A Day in the Life of a Simon MBA: Temitope Ishmael

My day begins with the gentle hum of my alarm, nudging me awake before the world fully stirs. The first moments of my morning are sacred. I start with a quiet prayer, a quick review of my calendar on Notion, and a crafted to-do list after reviewing my calendar. Journaling comes next, a ritual that keeps me grounded and aware of my emotions, setting a calm yet intentional tone for the day ahead.

Morning Routine (8:00 – 9:00 a.m.) 

Breakfast is non-negotiable. If I ever dare to skip it, my stomach will stage a full protest during class or meetings. Trust me—it’s not a risk worth taking. With a cup of hot water and lemon in hand and emails reviewed and answered, I dive into my morning prep. Whether it’s refining my schedule or aligning my priorities, these early hours are my foundation for productivity.

Midday Hustle (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)  

The middle of the day is where the action happens. I often find myself attending club events, information sessions about companies, or engaging in meaningful conversations with peers. Being the VP of marketing and communications for Simon Women in Business (SWiB) and Simon Africa Business Club (SABC) means planning events, creating awareness through flyers and content, and sometimes even hosting meetings. Between these engagements I carve out time for coffee chats with Simon alumni, an invaluable networking opportunity where I gain insights, share experiences, and expand my professional circle.

When I’m not attending events, I’m usually at a Simon Business School study space or the library, working on my assignments, collaborating on team meetings, or preparing for upcoming classes. Before classes kick off, I also take a moment to browse through job alerts on LinkedIn and other platforms, ensuring I stay proactive in my job search. These alerts keep me informed about new opportunities and help refine my strategy for applications.

Afternoon Grind (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.)

Afternoons are dedicated to my on-campus job, where I contribute meaningfully to projects that not only build my skill set but also help cover my living expenses. The experience has been rewarding, offering me valuable hands-on exposure to real-world challenges while balancing my academic responsibilities.

Evening Classes (5:40 – 9:00 p.m.) 

As the day winds down for most, mine gears up with evening classes. These sessions are often a mix of engaging discussions, real-world case studies, team presentations, and occasionally, guest speaker sessions that leave me inspired. Each class feels like an intellectual adventure, filled with moments of deep reflection and practical application.

Before class begins, I usually take a break to reheat my prepped meal in the kitchenette at Simon, refueling and mentally preparing for the evening ahead. This simple routine ensures I’m focused and ready to engage in meaningful discussions during class.

Late Night Wind-Down (9:30 p.m. onwards)

If it’s been a good day, you’ll likely find me at the gym with friends, sweating out the day’s stress. But if exhaustion wins, I settle for something lighter, a quick snack, catching up on messages, watching and listening to a podcast or watching a movie with my housemate (who’s also an MBA student). We’ll often exchange stories from our day, discuss class topics, or simply share a good laugh.

Before finally calling it a night, I revisit my to-do list to cross off accomplishments and plan for tomorrow. Journaling makes a final appearance, it’s how I reflect, unwind, and capture the moments that made the day meaningful.

Every day at Simon Business School is a unique blend of productivity, learning, and connection—a rhythm I’ve grown to cherish as I continue to build towards my professional and personal goals.

Temitope Ishmael is a member of Simon’s MBA Class of 2025 and an admissions ambassador. Our admissions ambassadors are eager to speak with prospective students and share their experiences at Simon. We encourage you to reach out to Temitope or any of our other ambassadors—set up a chat today!

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