How To Balance Work, Life, And A Part-Time MBA
Stephany Fiore
Part-time International MBA
It isn’t always feasible to take one or two years out of work to enrol in an MBA, and if that is the case, emlyon business school offers the option for a part-time International MBA.
The two-year program covers the same core topics, with a diverse cohort, strong networking opportunities, and the flexibility to apply learning in real time. £This was the route Stephany Fiore took after being accepted to emlyon at the same time she was offered her dream job.
“It wasn’t a linear experience, everything happened at once. I was accepted to the school and got a new job at the same time.”
Why an IMBA Part-Time ?
Stephany came to the MBA from a non-traditional background. While many emlyon business school students have experience in consulting, finance, marketing, or sales, she pursued the program to build business knowledge alongside her expertise in biological research.
Stephany completed a PhD in molecular biology before completing a second master’s in clinical evaluation. This led to a five-year career in a cancer hospital as a clinical research associate. She decided to apply for an MBA when she wanted to move from academia into industry.
“I didn’t know much about how a company works… my aim was to understand how the industry operates from a company point of view.”
Originally, Stephany enrolled on the full-time program, but almost as soon as she was accepted she was offered a role she couldn’t refuse: a medical project manager at a pharmaceutical company.
“It was a big month for me.”
For Stephany, the IMBA proved valuable before it had even begun.
“Being accepted to emlyon actually helped me get the job.”
Balancing work and study
For Stephany, balancing a new job with the IMBA has been both challenging and rewarding.
“It’s challenging, because you have to switch from a professional mindset to a learning mindset. With a new role and the IMBA, the learning curve was steep at the beginning.”
But it has also sharpened her skillset, with the added benefit of returning to student life.
“It’s refreshing, it’s like going back to school.”
Staying organised
Juggling a full-time job and an IMBA requires discipline and forward planning.
Stephany focuses on long-term priorities while making use of small pockets of time throughout the week.
“I don’t like last-minute work… even 10 or 15 minutes is something I won’t have to do later. I set priorities and think long-term… I don’t just look at the week ahead.”
She adds that she is vigilant about organization. Balancing work, study, and personal life requires careful time management and compromise.
“You have a limited number of hours in a day, so you have to make choices.”
She emphasizes the importance of setting expectations with those around you.
“It’s important to be clear with your family or partner about the commitment, because they will feel the impact too.”
Having that understanding in place can make a significant difference during busy periods.
Learning in the classroom
A key advantage of emlyon and the IMBA part-time is learning alongside experienced professionals from a range of industries and backgrounds.
“The professors understand that we are professionals. Our experience is valuable, and classes become real exchanges based on what’s happening in our companies.”
The diversity of the cohort adds another dimension to the experience.
“We’re all from different backgrounds and nationalities, so it’s enriching to see how people approach problems differently.”
Applying the MBA in the workplace
One major virtue of a part-time program is the ability to apply what you learn immediately. For Stephany, the biggest shift has been in how she approaches her work.
“What helped me the most is the way of thinking you develop.”
Even when she is not directly involved in decision-making, the program has helped her understand the reasoning behind it.
“You understand why your company is making certain decisions and where it’s going.”
Building confidence and looking ahead
Beyond technical knowledge, the IMBA has had a clear impact on Stephany’s confidence.
“It’s helped me gain confidence… I better understand people in senior roles and the decisions they make.”
This has changed how she interacts with colleagues and approaches her role. Looking ahead, Stephany is less focused on a fixed end goal and more interested in how the experience will shape her.
“I’m curious to meet the person I’ll be at the end of the MBA, and to look back and see how I’ve changed.”
Who is a Part-Time MBA for?
For those considering the part-time IMBA, Stephany says it requires motivation and the right mindset.
“You need to have a clear goal, because there will be tough times, and that goal helps you push through.”
Equally important is a willingness to be challenged and adaptable.
“You have to be open to being challenged. If you think you’re always right, it will be very difficult.”