectures and class projects are a foundational feature of business school, the experience you have outside of the classroom can be -
This interview was conducted by Kelly McGarry ’26S (MS), admissions ambassador and fellow MS in Accountancy student. Tell me a little bit about yourself. I did my undergraduate degree in business economics with a concentration in financial management from a state school here in New York, and then I -
This post was written by Kelly McGarry '26S (MS), a Simon admissions ambassador and MS in Accountancy student. Curious about life in Rochester, NY? You’ve come to the right place. Here’s my list of “can’t miss” activities I recommend when I talk to prospective students about living and studying in -
A place to belong Simon is the place where I truly found my community. It’s where I felt like I found my people: people who show up for you, support you, and genuinely care. Community at Simon isn’t just a word that gets used often; it’s something you experience every single day. I’ve seen firsthand -
From Mumbai to Rochester, an MBA student finds a welcoming community, balanced lifestyle, and vibrant city that makes it easy to thrive. -
Shreeya Sachdev ’26 (MBA) | University of Rochester Simon Business School MBA 2026 Candidate Preparing before the program begins One thing that really stood out to me about Simon Business School at the University of Rochester was that the support started well before we even stepped into the -
How experiential learning, consulting projects, and club leadership at Simon helped one international MBA student build confidence and real-world experience. -
Alpha Kappa Psi is a co-ed professional fraternity offering social connection, academic support, and career preparation for students of all majors. -
Efrain Rivera ’89S (MBA) shares insights on leadership, analytics, AI, and networking during a keynote conversation with the Simon community. -
Learn how Simon’s Benet Career Management Center supports students through a 14-week course, advising, workshops, and alumni links to prepare for what’s next. -
Missed Round 1? Round 2 still offers priority scholarship consideration, time to strengthen your application, and an early decision to prepare for business school. -
Melanie Huet ’03S (MBA) shared insights on AI transformation, innovation, and career lessons during a Simon Fireside Chat with students and alumni.