Benjamin Lin’s Post

Reality Check: So many MBA graduates enter with big dreams of becoming founders, only to find themselves settling for roles they didn’t envision. Why does this happen? - Lack of clarity about personal goals. - No actionable roadmap for entrepreneurship. - Fear of taking the leap. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here’s what you can do: 💡 Define your ‘Why’: Before applying for an MBA, ask yourself: Why do I want this degree? Is it for knowledge, networking, or a career change? 💡 Choose the Right B-School: Pick one that supports entrepreneurial ventures, not just placements. 💡 Leverage Your Network: Use your MBA network to find co-founders, investors, and mentors. 💡 Start Small During Your MBA: Use internships and projects to test your startup ideas in real-time. 💡 Take Risks: Post-MBA is a great time to explore, even if it’s scary. Remember, a stable job will always be there later. Let’s break this cycle together. Tag your MBA friends or aspirants who need this! #MBALife #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #CareerAdvice #DreamBig #SD

They say an MBA changes you. What they don’t tell you is how fast. Moving from India to London was the obvious shift, but I’ve transformed in ways I never imagined. "Push yourself to attend at least two socials a week,” my GLAM coach advised during my first week at LBS, after seeing my impressive 5th percentile sociability score. Well… I’ve lost count of how many I’ve attended since! What’s even more surprising? I’ve gone from showing up to organising some of these events—and actually started enjoying every minute of it. 🎉 This journey has been one of the fastest and most fulfilling personal transformations I’ve ever experienced. From re-launching the Tech Club podcast (#staytuned) with Edtech Insiders (shoutout to Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell for being amazing guests 🎙️) to squeezing in six trips in just four months ✈️ (sorry UK, Europe won this round!), Term 1 has been nothing short of incredible. Yes, I’m 16.8% over budget, but every experience has been an invaluable investment—future MBA students, here’s a benchmark for your contingencies. I initially thought the MBA would be a break after a challenging phase earlier this year. Instead, it has pushed my limits further and shown me how much I can truly achieve in one day, one week, one term. It’s been overwhelming at times (okay, a lot of times). But it’s also been deeply rewarding throughout. At the start of the MBA, a lot of people told me I’d need to choose to prioritise two out of “career,” “socials,” and “academics.” But here’s my biggest takeaway so far: You can balance all three areas—if you’re intentional about your choices and ruthless about prioritisation! To my incredible London Business School community, your stories inspire me every single day. 🌟 To my friends, family, and mentors back home—you know who you are—thank you for making this dream possible! ❤️ Wishing everyone a wonderful 2025, filled with growth, meaningful connections, and the kind of surprises that remind you just how much you’re capable of. 🚀 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘔𝘉𝘈𝘴: 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘉𝘈 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘵.

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐁𝐀 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲? I recently listened to an entrepreneur boldly claim that MBA programs are a complete waste. It struck a nerve because this viewpoint has become so common - and frankly, oversimplified. We have a habit of dismissing anything with flaws as useless or glorifying what works as flawless. Let’s break down his arguments one by one: 1️⃣ "𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐁𝐀 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞." Mistakes happen - whether it’s during undergrad or postgrad. But is it fair to single out MBAs for this? Let’s be real: 77% of MBA graduates successfully change industries after their degree. Even if it’s just 25%, does that make those 25% "brainless" for switching? 🔄 Isn’t realizing you’re better suited for something else part of the learning process? 2️⃣ "𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬." Superficial? Managing stress, leading diverse teams, delivering results under pressure - are these superficial? Try balancing live projects, internships, and leadership roles on just four hours of sleep. That’s the reality of many MBA programs. 🧠 These are the behavioral skills that drive real business success, and trust me, they aren’t taught in textbooks. 3️⃣ "𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐁𝐀." The notion that entrepreneurship trumps formal education is trendy, but unrealistic. Not everyone has the luxury to jump into entrepreneurship right after undergrad. 💼 Many of us need the industry exposure and undervalued experiential learning an MBA provides before we can even consider entrepreneurship. The choice isn’t binary - it’s about leveraging both. 4️⃣ "𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬." Yes, salary hype can be a problem. But who’s buying into it without doing their homework? If you’re banking on a ₹30 lakh package without checking alumni experiences, is that the MBA’s fault in totality or the student’s as well? 🔍 It’s time we take personal responsibility for our expectations. 5️⃣ "𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠." This point reeks of oversimplification. Yes, the MBA environment can fuel ambition, but who is forcing anyone to chase high-paying but unfulfilling jobs? The individual’s values play a major role. 🌱 It’s on you to align your career with your purpose, not just the paycheck. At the end of the day, an MBA is what you make of it. Is it perfect? No. But dismissing it as a "scam" is intellectually lazy. 𝐀 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 2 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞. 🙏 #India #mba #management #scam #entrepreneurship #business #founder #skill #technology #education #college #career #job #money #recruitment #economy #podcast #youtube #learning #training #corporate #linkedin #innovation

