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ISMAlumini - Old Students Corner
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Old
Students Corner
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Don't be a Lemmon!©
There is scarcely a shortage of resources to help students apply to colleges and universities in the US. I don't intend to add to this heap. Instead, here are a few thoughts that you may consider thinking through before you make this decision. I want to dispel the notion that a college education in the US or in Europe is optimal to all students in every circumstance. Here's a short checklist to ensure that it's right for you.
First, what is it that you want to do? Microbiology? Artificial Intelligence? Gospel Education? Often graduating high school seniors are unable to suitably react to this question. There is always an answer. Perhaps what separates you from it is time, or information. It's even reasonable to believe that the very objective of your college education (or career) is to find an acceptable answer - I'd recommend a Liberal Arts education to keep you occupied while you investigate your opportunities.
Once you know what you want to do, you may want to invest some resources to find out where it's done best. There are several ways to do this. College rankings are a good place to begin, but don't stop there. Speak with professionals in the career of your choice; what is it that they recommend? Identify the companies you would like to work for - and then determine where they do their recruiting. Are there role models you look up to; what are their academic credentials. A multitude of feedback opportunities exist - exploit them.
Finally, you know what you want to do and you know where you want to do it. Chances are that you're considering more than a single school (highly recommended). You're close to the Holy Grail. Only one simple algorithm separates you from the light: maximize the difference between your benefit and cost. Easier said than done, I admit, but worth working through all the same. Quantify the benefits and costs of attending each of the schools on your list. Benefits are relatively easy to quantify if you have access to salary data of recent graduates. If you don't have this data, do as economists do, and estimate it. The college will only be too pleased to provide you with the costs. Two caveats: don't overlook opportunity cost of a few years in school; and don't forget to the time value of money (A dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow) and discount your cash flow analysis.
Right about now you are either absolutely confused with my ranting and are ready to jump over the cliff like all the other Lemmons, if only to get away from me; or then, you have found your school of choice. If it's the latter, good luck and God speed, my friend. |
Rajit Malhotra fondly remembers the two years he spent at the ISM in the mid 80s. He completed his high school in India, and then moved to the US for his undergraduate education, followed by a 5-year spell in Oman. He has a
BA/BSc from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is presently enrolled in concurrent Masters programs at the Kellogg School of Management and at Harvard University.
You can email him at: rmalhotra2002@kellogg.northwestern.edu |
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What have you been doing since you left ISM? Studying abroad, married, proud parents, professionals in a specialised field, travelling the world or just chilling out? Whatever it is, we would like to know about it and more importantly so would old classmates and school teachers.
If you are an ISM alumni, just send us your articles by e-mail and experiences , or share with us, your pleasant and exciting memories in this section . Dig out your old photographs, memorabilia or any other tidbits of interest and share them with us.
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