get to B-School? Do not pack Career Cover

A guest post from Matt Symonds, chief editor MBA50.com, a site dedicated to leading business schools around the world. He is also director of Acceptance Fortuna and co-author of Getting Admission MBA ABC 'Edge.Matt SymondsWhen comes to career planning, I spent most of my early years teens hope to score the winning goal in the cup final for Manchester United, or turn the game around for England cricket field. When I finally accepted the fact that all this is possible, I tried to pre-study internship at a law firm, but not clear cut. Starting my own business came later, but no business plan or exit strategy I do not think I even have to write any number on the back envelope.So I always look at the business school and MBA, in particular, as a good opportunity to discover your true calling professional. I know that business schools can expect a specific post-MBA career goals at the point of application, not when you graduate. However, the idea of ​​sharing one or two individuals from all levels of professional life, cultural background, and personal ambition seems tailor-made for the discovery of ideas and design the career path for the next 10 years or so. Added to that, the business school kingdoms lay spread assessment and training can help you determine your professional way of new map.I struck a conversation with the dean of one of Europe's top schools, HEC Paris, bernard Garrette, and descriptions of the students he saw fall into two categories Different career "Hunter" and hunters "explorers." with something that is really mapped out before they arrive on campus, single-mindedly to make a career in investment banking or strategy consulting. They were quick to the network in their chosen field, doing interviews with the target company for an internship or field work, and use the MBA to develop the knowledge and skills to deliver it straight explorer school.The if not self-aware enough to recognize their talent and potential , but the business school experience to consider a different career path, think of business activities, and try their hand at a variety of classes and activities.With 16-month program, estimates explorers Garrette HEC Paris has more than Huntsman, and gives examples of Minneapolis based graduate Katherine Ainsworth, who holds an MBA in Paris before working in advertising sales Apostle Hollywood. Tired of the corporate ladder, and are keen to embrace other cultures, Ainsworth used the study to develop a jewelry business now, two years after she finished school, attracting a global client base. Along the way he took the financial toolbox, using input from fellow students to develop new channels of communication, and get the story straight on luxury brand management from the CEO of Givenchy (LVMH). Ainsworth has a lot of experience of MBA doing job he dreamed would be possible, though perhaps not the work he hoped to do. A poster child for explorers.So my message this week went to Hunter. Business schools have the power to completely change the expectations of individual careers, even thought they know exactly what they want to do. Hunting for a job at McKinsey, Morgan Stanley (MS), or Google (GOOG) is an understandable goal, but the MBA is a golden opportunity to explore other options, and to see if your call is in another place. And, it predicts the job market, even if you're set on a particular discipline or sector, have a Plan B is a good idea.Perhaps one of the best things you can do in business school mind.Join open discussion in Bloomberg Businessweek Business Schools Forum, please visit our on Facebook, and follow on Twitter @ BWbschools.