Day in the Life as an MDP Advisor
No two days are ever truly the same on the MDP, but I’ll try to give you a glimpse into what a typical day looks like for me as a marketing master’s student.
My day starts at 7:00 AM when my alarm goes off. I’m not naturally a morning person, but I’ve learned to appreciate the quiet moments before the day fully begins. After getting ready, I put on my business formal attire – a staple of our programme – and head out the door.
I like to get to the office for 8:20 AM. While our official start time is 9:00 AM, coming in early gives me the chance to grab a coffee and catch up with my classmates. Some mornings are spent discussing weekend plans or our latest Netflix series binge!
At 9:00 AM, we officially kick off the day with a discussion on the Financial Times news briefing. Staying up to date on current affairs is a big part of our routine, and we take turns sharing key insights and opinions on major global developments. It’s always fascinating to hear different perspectives, and these discussions often spark great debates about how world events impact the marketing landscape.
Depending on the day, our mornings might involve lectures on topics like digital marketing, brand management, or market research. Other times, we dive straight into project work. One of the unique aspects of this programme is the hands-on experience with real-life clients across various industries. We manage our own projects, which means balancing research, strategy, and execution while ensuring we deliver meaningful results.
Our first break comes at 11:00 AM, and you’ll usually find most of us refuelling with a coffee from Gather & Gather café. Some days, we’re in the office working, but often we’re out conducting market research, scoping out event venues, or meeting with industry professionals.
From 11:20 AM to 1:00 PM, it’s back to work. Whether it’s refining presentations, analysing data, or brainstorming new campaign ideas, there’s always something to keep us engaged. We also meet regularly with Harriet, our programme manager, and Martha, our market research expert, to get feedback and guidance on our projects.
Lunch from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM is a welcome break, and you’ll usually find us in Blackrock, trying out different lunch spots or catching up over food in the Smurfit cafeteria.
The afternoons are dedicated to more project work, meetings, and sometimes client presentations. On days when we present, the energy in the office is a mix of nerves and excitement as we put forward our strategies and insights. Our official C.O.B is 5:30 PM, but many of us stay later, working on projects, refining pitches, or simply enjoying the camaraderie that comes with being part of such an engaging and dynamic programme.
By the time I head home, I’m exhausted but fulfilled, knowing that every day brings new challenges, new learning opportunities, and new connections. The MDP is fast-paced, demanding, and incredibly rewarding – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.