Showing posts with label 2011 MBA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011 MBA. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Staying the course

After the MBA, you start to get back into the "real" world. What does that really mean? It really means that our convictions will constantly be tested and we will face the temptation to go back to our old self before the IMD experience. But hopefully with the training of being more self aware, we can deflect un-inspiring encounters and detect our natural inclination to avoid discomfort.

Stay the course, fellow MBAs and know that we must change the world, inspire the people we come in contact with and have as much fun as we can.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Nespresso & Career Search

The International Consulting Projects (ICPs) are well under way. I am working with Nespresso, which is a 5 min walk west of campus. Pretty sweet huh! Being close has its perks, since we can get together with our client as often as we want and we can meet with pretty much anyone in the building. Don't forget about the endless cups of Nespresso we can enjoy!

We are halfway in and have completed Phase 2 last week. We are gearing up for an exciting Phase 3. It will be intense, but I think it will be great fun. At the same time, we are also in the midst of our job hunt. It will definitely be a trying period as we try to stay true to what we want. The pressure from friends, family and a "deadline" of December 2nd will continue to brew and I think this is where persistence and optimism will play a great part to stay above water.

For me, I know my long term targets and being sure about them gives me a certain calm that everything is going to be alright. A great quote (more of a paraphrase) from an Alum this past week:

"All of you are already one of the best in your field, and you have all been thrown here together to experience something very unique. Your system is continuing to digest the changes and becoming slowly aware of what has changed within you. Take your time and figure out exactly what you want and do not worry, it will work out."

I believe I HAVE changed and I look at the world a little differently than before. My system is still adjusting, I am certain of that. I will continue to reach for what sends a tingle in my spine and excites me, for our lives are very short and I want to spend my time doing what is worth doing.

Monday, May 30, 2011

The magic number 3

One

Remember the video submission to GBSN? We actually won 2nd place! The news article by IMD was actually featured on the homepage for a couple of days, maybe weeks? Nevertheless, this again proves that you will never know what happens when you give gifts (thanks Seth Godin for Linchpin). I never did expect anything to come from it and being in second place, we actually do not receive a prize. Our program director, however was kind enough to sponsor one of us to Mexico city for the conference in June. So guess what, I will be heading to Mexico for the GBSN conference in a few weeks. Thanks again for all that participated!

the creative director at work!

the smile on Alison's face says it all
Two

The MBAT concluded several weeks ago and I must say, the IMD crew was the ones that made the entire event fun. The logistics at HEC was nothing short of disastrous, and not at all family friendly. The meals I heard were really bad and the parties were equally frustrating. IMD should have their own party! It is no wonder that we are a great crew, since we have close to 100% attendance from the entire class, whereas the other schools only send their athletes and they usually just stay in Paris anyway. Alison and I were lucky we rented a car, since on campus transport was limited to buses that did not run on schedule and were prone to getting lost. However, we spent so much money on the trip that if I were to do it over, it would have been much different.

Negatives aside, this trip showed me how united our class has become, and it is a great feeling to feel the sense of camaraderie. This IS unique to IMD, and when we face outside competition, you can be sure we have each other's back. Thanks guys for a fantastic time!

the cheerleaders!

handling the rock
Three

The start-up projects have concluded! It has been a great learning experience. We learned first hand what it means to work in a start-up and to feel his frustrations and struggles. Although I am glad we are done with another milestone of the program, I also feel that after everything we learned about this company, I want it to succeed. Secretly, I wish that I can help them take it to another level.

Raphael serving us some pasta

champagne! (Raphael, Christian, Kamini, Kemi, Veronika, Saskia, Me)

Friday, April 8, 2011

IMD Video Contest

Video editing, interviews, photos for the stop motion segment probably took more than 40 hours of work! Thank you Alison for providing some editing help when school got really crazy and being the creative director for the stop motion segment. We did have to cut it by 30sec to fit into the final video. Thanks to all who helped and pitched in!

Global Business School Network competition

Sunday, March 13, 2011

It's time to exercise

D-day: Thursday 1.30pm

We were faced with our first integrative exercise that lasted from Thursday to Saturday morning. I slept for a total of 2 hours... I learned so many things in these 2 days, primarily about business analysis, but also about group dynamics and the effects of sleep deprivation on behavior. I am lucky enough to be naturally calm in these kinds of situations, probably because of my time in the military, where sleep deprivation was a constant phenomena.

Our group survived, and it's one less integrative exercise I have to go through. Time is zooming by and I'm going to enjoy these insane moments. Cheers!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

It's a MAD world after all

Last night was the first time the majority of students got together. One of our fellow students organized a party at MAD, in Flon, Lausanne. I believe we had more than 70 students and about 30 partners. It was really great putting the real person behind facebook profiles and introduction posts. We get more excited about this journey every time we meet new and interesting people. It is truly an amazing experience! I can't wait to chat with my fellow classmates and not have to shout over Lady GaGa and huddle in front of a bar serving 13 CHF mixed drinks.

Here's to a great year and the life changing experiences it will bring us. SALUT!

MAD - a Lausanne club/ bar with an attitude

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Welcome 2011

The countdown to 2011 was a remarkable one, surrounded by classmates and new friends, we toasted to the year ahead. The 36 of us, students and partners find ourselves at Le Bleu Lezard, where we had a six course meal, complete with wine, champagne, funny hats and some party props.

2011 New Years Eve Party @ Le Bleu Lezard

All of us left something safe, familiar and comforting behind, and took a leap of faith to challenge ourselves, to put ourselves out there for something a little more dangerous, adventurous, and different. I applaud us, the students for steering our future and the partners for being strong and supportive so far and even more so throughout the year.

Here's to a life changing year ahead, as all of us dig deep within ourselves and have the courage to grow a little more each day. Happy New Year!