Visiting a b-school is a lot like dating

Like the ever-handsome-and-clever Patxi (yes, ladies, it is true, there are some very handsome men at LBS*! But before you all rush out, this one's taken), I got an email from Manoj asking for advice when visiting b-schools. I think Patxi has put down very useful comments and for a while there I didn't think there was anything I could add. However, I wouldn't be I (me?) if at one point I do feel there's something I need to say about this too. So here it goes.

Visiting a b-school is a lot like taking a girl on a first date (not that I have any personal experience in taking a girl out on a date, I must admit, I prefer to date guys, but I'm extrapolating from my experience of watching American movies). If you asked her out, that means that you already think she's going to be nice/interesting/sexy/entertaining (delete or add as appropriate) so the groundwork is laid. You dress up nicely, but not too formal, just enough so she can tell you made an effort. You come on time, make an effort to be courteous and interesting and most of all interested in her, and try and leave a good impression in general and not behave like an idiot/raving lunatic/serial killer (again delete or add as appropriate, you get my drift). You try and figure out if you want to go on another date. Now that's exactly the process of visiting a b-school too. Follow the above (and most of all, read Patxi's advice, which is much more practical) and you're sorted.

I'm getting ready for what promises to be an interesting week. Tomorrow one of my old housemates is back in town (yeehaaw!), Tuesday and Wednesday I'm off to Istanbul/Ankara for what promises to be a whirlwind business trip, and Thursday it's back to normal schedule again. I spent the past two days trying to assemble a wardrobe for a business trip: after ditching my suits 4 years ago, and only having a few dresses/skirts I really needed a wardrobe update (although no suits are necessary, it's not that kind of business, I still needed more than trainers, a tee and jeans). And of course with my first paycheck update, and some of the sales still on, I had a blast :-) I had forgotten exactly how nice it is to shop with a paycheck in the bank.

Above photo taken about a month ago in my 'hood in London, as always with the trusty N95.

* That said, I must say that all the male LBS MBA bloggers are quite handsome... maybe it's a blogging thing ;-)

[edited to add: btw, I've officially graduated. Got the letter last week. Now all that's left is the nice shiny piece of paper that someone's calligraphed my name on. Apparently, that will take a little while, till sometime in autumn.]

Comments

[Patxi A K]

Thank you, Divina Natasja, for your compliment, it means a lot to me, but even more coming from someone as Divine as you are ;)

Now my comment: Interesting how many things are like going out with a potential partner: Looking for a job (what is the milkround, but a huge speed dating facility?), for a B-school, for a business partner, finding the perfect flat... (though this last one is definitely more rushed)

At the end, finding a partner is, fundamentally, a problem of dealing with the unknown, with a need to commit at some level, thus in need of gathering and conveying information.

So the signals broadcasted and received are critical, the acreditations and behaviours, etc...

Just the same as finding the right B-school, the same kind of problem.

Fascinating, ins't it?

[Patxi A K]

2nd comment: BTW, the situation is almost perfectly simmetrical if you are the girl on the first date.

The goal is the same: Figure out whether you want to go on a 2nd date, gather information, forward signals, etc...

Only difference is that the conventional signals to broadcast are different depending on your gender, but again, the process is pretty similar.

Isn't it? Or maybe in the Netherlands is different, and it's only about wearing the right clogs :p

[fran]

hey guys, I haven't been dating in a while but ... in the old days the purpose of dating was a lot more straightforward than what you say. Same applies to Bschool visits, innit? :) greetings Natasja, enjoy turkey :)

[Sebastien Nuttinck]

Hi Nat',

thanks for your prompt reaction on CPM, i have heard so many good things about it, i cant wait to participate !!!

I can only imaging how bizarre it is to start working again after the great LBS experience, but for some reasons i am convince you will do great, you radiate this kind of positive energy that can only lead to good things ! :-)

On my side, i just got back from South Africa where i did the field trip (great experience with great people) and spent an extra week visting the south (safari, whales, ostich riding, wine tasting, sailing...) marvelllous, i recommend it for everybody, although i would not recommend to live in Cape town due to safety issues.

I truly hope all is great with you, and that i can see you in AUT when i come back in London.

Best regards,

Seb.

PS: your LBS email seems out of order, so i have to use a comment on your blog, sorry.

[Kees Bruinekool]

Even de tijd genomen om op je nieuwe blog te kijken, ziet er erg gelikt uit.
Je opleiding loopt voorspoedig zie ik in alle verhalen , ik had ook niet anders verwacht ;>)

Heb nu vakantie maar ben gewoon thuis, moet nogal wat werken in en om het huis (schilderen en de tuin opknappen) alleen werkt het weer niet echt mee, maar goed we hebben nog 8 dagen.

Die rustig aan en ik blijf je volgen

[Natasja]

Hey Kees! Oh, wat erg ben ik toch ook, ik loop zo achter met mijn mail en mijn comments. Ja, alles gaat voorspoedig, het leven is erg goed! Ik zal dit weekend je een uitgebreide update per mail sturen, N