As the MBA students find themselves in a whirlwind of assignments and presentations, there is little time left for relaxation – but thanks to a weekend in Gruyères (and some chocolate), the team gets a well-earned break.

One of the most crucial lessons learned from pursuing an MBA is the art of time management and finding the right balance amidst myriad responsibilities. As we approached the end of February, the pressure was mounting, and we had a slew of assignments, quizzes, and presentations to tackle. Collaborating with various groups for industry analysis and presentations in Module 1 provided a unique opportunity to quickly bond with teammates. Balancing this workload alongside regular classes and startup commitments proved to be quite the challenge.

Despite the whirlwind pace, working with different teams on an economics paper and operations assignment within a week further intensified the experience. Late-night work sessions became the norm, and the adrenaline-fueled presentation preparations fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the groups.

Late night studies: Me with my startup group: Raza Naqvi, Lauren Holding, Ruth Kinyua, and Xiaolong Ou

Speaking of late nights, the startup presentations loomed on the horizon in the second week of March, leaving no room for respite over the weekend. We dedicated ourselves to refining various presentation formats, crafting the legacy case, and conducting numerous dry runs to ensure a polished final delivery. The team’s tireless efforts paid off, culminating in a successful presentation.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, a weekend trip to Gruyères and the chocolate factory provided a much-needed breath of fresh air. It served as a welcome respite from the hectic schedule, offering a moment of relaxation amid the final weeks.

Time to relax: Me (right) during the trip to Gruyères with Kumi Hiramatsu and Mizuka Murata
Picturesque: A snap from the trip to Gruyères

The Personality Development Elective sessions held on weekends offered a unique perspective and helped alleviate the stresses of both academic and personal life. Engaging in self-exploration and self-discovery brought valuable insights and tranquility amidst the chaos.

The past few days have been really productive in terms of contemplating the course subjects for the final exams. As I jot down these thoughts while gearing up for the last exam from Professor of Finance, Arturo Bris, I can’t help but wonder what lies ahead in the next module.

Abhinav

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