Case competitions - sleep or compete

Case competitions - a lesson in sleep depravation

A few weeks ago I signed onto a case competition team with a few buddies of mine. At the time it seemed like a great idea! 

1. I've never worked with these friends before, but I've seen them in action so this is a great way to test out team dynamics. 

2. Learn about a new industry and meet professionals who are experts within their fields. Amazing networking opportunities. 

3. Work on a real case thus put theoretical MBA knowledge in action. Semi-competitive, medium pressure, "real work". 

The reality come preparation day: 
Too tired 
Too busy
Too much apathy

This case comp was like all others. The assignment came out yesterday, but of course I was in back-to-back classes and meetings from literally 7:30 am until 10:30 pm. 

This morning, after a bright and early 7:30 am class, our group started on the case prep. It went s little bit like this: 

9 am - read case
9:30 - 11 am --> background research and analysis
11 - noon --> analysis
Lunch
12:30 - 4 pm --> brainstorm, argue and idea form
4-6 --> class
6-9 --> work on the deck
Dinner
9:30 --> flash of brilliance
9:30-midnight --> work on deck
Give up

Now I'm at home, going to take a shower and 4 hour nap, then wake, finish deck and get to school by 8 am to rehearse. 

Presentation is some time after 9 am and we'll (hopefully) make it to the second round, thus be done around 5. 

5pm--> team meeting

Home & sleep for 12 hours. 

A marathon of sleep depravation and eventual replenishment. Worth it? We'll see...