“You are most likely going to fail strategic planning”, one of my classmates said with a wry smile. It was the third day of the program, and all I could do was smile back and say: “I hope not”. Even now the comment still makes me chuckle. At face value, she was probably right. Having our second child during my MBA program was certainly going to be a challenging endeavour. Who in their right mind would do this? I had 12 months to prove that my strategic decision was a good one!
With just 3 months until convocation, I feel I can speak with some degree of authority regarding my experiences as a young father and the Ivey MBA program.
During a recent question and answer session with prospective students, I was asked a sincere question that I feel would be good subject for the substance of this post: “How do you juggle being a Dad and undertaking a full-time MBA?” I will share the answer that I gave with the hope that it will be of some help to those with children considering an MBA at Ivey.
Firstly, I attribute my success to my amazing wife. Without her unfailing support, I wouldn’t have even considered applying. I don’t know what I would do without her constant positive attitude. I would be lying if this year has not been a strain on our family. It really has required the best of all of us. At this stage, I should tell you that my oldest daughter is now 20 months old, and my youngest four months old.
A combination that would be more than a handful for even the most brave of individuals. Although my family may not be going to learning team meetings (even though I get regular requests to bring in my kids to class) and getting “cold-called”, they are effectively taking the program with me. It has taken sacrifice and commitment from my whole family.
Secondly, my classmates have been outstanding. I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked how my wife/kids/family are doing. The case method creates a special atmosphere that is hard to explain except to those who have experienced it. On occasion, I have needed time with my family, especially during the most difficult periods of the pregnancy. My learning team have been extremely understanding during the whole process. The support network is tremendous.
Lastly, time management is crucial. The course varies between intense, and ridiculously intense (ha ha). In all seriousness the workload at times is very heavy. To navigate my way through the minefield of competing priorities, I spend Sunday evening planning out my week. I understand that I have a number of key roles that I perform (MBA Student, Father, May Class representative etc.). In each role I ask myself the question: “What is the most important thing I can do in this role this week?” After planning all the time for the program, often my main goals are to ensure that there is sufficient “Daddy and daughter” time, a well planned date with my wife and that my health remains in check. Doing this every week has kept me firmly on course.
It is clear to me that without my wife, classmates and good time management, I would have sunk to a miserable end during the first module. Thankfully, this trio has pushed me through so far. My message is that it can be done! The Ivey MBA has been one of the richest experiences of my life and definitely worth all of the effort that it has required. In retrospect, I think I fared quite well in Strategic Planning. Of course, please feel free to verify this with Professor Michael Rouse!