Having completed the first two modules of his MBA program at IMD, MBA student, Prateek Prabhune, shares a typical day for him at this time of year.

Morning

Waking up at 6:30am, the day begins with the simple pleasure of a hot Americano. This early morning ritual sets the tone for a productive schedule ahead, providing the perfect backdrop to complete mandatory pre-readings for the day’s lectures. After a quick shower, I head out to the first lecture of the day at 8:30am – yes, Swiss time!

The three-hour morning session is nothing short of invigorating, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, featuring breakout rooms for group discussions and guest speakers who bring fresh perspectives to our learning. This interactive environment not only enhances understanding but also prepares us to tackle the complex world of business leadership.

Three months into the program, MBA student, Prateek Prabhune, shares a typical day for him at IMD at this time of year.
Early start: An 8:30am lecture on corporate philosophy from Luc de Brabandere

Lunch

By noon, it’s time to refuel. Lunch at the IMD restaurant offers an hour of camaraderie and casual discussions with peers. Post-lunch, our group convenes in the assigned study room to delve into assignments. This module’s focus on finance, specifically valuation and strategy, challenges us to meet deadlines and uphold the quality of work, fostering a rigorous academic discipline.

Lunch at the IMD Restaurant with my special visitors for the week – my parents!

Afternoon

The second lecture kicks off at 1:30pm. Just like the morning session, this class is designed to be engaging – especially necessary after the indulgence of a hearty IMD buffet lunch. Interactive and filled with critical learning moments, the afternoon stretches our thinking and application skills further.

However, the learning doesn’t stop at lectures. Post-class, we are often graced by distinguished guest speakers, ranging from CEOs to insightful venture capitalists. Their sessions are a prime opportunity to gain industry insights firsthand – when they speak, we listen!

At around 5:30pm, the day officially wraps up and it’s time to switch gears. Whether it’s coordinating cricket practice for the upcoming MBA Olympics (2024 MBAT at HEC Paris) or discussing the agenda for the Consulting Club, this time is about unwinding and networking, often over a relaxing beer with classmates.

The 2024 IMD MBA cricket team

Evening

Returning home at 6pm, I decompress through competitive e-sports, which shifts my mind from academic rigors to strategic games. Dinner is a comforting affair with soul food, often Thai, capping off the day before heading to bed by 10:30pm.

At IMD, it’s about balancing the grind with the unwind, ensuring we grow not just as students, but as global citizens. The program is designed to push us to our limits – Module 2 concluded last week with four finals – yet it also allows us to embrace the vibrant European way of life. Just this weekend, I recharged in Ibiza, ready to dive into Module 3. Wish me luck!

Prateek

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