Admissions

First steps – doing my research and getting in touch with MBS

Initially, I had reached out to the current admissions manager at the time and had a call to discuss my profile and the program.  After deciding that the program was in line with my interests, I spoke with contacts at home who had completed an MBA and reached out to past MBS alumni with similar backgrounds (Finance/Accounting from the United States).

The Full-Time MBA admissions manager at the time assured me that I had a relevant profile for the program and helped me to feel welcome in the endeavor to seek an international MBA.   

Selection interview and case study

The selection interview went well, and I found it to be similar to that of a job interview, however, more open ended in the sense that discussing my future was not limited to one firm or position. I believe it was important to successfully pitch my current resume and accomplishments, but also have a concrete plan where my skills could fit into the local job market after the program. 

I found the case study to be straight forward and a fair representation of the type of cases to be discussed during the program.  I do not believe there was a correct answer. The case study was more of an opportunity to display thorough attention to detail and a well-researched approach to problem solving.  

Being accepted into the program and meeting my classmates for the first time

I was ecstatic to know that I not only now had my opportunity to move abroad, but the opportunity to further my career abroad at a world-renowned business institution.  

On the first day, I was excited to say the least. The cohort was comprised of people from around the world with experience in a vast array of different subject areas. I was assured that there would be no limit to perspective during the classes and that I would be prepared to work in a global work environment.  

Did the MBA help me reach my goals? Yes!

The Mannheim MBA was a perfect combination for me to both achieve a personal goal of moving my life abroad and to further my career at the same time. It was a perfect launchpad for a successful career in Germany as a foreigner. The cohort provided limitless perspective in both a global sense and a professional sense. I work today in cross-functional teams within an international company with a diverse workforce. The Mannheim MBA was the perfect preparation for this role.
 

Chance and destiny

Chance landed me in Heidelberg while on sabbatical from my previous role in Singapore. A few months later in the summer of 2016, I decided to pursue an MBA to expand my international network within the German business context and improve my understanding of the German job market and work culture. And what luck – Germany's best business school was in the neighboring city of Mannheim. It was destiny.

The last one to join the cohort

The admissions manager responded to my enquiry as fast as lightning. We met and with her friendly encouragement, I proceeded to apply, although it was already late summer just before the program was to start. I was the last applicant, if not among them. A mad rush, given the need to also take the GMAT last minute and arrange for character references, but this would turn out to be one of the most influential and formative next steps I was taking to shape the rest of my life.

Selection interview and case study

The selection interview with case study was intellectually challenging and in that very way invigorating and enjoyable. The interviewer challenged my positions on multiple fronts in a lively discussion where I got good practice dealing with being confronted and put on the spot. 

Diversity, interpersonal skills, leadership 

My key takeaway from the Mannheim MBA was the greater resilience and versatility I developed through immersive teamwork interactions with such a surreally diverse cohort of personalities. From Vietnam to Azerbaijan, Nepal to Italy, from professional backgrounds ranging from entrepreneurship to the military – every course required us to work with a different mix of team mates. We were immersed intensely in a regularly changing constellation of working styles and professional expertise.

The Multi-Competence Team (MCT), one of the few “constants” throughout the year, was a safe haven for consolidating my new interpersonal skills. Those team mates were almost like family to me. I tried to see everyone's perspectives, leveraging on everyone's individual strengths and helping others along who needed help understanding and contributing to the group goal. It was a boot camp and refresher in team leading, team cheerleading and team playing. The experience boosted my confidence and professional and emotional competencies that are key to tackling the political, cultural and interpersonal complexities of my current work and environment.