Quora – Don’t shorten too much, Client’s Answer (https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-skills-that-professionals-with-experience-should-have-before-One-Year-MBA)
The major difference between a 2 year MBA & 1 Year MBA is that 1 year MBA assumes that the applicant comes with the background that will help him or her crack a 1-year program. A 1-year program is for the brave-hearted and is much more intense than the 2 year MBA because the idea is to simulate a high-pressure work environment. In order to ace the 1-year journey of MBA the professionals need to have the following under their belt:
- Quantitative skills: Numbers is an integral part of any function/ role. Students need to be comfortable with mathematical operations and understand how they can use it to substantiate their work. More importantly, the student should not have a phobia to math since any transition to a higher position requires quantitative skills, even HR.
- Curiosity to learn: The student should be well-versed on topical issues and should be reading papers, periodicals, reviews, engaging in discussions. A general curiosity to learn and have a point of view makes for a great leader.
- Ability to read and summarize articles, briefs, papers: Essential for planning larger projects, summarizing research reports, or even writing emails, a summary of one’s work helps with logical, structured thinking and expressing one’s point of view. It also helps convey thoughts effectively – strongly and succinctly. And gets one ready for the elevator speech that Jack Welsh was so gung-ho on.
- Writing and effective verbal communication skills: Effective communication, written and oral are essential but in huge shortage. If one has practised these skills one is at a great advantage. Leading people or just building your brand is dependent on this soft skill which is actually a hard skill to attain.
- Presence and compelling presentation: Having the ability to present and make an effective presentation is quintessential to career growth. One year MBA students have worked before so it is assumed that they can present clearly, compellingly and can do attractive presentations. Sounds tactical but that’s how you build the right perception about yourself and grow faster.
Eduswami Answer
1yr programmes are typically targeted at people with substantial experience. These programmes are structured in such a manner that students can take maximum advantage and learning in a short period of time by relating these experiences with academics. The course load also means that certain skill sets are expected from students. The important ones are:
1/ Communication: written and verbal communications skills of a very high order are expected in order to relay thoughts and effort.
2/ People management: a considerable amount of course work will be done in teams of 3-5 people. Managing stressful situations, conflict, differences, etc. will be key to completion
3/ Quantitative: quantitative skill will be called upon for almost all subjects – finance, operations, strategy, economics, even marketing. Comfort with numbers and analysis is expected.
4/ Work ethic: a lot needs to be completed in a very short period and a disciplined approach towards work is expected.
