I’ve been learning to embrace the uncertainty, to find joy in the journey, and to remain open to possibilities I might never have considered before.
As I stand on Münsterbrücke in Zurich, I see the full moon rising above the city’s elegant skyline, casting an ethereal glow across Lake Zurich. The gentle lapping of water against the shore and the distant chime of church bells create a moment of tranquil reflection. It’s hard to believe that just seven months ago, I was nervously unpacking my luggage, wondering what this year at IMD would bring. Now, at the halfway point of my MBA journey, I find myself transformed in ways I never anticipated.
When I arrived in Switzerland this January, I had three primary goals: to learn and grow both academically and personally, to forge lifelong friendships, and to pivot my career. Looking back, I’m pleased to say I’ve been making significant strides in all areas, though the journey is far from over.
The academic rigor at IMD has been everything I expected and more. From grappling with complex financial models to dissecting intricate case studies, I’ve found myself consistently challenged and engaged. But it’s not just about absorbing information; it’s about learning to think critically, approaching problems from multiple angles, and communicating ideas effectively. I’ve also noticed a shift in my mindset; I’m more confident in my abilities to tackle complex business challenges compared to a year ago, and I’m better armed with a robust toolkit of concepts and frameworks that I know will serve me well in my future career.
However, the learning at IMD extends far beyond the classroom. One of the most rewarding aspects of this program has been the personal growth I’ve experienced. Through group projects, leadership exercises, sessions with PDE, and countless conversations with my very diverse cohort, I’ve been gaining invaluable insights into my strengths, weaknesses, and leadership style. I’m learning to be more adaptable, more empathetic, and more self-aware – qualities that I believe are crucial for future leaders.
The friendships I’ve formed here have exceeded my wildest expectations. Never in my youth did I imagine I’d be spending an evening on a rooftop in Zurich, engaged in deep conversation as we watched the sun dip below the horizon. It felt like a scene from a movie: surreal, yet profoundly real. Or the night I spent with a Brazilian classmate, riding on swings and giggling like children, and discussing our life motivations over drinks at a bar alongside a train trail. Another evening, I found myself talking non-stop with a Japanese classmate about everything and nothing, lounging on our beds with face masks on to recover from the day’s Discovery Expedition activities in Silicon Valley. These moments, so far removed from my previous life, have broadened my perspective and enriched my world in ways I never anticipated.
Silicon Valley : Amith Dayanand, Ruiyi Hu, Abhinav Muddappa, Juancho Morales, Yonjai Lee, Thiago Nascimento, Sheng Li, Tejas Jalan, Rohit Gupta, Kriti Dixit
As we enter the second half of the program, I feel a shift in focus. While the first part of the year was heavily centered on academic learning and relationship building, the coming months will see an increased emphasis on career development and journey. I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead – the chance to apply what I’ve learned, explore new industries, and take concrete steps toward pivoting my career. I’ve been advised by numerous alums that MBA candidates shall stay “open to new opportunities even if they were outside of comfort zone.”
Life at IMD, and in Switzerland more broadly, has been a series of unexpected turns. Each twist in the road has brought new lessons, new challenges, and new growth opportunities. I’ve been learning to embrace the uncertainty, to find joy in the journey, and to remain open to possibilities I might never have considered before.
The IMD experience is intense, challenging, and at times overwhelming. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. The school’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of the program, from the world-class faculty to the state-of-the-art facilities. The intimate class size fosters a close-knit community where everyone knows each other by name, creating an environment of mutual support and collaboration.
To those considering embarking on this MBA journey, I would say this: come prepared to work hard, to be challenged, and to step out of your comfort zone. But also come ready to be inspired, to form deep connections, and to discover aspects of yourself you never knew existed. I can confidently say that IMD is producing a cohort of well-rounded, globally-minded leaders. We’re not just learning business theory; we’re developing the practical skills and personal qualities needed to navigate the complex, ever-changing business landscape of the future. The year will be very intense, yet will be incomparable to any other year that one has experienced in life.
As I look ahead to the remaining half of the program, I’m filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. There’s still so much to learn, so many connections to deepen, and so many opportunities to explore. But I’m also filled with gratitude – for the experiences I’ve had, the friendships I’ve made, and the growth I’ve achieved. Here’s to the journey ahead, and to making the most of every moment.
