After years of hard schoolwork, it would be nice to get to take your foot off the gas and coast into the job you’ve always wanted. The problem is that this mindset will likely be your biggest obstacle to actually landing that job. Let’s take a second to dive into that and review whether you have a “Diploma Mindset” or a “Career Mindset.”
A “Diploma Mindset” may consist of thoughts like “I worked hard for three years; employers will understand that,” “I don’t need to prepare for interviews because my degree already sets me apart,” or “I’m pretty sure I’ll get the exact job I want right away because of my degree.”
A “Career Mindset” may consist of thoughts like “I am responsible for showcasing the skills I’ve cultivated over the past three years,” “Employers will actually expect more from me because of my degree and I need to prepare accordingly," or “I know it might take some patience and resilience to reach my end goal, but I can use the skills I’ve learned to keep preparing and gaining valuable experiences.”
The job candidate with the Diploma Mindset thinks that the hard work is already done and they can coast into the job they want with little preparation. The candidate with the Career Mindset understands that “MBA” does not equal “Hired!” They know that a degree is not a guarantee.
Take some time to reflect and consider if there any limiting mindsets you currently carry that could hold you back from landing your target job.
If your dream job is at the finish line, it’s important to recognize that your MBA is at the halfway point. You’ve come a long way. But if you try to coast now, you will be passed up.
Your MBA gave you the tools and skills to execute the job of your dreams once you get there. It is imperative to continue to put in the work and be intentional to remove any obstacles in your path through proper motivation, preparation, and execution. And once you do…you will be unstoppable.