When I set out to choose a business school, I wasn’t just looking for prestige—I was searching for a place that would challenge my thinking and push me to operate like a founder, not just a manager. In today’s world, where uncertainty is the only constant, I knew that an entrepreneurial mindset—the ability to adapt, innovate, and create value—would be the most important skill I could develop.
Conversations with alumni from different schools gave me a sense of their cultures, but IMD stood out immediately. Hammad Hussain (IMD MBA 2017) responded to my cold outreach like we had known each other for years. Without hesitation, he shared his experiences and insights, which made my decision easier than I had expected. Later, I realized that this wasn’t unique to him—IMD fosters a tight-knit community where people genuinely invest in each other’s success. That, in itself, is a form of entrepreneurship: building something meaningful together.
A Room Full of Builders and Innovators
From day one, it was clear that IMD had assembled an exceptional group of individuals. I’ve always thrived in competitive environments—winning Best Outgoing Student in school, excelling academically, and even earning the Student of the Year title during my MSc in Entrepreneurship at the University of Liverpool. But here, I found myself in a room where everyone had built something – a career, a company, a movement, or a revolutionary idea.
The sheer depth of talent and drive in the room is humbling. Conversations don’t just stay within the boundaries of coursework; they extend into business ideas, growth strategies, and how to navigate industries that are evolving faster than ever. I quickly realized that IMD wasn’t just about learning frameworks – it was about applying them in real-time.
This became even more evident when we had the opportunity to pitch and present our clubs to the entire class. It was one of those moments where I could see the entrepreneurial energy running through everyone. Each club was pitched with originality, showcasing creativity and vision. It was inspiring to see classmates selling ideas, crafting narratives, and influencing an audience—exactly what entrepreneurship is all about.
Learning by Doing: The Startup Project
If there’s one thing that separates IMD from other programs, it’s how deeply embedded real-world application is in the learning process. A great example is the Startup Project, where we are not just analyzing companies from a distance but working side by side with entrepreneurs to solve real business challenges.
IMD doesn’t just teach entrepreneurship—it puts us in the driver’s seat. We work in teams of six, partnering with promising startups selected through an intense competition. This isn’t theoretical work; we’re actively validating business models, shaping growth strategies, and solving critical challenges.
What struck me most was the scale of IMD’s impact. Out of Switzerland’s Top 100 startups in 2024, 29 have been part of IMD’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. Companies like DePoly and Bloom Biorenewables – which are changing the landscape – once stood in the same place we are now, working with IMD MBAs to refine their strategies. Even Yassine Zaied, Chief Strategy Officer of Nexthink, credited IMD for being a pivotal part of their journey.
Switzerland is one of the world’s most innovation-driven economies, and IMD plays an integral role in bridging the gap between academia and industry. Being able to contribute to a startup’s success while still in business school is an experience that very few MBA programs can offer.
The IMD Experience: A Test of Grit and Vision
Before joining, Hammad had mentioned something that I only fully understood after a few months: “It doesn’t matter where you live—most of your time will be spent on campus anyway.” At first, I laughed it off, but now, deep into the course, I see what he meant.
The curriculum is intense, but what makes it truly unique is how much it mimics the chaotic, high-pressure environment of building a business. We move fast, juggle multiple responsibilities, and are constantly expected to deliver results. We recently completed Module 2, which tested every aspect of our endurance, and now we’ve entered Module 3, where subjects like operations, strategy, and entrepreneurship are pushing us even further.
But that’s the point. IMD isn’t just shaping corporate leaders—it’s shaping builders, visionaries, and changemakers. Here, you don’t just learn how to manage a company; you learn how to create, scale, and transform one.
Looking ahead, I know that this journey is shaping me in ways I hadn’t even imagined. The IMD MBA is more than an education – it’s a proving ground for those who want to create lasting impact.