🎓 Proud to announce my #Bachelor of Science in International Industrial Management! 🎓 This journey was filled with many #experiences and #challenges that helped me grow both personally and professionally. 🌍 #Semester #Abroad: The highlight of my studies was definitely my semester in #Japan. The #encounter with a new culture and traveling through Asia broadened my #horizons and sparked my #passion for entrepreneurship. I acquired valuable #international skills such as #intercultural communication and adaptability. 📚 #Challenging #Courses: In some subjects, I learned an incredible amount, especially how to approach complex problems. At first, I often saw only a huge, barely understandable mountain of tasks. But through #independent #work and the #support of my friends, we successfully tackled them. This #collaboration not only strengthened my knowledge but also my #problem-solving skills. 🚀 #Entrepreneurship: Through the GründES! Centre for Entrepreneurship der Hochschule Esslingen, I expanded my expertise in the startup context and learned a lot. Most importantly, I realized that it’s okay to be a #visionary and that our world urgently needs visionaries. A special thank you to Prof. Michael Flad and Pascal A. Renz, who supported me in my bachelor thesis on the #topic of #scaling and #growth of #startups. 😷 #Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic presented us with new challenges. Remarkably, we found ways to forge close friendships despite the distance. 💔 #Personal #Challenge: The biggest challenge was my parents' #health. My father fought successfully for his life, even though it was very critical at times. My mother was diagnosed with #cancer in 2020. The #year-long illness was #draining but also beautiful. Knowing that time is limited makes you appreciate each day even more. Despite this heavy burden, I managed to achieve good grades and successfully complete my studies. This experience taught me resilience and perseverance. 🎓 #Future at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management: I am now very excited about the #opportunity to pursue my #Master in #Entrepreneurship at WHU. This opportunity is a significant step in my journey, and I am eager to see what the future holds. 🚀 A big thank you to everyone who supported me along the way! #BachelorDegree #InternationalIndustrialManagement #StudyAbroad #Japan #InternationalSkills #IndependentWork #ChallengingCourses #Entrepreneurship #GründES #COVID19 #Resilience #NewBeginning #WHU

Q: How do you stand out from thousands of amazing MBA applicants all competing for very few spots at the world’s most exclusive business schools?   A: By being YOU!   Dr. Seuss said it best: “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” But, maybe your brain is swimming right now. You see all the stats on current #MBA students "founders of some billion dollar thing, soldiers who saved millions of lives, dealmakers who led IPOs, refugees who rose to be VPs, marketers who spend their spare time running Spartan races and leading an NGO that teaches disabled orphans to code and build startups... " Thank god for these folks! We need them in our shattered world, but they are the exception not the rule. Lasting impact comes from people like you, eager, talented, driven, passionate, ready to do the hard work, join together with others and make the world a better place. There is no doubt that you are uniquely amazing and have so much to offer to the world, and to a top #Bschools. So take a deep breathe and start thinking out of the box - not about your career achievements to date or your goals - but about who you are. Here are some questions to get started:   print it out, stick it in your pocket or purse, and pull it out when you are stuck in traffic, waiting in line, relaxing at the park… No need to write down the answers, just start thinking!   -Make a list of the words that describe you personally. -Would your friends and families agree? What would they add? -What would people who don’t like you say about you? -What is your superpower? -What do you do better than anyone? -What are you most proud of? -Something else? No matter how small? -What is your biggest personal failure? -How did you change because of it? -What do you like to do for fun? -What is one thing about you that is unusual, different, or stands out? -What is something about you that no one would believe? -What is something you love even when others think you are crazy? -What are sometimes you made a difference for someone? -What do you wish more people knew about you? -When did you raise your hand to do something new, challenging, scary? -What is one thing you have spent way too much time, money or energy on but have no regrets? -What is something you believed for a long time but then changed your mind about? -What frustrates you? -What keeps you up at night? -What scares you? -Who shaped you? -How would you like to be remembered? -Do you have a life motto or saying or favorite phrase? As you reflect on these things, you may remember some stories and anecdotes. Maybe a theme will start emerging. Pay attention and write it down. I bet pretty soon your own amazingness will come bubbling to the top and then you will know exactly how to stand out in the competitive MBA #application game! You got this, Candy

The Power of the First Step: Why Campus Placements Matter! Dear Mentees, As a business professor, I often hear from some of you aspiring to chart your own path as entrepreneurs. Your passion and vision inspire me. However, I want to share an insight that might reshape how you think about your first professional steps. Even if entrepreneurship is your ultimate goal, I strongly encourage you to participate in campus placements. Here's why: 1️⃣ Foundational Learning: Working in an established organization equips you with real-world exposure to how businesses operate—systems, processes, and organizational culture. These are invaluable lessons you’ll draw upon when building your own venture. 2️⃣ Networking Opportunities: A stint in a corporate role connects you to industry professionals, potential mentors, and even future collaborators. Entrepreneurship thrives on relationships. 3️⃣ Financial Cushion: Your early career earnings can help you build savings to fuel your entrepreneurial dreams, reducing dependence on external funding. 4️⃣ Skill Development: Campus placements often lead to roles that sharpen your problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making skills—qualities every successful entrepreneur must master. 5️⃣ Testing the Waters: Sometimes, what we think we want needs real-world validation. A corporate role gives you the chance to explore and refine your long-term aspirations. Remember, success isn’t about a rigid path; it’s about the journey. Your entrepreneurial ambitions will always be within reach. But by leveraging campus placements, you set a strong foundation for your future endeavors. I encourage you to approach this opportunity with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Every step forward adds value to your growth. Looking forward to seeing your success stories unfold! Warm regards, A Professor of Business Strategy and Marketing #Mentorship #CareerAdvice #CampusPlacements #Entrepreneurship

