How does one pursuing further study achieve a triple jump? At first glance, the obstacles may seem impossible: a student will not only have to battle traditional hurdles like academics, networking, and job hunting, but also new frontiers like language, relocation, and cultural differences. Even further, they will have to compete against their peers for jobs after graduation, most of whom will have more experience both in the industry and country they decide to jump into. As one can safely assume, most graduate schools don’t particularly advocate a triple jump; the odds just aren’t in a student’s favour. Business schools don’t want to have unsuccessful and, ultimately, unsatisfied alumni in their ranks. These rankled few could hurt their rankings and future enrolment.
For those still interested in pursuing further study and a triple jump, there are some schools that actively promote it. Usually these schools are located in countries with pro-immigration policies, where accommodating environments nurture seemingly risky propositions. Canada’s University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management is one such business school. While the faculty still admits that there is a big risk when a student is pursuing a triple jump, they confess it is inspiring to watch. An MBA triple jumper is taking a pause from whatever they are doing in their life to re-focus on their studies and their newfound career goals. They can be jumping from China to Canada, from finance to consulting, to even retail operations to management, but they are doing it because that is what they want to do. There are many reasons behind a triple jump: some say they want a fresh start, while others say they want to do what is best for their family. Regardless, it is a huge undertaking and an incredible journey.
The challenges most triple jumpers face during their journey are expected, but there are some that stand out. Triple jumpers say that of the three categories that involve a triple jump (job function, industry, and location), industry is by far the most difficult to change. The reason is because a triple jumper will not be building on previous knowledge of an industry they are already familiar with, but will be starting a new foundation instead of building vertically. Triple jumpers also feel as though they have to work harder because they have a lot more to prove. They are not only bringing themselves along on this journey but also their families, since triple jumpers tend to be a bit older than the average masters of business student.
Regardless of the obstacles, a triple jump is a viable option for those looking for something fresh, new, and exciting. It is feasible to accomplish if a student is ready to make the plunge to a corner of the world that advocates immigration and innovation. A triple jumper should be ready to work extremely hard and absorb as much education, both within school and without, about their new land if they want to be a success story.
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