ESSEC & MANNHEIM Executive MBA (Part-Time)

Why choose the ESSEC & MANNHEIM EMBA

I chose the ESSEC & MANNHEIM EMBA because the program structure was ideal for what I was looking for. It focuses on teamwork in intensive modules. It provides the ideal balance to learn not only from the lectures but also from your classmates.

A smart move is to really think about why you want to be in the program. Even before I applied, I knew this was the program for me. I contacted admissions first, then alumni to get their perspective. The most important part of the EMBA is not just the classes, but the overall experience that you have to enjoy.

Getting into the program

Contact with the Admissions Manager was a very pleasant experience. She was very friendly and informative. Her focus was really on checking my motivation for joining the EMBA and helping me to understand the challenges and what to expect from the program. A big plus was that she put me in touch with several alumni before I formally applied. After applying, she was also helpful in checking that everything went well and continued to guide and help me through the process.

When I was accepted into the program, I was really happy. It does take some effort to apply, to manage your personal finances, to prepare all the documents required for the application, and to prepare for the interviews themselves. It is like applying for a job, and in the end you are always relieved to get an offer as a “reward”.

Meeting my classmates for the first time

I still remember the first moments when I met my classmates for the first time. I was very nervous when I walked into La Defense. But the program was set up in such a way that the first course helped tremendously in "team building" and getting to know your classmates. It was amazing how quickly you could feel the diversity of everyone's experiences. At that moment I realized that the program was the right choice and that I would learn amazing things.

Focus on the right things!

The highlight of the program for me was the Outdoor Leadership Training. It really provides a very deep insight into your own abilities as a leader, and it also confronts you with your own shortcomings. In terms of challenge, it is really the impact of the program on your whole life. Juggling your regular work, family life, and studies at certain times is challenging in terms of managing it all. But in doing so, you learn the greatest lesson of the program: Focus on the right things!

I think the most important thing is to be prepared for that impact. This means that your spouse and children need to be on board. You also have to be willing to put your personal needs at the bottom of your priority list for 18 months. This can be quite intense and demanding, but I think it makes sense to prepare mentally and also to align yourself with your peers.

Changed perspectives and open doors

I would say that the biggest benefit is really a change in the way you see the world, both personally and professionally. And this change of perspective gradually changes your thoughts and subsequently your behavior to be "better". It's not about getting a better job offer when you graduate or having more respect because of your title. It's about gaining new insights and the ability to gain new insights. Doors are more likely to open for curious students than for professionals.

Getting into the program

The idea of pursuing an Executive MBA had long captivated my imagination and I had set my sights on various programs. It was my husband who told me about the outstanding reputation of Mannheim Business School (MBS) when we relocated to Germany and had to consider the practicalities of travelling to classes and having a young child.

When I first contacted the admissions manager, she identified the joint Executive MBA with ESSEC Business School as a compelling option, especially since ESSEC has a reputation for fostering entrepreneurial talent and I had already contemplated launching a startup. The program instantly resonated with me, and I applied.

I plunged headlong into the application process, determined to make my mark. As I diligently crafted my essays, I sought guidance from friends who had already embarked on their MBA journeys in the UK and the US. Their invaluable expertise became my compass, helping me ensure that my responses accurately addressed the essay requirements and showcased my true potential.

Embarking on this crazy, exhilarating ride

When I was notified that I was accepted into the program, I went through a whirlwind of emotions, a delightful cocktail of happiness, ecstasy and mild anxiety. My daughter was barely seven months old. It hit me like a ton of bricks that pursuing my Executive MBA would mean being away from her on those dreaded study trips. Yet, amidst this emotional rollercoaster, a flicker of excitement sparked within me, since the road ahead promised an exhilarating journey of knowledge and growth. Despite the tinge of separation anxiety, I couldn’t help but eagerly anticipate the adventures awaiting me. It was time to buckle up, embrace the unknown and embark on this crazy, exhilarating ride called an Executive MBA.

When I sat in class for the first time, an overwhelming sense of exhilaration washed over me, igniting an indescribable joy within. You see, I’ve forever been enamored by the art of connection, thriving on the opportunity to engage with individuals from various walks of life and soak up the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Having had the great opportunity to work with so many people from different cultures across the globe, the prospect of embarking on an Executive MBA journey only amplified my passion for forging new relationships. And oh, what a class we were! Representing over 22 nationalities!