🎓 Reflecting on an Incredible MBA Journey 🎓 This summer, I completed my MBA at London Business School, and what a transformative journey it has been! Over the past two years, I’ve been fortunate to explore diverse opportunities, meet inspiring people, and grow both professionally and personally. Here are some highlights of my MBA experience: 💼 Diving into Private Equity: I interned with two incredible firms: CVC, focusing on the Sports, Media, and Entertainment sectors. Astorg, where I worked on technology-focused investments. These experiences broadened my understanding of the industry and deepened my expertise. 🍷 Leading with Passion: As President of the Wine & Spirits Club, I had the privilege of organising tastings and even leading an MBA trip to Bordeaux—merging my passion for wine with leadership and networking. 🌍 Exploring New Horizons: Spending a semester at Columbia Business School in New York was an unforgettable chapter. From courses like Leader’s Voice to Food Entrepreneurship with the legendary Stephen Zagor, it was a rich blend of learning and discovery. 💡 Fostering Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship became a significant focus of my MBA journey, it included several amazing courses about starting a business by Gary Dushnitsky. I tried everything from pitch nights to hackathon weekends. 🎉 Building Community: As the Social Representative for my MBA stream, I had the joy of organising events and activities that brought us closer as a class—making memories that I’ll treasure forever. 👫 Friendships and Growth: From private equity to entrepreneurship, from organising wine events to living in the US, this journey has been about more than just professional milestones. It’s been about building lifelong friendships, exploring new cultures, and discovering my strengths. #MBA #LondonBusinessSchool #ColumbiaBusinessSchool #PrivateEquity #Entrepreneurship #Wine #Leadership #Networking #InternationalExperience

Some very powerful questions for self-reflection as you gear up for Round 1 #mbaprep #mbaessaytips

It's a wrap! During my summer internship had the opportunity to dive deep into a field I’ve long been curious about: Corporate Entrepreneurship. My experience at Sigma, a global company in Food & Beverage, was more than what I had hoped for. During this time, I discovered three key insights about Corporate Venture and Entrepreneurship: 1. Entrepreneurship at Heart: The essence of corporate entrepreneurship is similar to traditional entrepreneurship—demanding dynamism, adaptability, and a willingness to pivot when necessary. 2. Mastering the Stages: Each phase of entrepreneurship requires a unique skill set. While challenging, the ability to learn quickly in this environment helps shape you into a well-rounded professional. 3. Breaking Boundaries: Acting like an entrepreneur within a corporation means pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. It’s not easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding and fun. This summer, I particularly enjoyed learning how to validate business ideas in unexplored consumer sectors and strategize for full business scalability across different countries and cultural settings. A big thank you to Arlette Flores Saavedra for the guidance and opportunity. I’m also grateful for the warm welcome and collaboration from the amazing team: Esther Muñiz Ferrer, Antonio Saldivar Rodriguez, Adriana Bernal, Melissa Villaseñor and Aldo Roccatti I’m excited for what lies ahead—both the courses and adventures in my second year of my MBA at IESE Business School and leading the IESE Women in Business Club. #CorporateEntrepreneurship #Innovation

Some thoughts on this article. Are MBA rankings overrated or underrated? Honestly, it depends on how you look at it. But here’s my perspective: if you place too much emphasis on school rankings, you may miss the point entirely. College is as much about who you become as it is about what you learn. Picking the right environment where you can truly excel is crucial for your development. It’s about finding the space that nurtures your strengths and challenges you to grow, not just relying on rankings to define your potential. What did my MBA do for me? For me, it was a game-changer. It allowed me to pivot careers and equipped me with the analytical toolkit to think strategically and sharpen my financial acumen. But let's be honest—the business instincts that matter most? I developed those the hard way. A decade spent as a partner in the cutthroat construction industry, where one bad project could wipe you out, taught me lessons no classroom ever could. What does true leadership look like? It’s not about calling the shots from behind a desk. It’s about being in the trenches with your team. If you’re a search fund graduate, don’t just study the businesses you want to acquire—immerse yourself in them. Spend time doing internships or shadowing employees at the companies you aim to lead. Empathy for your team comes from understanding their day-to-day experiences, not just reading numbers or reports. Great leaders inspire by connecting with their people, and you can’t do that if you're detached from the reality of the business. The best leaders are those who demonstrate understanding, roll up their sleeves, and lead by example. What’s your take on this? Have you taken an unconventional path to leadership or success? I’d love to hear your stories—I’m always eager to learn from others' journeys :) #Leadership #MBA #CareerGrowth #ExperienceMatters #BusinessAcumen #EmpathyInLeadership #SearchFunds #Entrepreneurship #Mentorship https://lnkd.in/eFT8zciv