It’s a fast-changing landscape in which business students are now starting their studies, so we’ve spoken to a number of deans and other business school experts about how they can make the most of their time in education. Here’s what they had to say:

Delphine Manceau, Dean of NEOMA Business School:

Starting a business school programme marks the beginning of a transformative journey. It is a unique moment in your life: a time to explore new ideas, discover passions, and meet people who may become lifelong friends. Stay curious and open-minded. Do not rush to define your career path too quickly, and remember that learning extends beyond the classroom—through projects, international experiences, student associations, and daily exchanges with peers and professors.

We live in a complex, fast-changing world. Geopolitical shifts, technological revolutions, climate challenges, and social transformations raise pressing questions for young generations who wonder how they can contribute. My key message is that business schools offer a powerful opportunity to do so. They are places where future leaders learn to help companies rethink their mindset, design innovative business models, and adopt responsible practices. As students and future graduates, you have a vital role in shaping the future of business and society.

Education is a passport to ideas, people, and opportunities that can change your life—and the lives of others. Be curious, embrace opportunities, take risks, and learn from mistakes. Above all, be passionate: the future is not endured, it is shaped—by you.

Minna Martikainen, Rector of the University of Vaasa:

Universities are not just hubs for academic knowledge – they are places where different perspectives, cultures and experiences come together. Students are exposed to so many new ideas and ways of thinking about the world around us and possible solutions to its challenges. I encourage all enrolled to embrace this with open arms. Talk. Share. Network. Connect.

Whether via faculty or fellow classmates, these new ways of thinking will not only further your expertise in a specific subject, but will broaden your mind as a whole. And this, in turn, will leave you better prepared for a world that is, increasingly, requiring novel solutions to globally-significant challenges.

The world of knowledge, new perspectives, and the connections you make, will open up countless possibilities for you to make an impact on the world. As young individuals navigating today’s competitive world, it is natural to use others as a mirror to reflect on your own identity. But while you learn from others, I encourage you to focus on discovering your own path, your internal strength, and what you are really good at. With this power, and with the tools your studies will give you, you can make a change.

Federico Frattini, Dean of POLIMI Graduate School of Management:

Starting business school is a unique opportunity to shape not only your career, but also the kind of leader — and person — you want to become. At POLIMI Graduate School of Management, we believe that education is a powerful force for change. This is your time to explore, to challenge assumptions, and to grow with purpose.

Make the most of this journey by staying curious and open to diverse perspectives. Engage deeply with your peers, professors, and the wider community. Joining a Business School is not just about acquiring knowledge — it’s about learning how to think critically, act responsibly, and lead with empathy.

We encourage you to take risks, embrace innovation, and reflect on the impact you want to have in the world. The challenges our society faces are complex, and we need leaders who are not only skilled, but also driven by a higher purpose.

Above all, remember that your time at business school is not just preparation for the future — it is already part of the change you can create. Use it wisely and leave your mark.

Joachim Lutz, Dean and President of Mannheim Business School:

Business school is more than a place to learn – it is a laboratory for personal growth, the pursuit of business impact, and interdisciplinary connection. To make the most of their time, students should embrace the experience with curiosity and intentionality. The classroom provides powerful frameworks and insights, but the true value comes from applying these ideas to real-world challenges. Engaging fully in case discussions, projects, and simulations sharpens critical thinking and decision-making.

Equally important are the relationships formed. Classmates, faculty, alumni, and visiting leaders become a lifelong network, offering perspectives and opportunities far beyond a one-time graduation. Students should invest time in building authentic connections, sharing openly, and learning from the diverse experiences of their peers.

Students also grow by taking responsibility, whether through engaging in student initiatives or contributing to clubs and community activities. These opportunities develop leadership skills, foster collaboration, and provide a chance to make a tangible impact not only within the school community but in business and society.

In short: show up in the classroom, connect deeply, and take responsibility for shaping your experience. Be willing to challenge yourself, and support those around you. By doing so, students turn their time at business school into a foundation for lasting impact and purposeful leadership.

Claire Jollain, Dean of HIM Business School:

As you begin your business school journey, embrace every interaction as a networking opportunity that builds today’s most crucial professional skills.

