Has this year ever not been a whirlwind?
Just when you think it’s calming down, something else ramps up. We’re in the final push toward graduation, juggling our International Consulting Projects while chasing the elusive post-MBA role.
Here’s a snapshot of my home life lately: my two-year-old is very two, my five-year-old finally seems to be thriving with friends and a perfect French accent, my husband is networking and interviewing like crazy, and my dog decided it was a good time to have not one but TWO surgeries in two weeks. When we’re afforded the luxury of conversation, our chats orbit around what’s next – where we are targeting, what are the opportunities, what’s left of our runway, what are our priorities, what are the tradeoffs.
Candidly, I’ve felt a lot of dead ends and doses of defeat. This stretch is heavy with rejection and another shade of exhaustion amidst all the unknowns. Like many, I’ve shifted from chasing the “triple jump” (changing geography, function, and industry) dream to honing in on the true priority. For me, it’s geography – remaining in Europe, ideally landing in the Nordics.
After working so hard to get here and then going through an intensely transformative year, it’s tempting to cling to the idea of perfection: painting a flawless masterpiece on that post-MBA blank canvas. But the truth is, that pursuit can easily blur your vision (something I’m still working on). You have to ask yourself: “What am I really chasing? Why?” And, crucially, “What matters most?”
These last few weeks have been intense, with plenty of can’t-focus-in-class-must-find-job moments, but also a lot of fun and joy. I took part in the fast-paced Venture Capital Asset Management simulation, serving as both Deal Flow Analyst and Investment Director. It was exhausting, exhilarating, immensely rewarding and deeply confirming – VC is where I want to be. (When I’ll get there is maybe another story!) My team also kicked off our ICP on-site with our client in Denmark, and that familiar spark of purpose in work came rushing back. It was an incredible experience and I wasn’t ready to leave.
Our weekly dinners continue, and I’m holding my friends a little tighter as the year winds down. I’ve met some of the amazing new admits to the 2026 cohort, who – in true IMD spirit – have already helped me in my job search!
Amidst all the ups and downs, I’ve noticed a quiet shift that has taken hold in me: a sense of release, and even ease. There are still moments of doubt, frustration, and flickers of anxiety, but an energy and inertia buzzing around. It feels like forward motion, like it’s leading somewhere, like something real is taking shape. I’m following it, I’m staying curious about it, I’m playing around with it, and I’m [mostly] feeling calm and confident.
It’s almost like all this leadership work is starting to pay off!
