{"id":326,"date":"2021-03-16T21:00:27","date_gmt":"2021-03-16T20:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escp.eu\/blog-mba\/?p=326"},"modified":"2021-06-02T18:27:17","modified_gmt":"2021-06-02T16:27:17","slug":"what-i-have-learnt-from-studying-an-mba-amidst-a-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escp.eu\/blog-mba\/2021\/03\/16\/what-i-have-learnt-from-studying-an-mba-amidst-a-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"What I have learnt from studying an MBA amidst a pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One year ago, I wouldn’st have guessed how life would change for me. The COVID-19 uncertainty took the world by storm, collapsed businesses, broke the economy, snatched away lives and forced millions out of a livelihood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, a year later, we are on a path to recovery, taking an oath to build a stronger and better future<\/strong>, walking towards the light. From one Spring to another, life is looking up. My journey from India to Paris to be a part of the ESCP <\/a>in the Fall of 2020 has been an experience of a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new normal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the pandemic hit the world hard, students were not spared either. From visa troubles and uncertain travels to adapting to online classes, they faced a range of challenges that were daunting. Overcoming the possibility of not being able to join my cohort on time, regularly modifying the travel plans which were uncertain due to flight restrictions and embracing the \u00ab\u00a0new normal\u00a0\u00bb by joining the MBA in International Management<\/a> class of 2021 online, despite inadequacies, we sailed through, anyway. And, what an overwhelming and enriching six months have they been! <\/strong>My determination to be a part of the 2021 MBA batch has taught me to overcome self-doubt, trust the road ahead and enjoy my ride all the way.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From our dilemma to be able to join the program, as I fast-forward a few months, we can say that more than determination, our resilience has made us reach a milestone<\/strong> \u00ab\u00a0\u201c we have successfully completed the first half of the much-coveted program by withstanding all the difficulties posed by the pandemic. Faced with stressful circumstances, as our diverse group first met on the tranquil campus in Paris, we resolved to turn the challenges into our success stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00ab\u00a0I met some of the smartest, kindest, and most driven people over the last 6 months.\u00a0\u00bb<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To progress, we adapted to the changes, as creative and dedicated batchmates came together to hold each other to enhance our perspectives and gain knowledge. It wasn’st easy in the initial phases, though. Like the rest, students, too, were left feeling helpless and confused. We knew it wasn’t the best of times. Midway through, I can very well say that there was a lot that was learnt under these special circumstances<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As David BIRCHER from the Paris track puts it, \u00ab\u00a0only a special type of person decides to invest their energy, money, and intellect in an MBA during COVID. <\/a>Lucky for me, that meant I met some of the smartest, kindest, and most driven people over the last 6 months. The camaraderie created a single group where people could ask for help, celebrate one another, be vulnerable, and advocate for our personal and collective needs. That’s such a valuable experience.<\/strong><\/em>\u00ab\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A strong multicultural community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From organizing group activities and racing to complete assignments, to fostering a bond with one another inside and outside the classroom, from setting up interest groups for workout and studying the stock market to discussing movies and music, our feeling of togetherness kept the spirit high<\/strong>. Reeling under the duress of the pandemic, some managed to undertake a few short outings with others in the cohort following the COVID-19 protocol which recharged our minds and soothed the frayed nerves. Away from the confinement of our rooms during the lockdown, while missing our family back at home, the vacations strengthened our friendship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n