Your classmates aren’t just study partners—they’re future industry leaders who will help you develop resilience through challenging discussions and diverse perspectives. Each conversation strengthens your ability to adapt and persevere.

Your professors aren’t merely knowledge providers—they’re they’re industry veterans with valuable insights and connections. Ask thoughtful questions, and build meaningful relationships that extend beyond graduation.

Company visits and guest lectures aren’t just curriculum requirements—they’re opportunities to witness people-orientation in action. Exchange contact information, and follow up afterward to solidify these connections.

Remember, effective networking isn’t about collecting business cards—it’s about cultivating genuine relationships. Listen attentively, show authentic interest, and always consider how you might help others before asking for favors.

The business world operates on relationships. Each connection expands your worldview, challenges your assumptions, and opens doors to opportunities you never imagined. The broader your network, the more agile and “world-ready” you become.

Last but not least: FAIL! Failure means that you have tried something different, that you have taken risks, that you think outside the box. This is also what we expect from a business school student.

Bruno van Pottelsberghe, Rector of the Corvinus University of Budapest:

For students, making the most of their university years means integrating early, seizing networking and academic opportunities, and growing into global citizens with the university’s support.

To begin with, they should take part in onboarding and support programmes. Freshmen camps, Welcome Week, mentorship schemes and the Navigator platform at Corvinus University all help students settle in smoothly, plan their studies, and access tailored talent support and career guidance. The Student Wellbeing and Community Centre also provides ongoing support, whether for academic development, career planning or personal wellbeing.

Beyond this, students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the university’s academic and social life. A distinctive feature of Corvinus is its vibrant network of colleges for advanced studies and student organisations. These communities, whether focused on self-education, consulting, entrepreneurship, diplomacy or cultural exchange, offer students the chance to build professional skills while forming lasting friendships. Active participation in clubs not only develops teamwork and leadership, but also opens doors to networking opportunities that extend well beyond university.

Students can also broaden their horizons through international exchanges, double-degree programmes and by engaging with the cultural life of the city and country where the university is.

It is ultimately up to the students to stay curious and find their own path among the many opportunities—whether in social life, academic growth, or international experiences—both at home and abroad.

Sankar Sivarajah, Head of Kingston Business School:

For me, time well spent at business school is not only about mastering concepts, but also about learning new perspectives, building the confidence to challenge ideas, and growing as a person. The society our business graduates are stepping into is fast-moving, unpredictable, and complex, yet full of opportunities. To thrive, not just survive, you need to stay open-minded, responsible, and ready to learn from every experience. With this in mind, here are three key pieces of advice:

1. Be yourself and stay curious
   Embrace the journey of learning and questioning. Business school is about more than knowledge; it is about developing the confidence to explore new perspectives and grow into the kind of professional you want to become.
2. Seize every opportunity and persevere

Seize every opportunity, whether in class, through projects, or by engaging with peers and the wider community. Each experience, big or small, can open doors and influence your path. And remember, it is perfectly normal if things do not always go as planned. What matters most is how you respond: reflect, adapt, and keep moving forward.

3. Value people and perspectives
Above all, enjoy the experience and make the most of those around you. The friendships, networks, and diverse perspectives you build will stay with you long after graduation and continue to guide your future.

Luís Marques, Vice Dean at Porto Business School:

Starting your journey at Porto Business School is stepping into much more than a classroom. It is immersing yourself in a city that breathes authenticity, creativity, and resilience. Living Porto and its community will be part of your learning — every conversation, every walk by the river, every shared meal adds new perspectives to the knowledge you gain inside the school.

You will be surrounded by peers who come from different sectors, backgrounds, and countries. Learn from them as much as from your professors. Share your own story, listen with openness, and you’ll discover that diversity of thought is one of our greatest assets.

My advice is to challenge yourself with courage. Dare to take the lead on a project, to ask the difficult question, to embrace the unfamiliar. Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone — and here you will find a safe space to do so.

Above all, remember that the PBS motto is also your invitation: Explore forward. Lead the Change. Use this time to explore boldly, to connect deeply, and to build the foundations of a leadership journey that extends far beyond your program.

Professor Baback Yazdani, Executive Dean of Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University:

Engage and apply yourself. University is more than lectures and coursework; it’s a chance to shape your future in a way that is most beneficial to you personally.  It can be daunting to begin with, but part of learning is challenging ourselves to take up opportunities and to grow in confidence in both our knowledge and our skills.

