While we go through the long days and nights of socializing and studying, it can be easy to forget that alongside many of our cohort stands (either physically or virtually) a strong, supportive partner with their own life and goals.
I’m lucky enough to have my wife, Cassie, here with me. I uprooted our lives once to move to the Netherlands, and now once more to come to Lausanne (and probably one last time next year!) So, we’re on this journey of self-discovery together. With that said, I’d like to share my top three (unsolicited and by no means expert) tips on managing an MBA with a partner.
1. Make time for just the two of you
The MBA can be all-consuming, leaving you with little time for anything other than classes, group work, and networking. But it’s essential to carve out time just for the two of you. Each person does this differently – it could be date nights, weekend adventures, lakeside walks, you name it!
For me, on top of the above, the greatest benefit of having Cassie here, and the best part of my day, is being able to go home for dinner – just the two of us. I have a home to retreat to, and a sounding board to debrief the maelstrom of new ideas. These small moments together help bring her into the experience while providing much-needed breaks from the intensity of school life for me.
2. Choose the right school
This may seem obvious, but when considering an MBA, it’s important to factor in not just your own ambitions but your partner’s needs as well. Are you choosing a school with a strong network and resources for families? Does the location suit both of your lifestyles?
This was one of my main criteria for a business school. IMD was a no-brainer.
IMD was one of the only top MBA programs I found with a dedicated partner program. Cassie gets access to a lot of the facilities, like the gym and the barista – she even gets her own badge! IMD also made it easy for us to get a house near campus, so I could drop home quickly at lunch or in the evening before heading back to school.
On top of that, Lausanne. Lake, mountains, tight-knit international community, and a beautiful old town. Need I say more?
Seriously though, there are a ton of considerations in addition to partner support and location when it comes to business school, but I believe this whole experience has been made richer by choosing IMD.
3. Partners are part of the community
For most of us, the MBA isn’t about the classes. It’s about the experiential leadership, the out-of-comfort-zone experiences, and, of course, the relationships you build. One thing I’ve been an advocate for since before even arriving in Lausanne is that our MBA cohort community isn’t just the people in the class, it’s their families and the people whose lives are affected by us all being here too.
It’s incredible how true this has turned out to be at IMD. Football, volleyball, movie nights, potluck dinners, couples’ date nights, even just having someone over for a cup of tea. Partners are always invited and made to feel welcome and the community is richer for it.
Of course, there’s a balance to be struck and sometimes it’s important that as a class you’re able to have time with just each other, so make sure you and your partner both understand this. But, more than anything, the community here has given me the confidence that we’re both developing and making life-long friends together.
The MBA is a rollercoaster, and while it changes your professional life, it inevitably impacts your personal life too. Having a partner alongside you on this journey can make the ride more rewarding, but it also requires intentional effort.
So, to all the partners out there – thank you for your trust, support, and patience. And to those embarking on this adventure together, embrace the challenge, enjoy the ride, and make it your own. You’ll both come out stronger for it.
