There was excitement in the air as the MBA batch of 2025 gathered for a class photo. My classmates were chatting about their upcoming Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM) week adventure, which gives MBA students the opportunity to pursue a mini module at network schools. I stood among them, smiling for the camera as FOMO crept in. While they would soon be exploring different corners of the world, I would be spending my time here in Dublin. But instead of letting the week pass me by, I decided to create my own adventure.
I began the weekend by taking a breather from the fast-paced MBA routine and enjoying some personal time. I tried my hand at cooking a delicious meal, and spent a relaxing evening at home. This pause gave me a renewed sense of energy and set the tone for the days ahead. With this quiet start, I felt ready to explore Dublin from a fresh perspective.
On a whim, I decided to visit UCD’s main campus at Belfield, where I caught a film at UCD Cinema, and strolled around the campus afterward. As I walked along the paths and explored the James Joyce library, I found myself with a renewed appreciation for the place that’s been shaping my MBA experience. It was a simple, almost meditative moment, but it reminded me of just how far I’ve come since starting here.
With Halloween approaching, I embraced the festive spirit and went shopping for decorations, costumes, and treats, exploring Dublin’s hidden corners along the way. Each store and street revealed something new, a side of the city I had never seen before.
Midway through the week, I attended a networking event at a local pub organised by the MBA Association of Ireland. Mingling with students from other universities across Dublin, we shared stories, ideas, and ambitions. It was a reminder that growth isn’t confined to the formal aspects of an MBA program, and sometimes the best connections are made over a pint.
Of course, the week wasn’t all leisure. My teammates and I met up occasionally to tackle upcoming group assignments and a presentation. Between these sessions, catching up on individual assignments, and working with my Product Management and Marketing Club to plan upcoming events, I stayed deeply engaged with my coursework. Balancing the workload with personal time was challenging, but it felt immensely rewarding.
One of the highlights of my week was squeezing in a hike to Glendalough. The breathtaking views brought a sense of freedom, letting me step outside the academic hustle and ground myself in the beauty of the Irish landscape.
As the week came to an end, I realised I had made the most of it, filling each day with purpose, growth, and memorable adventures. Though I hadn’t travelled for GNAM, I was reminded of just how much Dublin has to offer and how much there is to gain from fully embracing each moment, wherever we are.
Most of all, the week provided the mental space to recharge, preparing me to dive back into the trimester with renewed energy and a clear mind. In an MBA program, it’s easy to get swept up in the non-stop pace, but sometimes a break like this can be just as enriching.
—Kaushik Mattu, FTMBA Class of 2025