Be prepared to work hard. Feed your mind by reading around your subject area and keep on top of what is happening in the business world.

Take charge of your journey. At Nottingham Business School, we specialise in personalised and experiential learning, so we encourage all our students to tailor their university experience to their personal goals. Whether you’re passionate about marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship, take advantage of course and extracurricular opportunities which will make your journey unique – especially those which involve working on projects for real organisations.

Make the most of what your business school offers. Engage with your networks, study abroad opportunities and personal development workshops. For example, at NBS we run a series of in-person Business Leaders Lectures and produce a regular podcast which link students with high profile figures from all areas of business. These connections can enrich your experience and expand your network.

If you’re entrepreneurially minded, many universities and business schools – like NBS – have dedicated hubs which offer support, such as training, mentoring and financial advice, to help you turn ideas into action alongside your degree.

Identify and contact everyone there to support you – not only Programme Directors and Course Administrators / Managers, but academic and industry mentors too. Engage with your university’s employability team early, they will offer invaluable support with skills development and job-seeking strategies. Likewise, seek out volunteering opportunities throughout your time at university and boost both your confidence and CV, making you stand out from the crowd when you graduate.

Remember, university is what you make of it. You want to look back knowing you tried lots of things – be comfortable being uncomfortable. Be proactive, stay curious, and take advantage of everything on offer.

Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore:

Business school is not simply a place to collect frameworks and degrees; it also allows students to reflect on the kind of professionals and human beings they aspire to become. To make the most of their time, students must go beyond chasing grades and placements and immerse themselves in experiences that stretch their thinking, for instance, live projects, case discussions, entrepreneurial experiments, and conversations with peers from diverse backgrounds.

I believe that the real value lies in combining academic rigor with curiosity, humility, and the courage to question conventional wisdom. Equally important is the cultivation of empathy and social awareness, as a good business leader is not only efficient at decision-making but also conscious of the impact those decisions have on people, communities, and the environment. Students who use their time to build networks, engage deeply in reflection, and participate actively in meaningful initiatives emerge not only as competent managers but also as responsible leaders.

At IIM Indore, this philosophy is deliberately embedded into the student experience. The institute has created multiple platforms that encourage social consciousness and ethical leadership alongside managerial competence. The unique Five-year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) programme includes a mandatory social internship, where students spend weeks working with NGOs, CSR organisations, and rural communities, confronting ground realities first-hand.

Further, unique initiatives such as the Rural Engagement Programme immerse students in villages to understand developmental challenges and offer solutions, while the Himalayan Outbound Programme builds resilience and socio-cultural sensitivity during the students’ visit to the Himalayas. Beyond academics, the campus itself reflects a commitment to sustainability through its sustainable initiatives, including solar power systems and eco-friendly practices, symbolising the alignment of institutional values with personal development.

The students also actively take part in cleanliness drives, and contribute to projects focused on sustainability. These efforts ensure that students do not leave the institute as mere professionals chasing profit but as leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers who can balance business acumen with compassion and integrity. Thus, IIM Indore’s approach transforms management education into a journey of becoming better managers and, more importantly, better human beings.

Angela Partridge, Careers Adviser at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School:

Business school is the perfect place to advance your career, so network widely. Mark career events, recruiter talks, and industry conferences in your calendar so you never miss an opportunity to connect with future employers.

Alongside networking, research the top ten companies you’d like to work for. Follow them on LinkedIn and X to stay on top of vacancies and industry news. Keep an eye on key influencers, thought leaders, and relevant organisations to build insight into your chosen field.

It’s also important to take the time to regularly reflect on your course. Think about what you’ve learned so far, both from your course and experiences like volunteering, work placements or student societies. This will help you spot gaps in your skills, update your CV, and prepare for interviews.

As you reflect, think about how you can keep developing essential skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving. Employers look for these in every sector, and building them early makes you stand out. Research current vacancies to see what key skills are in demand, and make use of the opportunities available through your Students’ Union, part-time jobs, extracurricular courses, and your careers service to prepare for your future.

For additional insights, announcements and perspectives from business school experts, visit the conversation on Business Education.