Was it worth it ?

‘Wouw, congratulations ! So, was it worth it ?’.

Most of the class of 2009 is taking a well-deserved vacation, before each of us goes on to climb new mountains – and I’m guessing that I am not the only one to get this question over dinners with the friends and family, who have seen so little of us this year.

Was it worth it ? For me, no doubt; a loud and resounding yes ! For so many reasons, I cannot even start listing them here – including some unexpected ones, such as falling in love with a little city called Lausanne. So, in the spirit of passing the torch to the 2010 IMD MBA class, I decided to collect a few pieces of advice, good memories and experiences and to-do’s (and not to-do’s...), which I hope will help you fall as much in love with Lausanne and your year at IMD, as I have. They are in no specific order or priority;

1. Immerse yourself in the learning from day one. Involve yourself in the group work, even if it hurts; participate actively in class. You will of course have off-days and sometimes be tempted to say that the IMD bubble is not real anyway – but don’t let it distract you from going all out.

2. That being said – and although I’m not a man of regrets, this is probably my biggest one of this year; do remember to spend time with your class mates, as much as you can ! The ten-minute coffee breaks are fine, but they are not sufficient to get to know another person well. There are so many inspiring people in your class, with so diverse and interesting backgrounds and stories to tell (and please, do get beyond their business CV’s !), that you just have to take them out for dinner or have a drink and a cigar with them at the Beau Rivage. You can’t possibly get to know 90 people as best friends – but you can try, and potentially make friends for life in the process.

3. Try your best not to get into the habit of eating desert after lunch at the restaurant. When you fail – and you will – make sure you use the fitness facilities or go for a run along the lake once in a while.

4. Another way to get those extra pounds off is to continue the Sunday morning soccer tradition at Parc de Milan. When you do, you already have a standing challenge from the class of 2009 to respond to.

5. Remember to tell Eliane how much you appreciate her coffee – an use the opportunity to learn French in the process. You will be her last MBA class before she retires – and if anyone personifies IMD, she is the one. If you don’t know who Eliane is yet, then find out on the first day of school !

6. Don't try to cheat in the bus or metro. This is Switzerland, everything is millimeter-perfect - and it will NOT pay off in the end. If you decide to do it anyway, have chf 60 ready to pay in cash – if you have to pay later, the rate is chf 80 (someone told me...)

7. Get a CFF half-price (demi tariff) card - you will not regret it. It may seem expensive at first, but in the end you will end up travelling more by train and bus, than you think.

8. Visit the terrace at the Beau Rivage in summer – it’s a perfect place to get a coffee, enjoy the view, read a book – and get a cigar, if you are into such bad habits...

9. For going out, I can recommend Restaurant Myo in Parc Montbenon for sushi and Cafe de Grancy for Sunday brunch (book a table). If you have a little group of Shisha-lovers, Bar Le Colony is worth a try.

10. When the going gets tough in the dungeons, think of Restaurant La Jongue; we call it Joe’s Uncle, as it is owned by the uncle of Joe Nai from our class. Ask for the special IMD rebate – they know what you are going through...

11. Get out of Lausanne, if and when you have the time. Arrange a skiing trip after the BB1 exams, take weekend trips to Interlaken and Luzern, do a day-trip to Rochers de Naye (with an amazing view on Lac Leman), make summer picnics in the vineyards between Lausanne and Montreux. Use www.myswiterland.com for inspiration.

12. Please continue the Polar Bear Club tradition. Start in March and feel the freezing water of the melting glaciers – and continue until the end !

13. On that note, enjoy winter as much as spring as much as summer as much as autumn as much as winter. Few places on earth will show you such beautiful seasons. You may not think so on a cold February morning – but I certainly have loved all four seasons.

To the class of 2010, from the class of 2009; congratulations on your choice to attend the best MBA in the world, bon courage upon entering the bubble – and whatever you do, don’t forget to enjoy the ride !

Simon