From Silicon Valley to Cote d’Azur, MBA student Abhinav Muddappa spends the summer in a reflective mood – but with his mind on the journey ahead.

Ah, summer! That glorious season where the sun’s warmth isn’t just a matter of degrees but a state of mind. For some of us, it was a return to our hometowns to reconnect with family and childhood memories. Others explored the amazing landscapes of Switzerland, while the most fortunate among us dove headfirst into consulting and tech workshops, making strides in their professional quests. As for me? I took a slightly different route, one that balanced introspection with a touch of Mediterranean flair.

After the fun-filled, idea-sparking expedition to Silicon Valley – a place where innovation oozes out of every café conversation (just like Benoit Leleux explained it during the debrief of ‘The Monk and the Riddle’) – it was time to hit pause. I decided to spend the first part of my vacation diving deep into self-exploration. I rewrote my CV, digging into my experiences and aspirations to present the best possible version of myself to the world. Researching companies became a ritual; each morning started with a cup of strong coffee and a deep dive into the ethos of potential employers.

Golden Gate Bridge with Andrew Rankine, Roger Wang, Gunjan Mittal, Tejas Jalan, Juancho Morales, Kumi Hiramatsu, Saad Soomro, Kriti Dixit, Pranav Kapoor and Didrik Simensen

But it wasn’t all work and no play. The last week of my break was spent soaking in the azure waters and golden sands of Cote d’Azur, the perfect setting for a much-needed mental reset. The sea, the sun, the swim – it was all rejuvenating. And, frankly, essential. After all, a pivotal moment in my MBA journey was just around the corner and I needed to be at my best.

A snippet from Ezé Village of Cote d’Azur

A change in mindset: From concepts to real-world applications

With the summer behind us, there’s been a noticeable shift in the air at IMD – not just in temperature but in mindset. The discussions that once revolved around abstract concepts and theoretical frameworks have morphed into conversations about real-world applications. The tension has geared up a notch, and rightly so.

Me in discussion with classmate Ruiyi Hu

Schedules are busier than ever. Electives, digital analytics lab, assignments – they’re all vying for our attention. But that’s just the academic side of things. Parallel to this, we’re about to get deep into the job-hunting process. Researching companies, networking, and understanding different industries have become daily tasks. It’s a delicate balancing act – managing studies while actively preparing for the next step in our careers. It’s challenging, no doubt, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Where I came from, and where I’m headed

Let’s rewind a bit. I come from a background that’s as diverse as it is rich in experiences – Engineering in Chennai, tech gigs in Japan, and a foray into digital transformation in various industries. Each step has been a building block, leading me to this moment at IMD. So, what’s my motivation? Why IMD, and where do I go from here?

Joining IMD was never about just getting an MBA; it was about transformation – both personal and professional. I wanted to challenge myself, to step out of my comfort zone and into a world where leadership isn’t just taught but lived. My goal? To leverage this experience to drive change – whether that’s in tech, consulting, or another path that allows me to make a meaningful impact. The networking, the learning, the job hunting – it’s all part of a grander plan. It’s about laying the foundation for a career that’s not just successful but also significant.

So, here I am, at a crossroads of sorts. The journey ahead is bound to be demanding, but it’s a challenge I welcome with open arms.

As I look ahead, I’m filled with a mix of excitement, determination – and yes, a bit of tension. But that’s all part of the journey, isn’t it? The stakes are higher, the pace is faster, but so too are the rewards. Here’s to embracing the challenges, seizing the opportunities, and making the most of every moment as I navigate this pivotal point in my MBA journey.

Cheers to the journey ahead!

Abhinav Muddappa

PS: Opportunity doesn’t knock twice, but I’m just a message away, ready to answer the door 😉

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