Learning How to Learn and Enjoy it!
Eva Labro
Associate Professor of Accounting
Welcome to Kenan-Flagler Business School!
When I was first asked to write about what would be the one key piece of advice that I would give our first year students to be successful in the MBA program, it struck me that “learning how to say no” was not something I had enough expertise on to write aboutJ. While time management, organization, preparation, writing down your goals and tracking your progress towards achieving these, making good use of opportunities to interact with other students, professors and recruiters are all very obviously key ingredients for success in our MBA program, I would rather say something about a very important success factor that I do know something about: learning how to learn and enjoy it! After all, by choosing a career in academe, I have chosen to be a lifelong learner.
Learning more and faster than your competitors is of utmost importance for a career in business. Developing a great attitude to learning, and having fun while doing so, is hence crucial during your business education. This involves being open to learn from professors and other students. Also, realize that others (and this includes professors!) may be able to learn something from you. Hence, be confident that you can bring value to the classroom and the cohort. Don’t become overconfident, though, and boast a “know it all” attitude. The best way not to learn anything is by convincing yourself that you already know everything!
Professors will be your catalysts in this learning process by engaging you in reflection and inquiry, by presenting you with new tools and techniques, and by challenging conventional wisdom. But only if you really want to learn and take the responsibility in your own hands will you make the most of the learning climate offered at the school.
I am looking forward to getting to know you during our core Managerial Accounting course in Mod 4. I wish you an enjoyable learning experience!
Eva Labro
Associate Professor in Management Accounting