Family as support network

Amidst the intense training and personal growth, I faced my own unique set of challenges. As a mother, leaving my daughter behind and venturing outside of Mannheim was a heart-wrenching experience. However, I was fortunate to have an incredible support system in place. Her father and my sister, ever supportive, stepped in to lend a helping hand. My sister even made the journey from London to assist, easing the pain of separation and reminding me that I was not alone.

Their unwavering support and presence alleviated the difficulties, providing solace and reassurance during those tough moments. It reminded me that while the journey may be arduous, I had a network of loved ones cheering me on, ready to lend their support whenever needed. With their help, the experience became more bearable, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the transformative process. It reinforced the importance of a solid support system and the unwavering love that sustains us through challenging times.

Personal highlights

Among the myriad moments etched in my memory, one personal highlight still shines brightly—the leadership and military training we underwent at Saint-Cyr in France. It was a pivotal experience, marked by challenges, exhilaration and an unwavering commitment to building our leadership skills.

In the blink of an eye, our cohort went from being mere acquaintances to a tightly knit team, thanks to the unique environment we were thrust into. Saint-Cyr demanded nothing short of our best, pushing us beyond our limits and encouraging us to rise to the occasion. It was an environment designed to forge leaders out of raw potential, and it did just that.

Through shared trials and triumphs, we not only formed lasting bonds but also discovered and embraced our distinct leadership styles. Looking back, those moments of separation served as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience we possess as individuals. Nearly five years have passed and yet, the impact of that time remains. It serves as a constant reminder of the incredible personal and professional growth we experienced together, and the lasting bonds we formed along the way.

Founding my own company

The program has been a game changer for my professional growth, providing invaluable support in transforming my idea into a startup. Not only have I forged incredible connections with fellow participants in my cohort, I have also joined some of the MBS clubs, cultivating meaningful relationships with accomplished alumni. It has been an extraordinary journey of personal and professional development.

With MBS alumni excelling in Germany’s top industries, there’s potential for powerful business connections. We can still improve and connect even more at the business level to support each other’s career growth.

Becoming a Transformational and Impactful Leader

After working in operational and strategic HR for over 14 years and being responsible for the full spectrum of HR functions, I wanted to challenge myself and expand my skills beyond my current role. Throughout my career at BASF, I have gained extensive experience leading diverse HR teams in emerging markets such as the Middle East, West Asia, CIS and Africa. In 2020, I took on a Global HRBP position at the headquarters in Germany to broaden the scope of my expertise. And I believe that undertaking the ESSEC & MANNHEIM EMBA program will help me to enhance my business acumen and personal brand, while providing me with the necessary tools to re-establish my leadership capacity as a woman in the multicultural global aspect. My goal is to become a transformational and impactful leader in my organization and beyond, adapting to the new unprecedented times we live in.

From Strangers to Close-Knit Community

Walking into my class and meeting my classmates for the first time was an exciting and energizing experience. I was genuinely curious and thrilled about the diverse group of individuals I would be learning with. What amazed me the most was how quickly we went from being strangers to building bridges and forming connections from day one.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the program presented its fair share of challenges, they ultimately resulted in significant personal and professional growth for me. These challenges pushed me to go beyond my limits, adapt to new situations, work with diverse teams, and further cultivate my resilience. And I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support of my community, including my leaders at BASF, my colleagues, my EMBA classmates, my personal coach, my friends and, most importantly, my family, who stood by me throughout this transformative journey!

Looking back, the ESSEC & MANNHEIM EMBA has played a significant role in my professional and personal development as well as my career trajectory. The program has provided numerous benefits that have positively influenced my journey. First and foremost, the EMBA program has significantly expanded my professional network. Interacting with a diverse cohort of talented individuals from various industries and backgrounds has allowed me to establish meaningful connections and build valuable relationships beyond the program itself. In addition, the program allowed me to take time for personal coaching and invest in my long-term development. 

As a direct result of my EMBA experience, new and exciting opportunities have presented themselves. One such opportunity I recently accepted is the role of Global People and Culture Lead for BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings. This position fits perfectly with my career aspirations and allows me to apply the knowledge, skills and network I have gained through the EMBA program.

In conclusion, the ESSEC & MANNHEIM EMBA has been instrumental in my professional and personal development. It has expanded my network, provided access to personal coaching, fostered cognitive diversity and led to new and exciting opportunities. I am grateful for the transformative impact the program has had on my career and life as a whole.