Leadership and Career Impact

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Practical Leadership Skills to Accelerate Your Career

In the Mannheim Part-Time MBA, you will learn leadership theory and put it into practice. Starting with the Outdoor Leadership Training in the very first program module, you will build a team to achieve a common goal, solve problems and conflicts, obtain feedback, reflect and grow as a leader. Your new business and leadership skills will have a direct impact on progress in your career. And your journey of growing and learning will never stop: From day one and long after your graduation, you can count on a strong network and the all-round, quality services of our Alumni Relations and Career Development Office.

Career Impact

Return on Investment

  • Graduates achieve a 24% increase in salary between the start and end of the program
  • 43% of all participants change their jobs during the program
  • 60% emphasize that acquiring new management and leadership skills has a direct and significant positive impact on their work and career

Download the impact report for the Class of 2022.

Average Salary in €

* Directly after Graduation

Perspectives

“The MBA immediately made a big difference in my career: one year into the program, I got a promotion. What greatly helped me face this challenge, especially with regard to building up my own team and suddenly having managerial responsibility, were the many leadership courses during the MBA program and the way we continuously worked on our personal development.”

Kati Boeckenhauer, Head of Strategy & Business Development Private Sector at Fujitsu CE, Mannheim Part-Time MBA Class of 2016

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I only had a bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration. Doing an MBA was therefore a necessity in order to get ahead in my career. Moreover, after working for 6 years, I also felt the urge to go back to school – not just to learn new skills and refresh old knowledge, but also to get in touch with peers who are at the same point in their life. 

One thing was clear from the very beginning: a full-time MBA was not an option for me. I was looking for part-time programs that would allow me to continue with my career. Mannheim was an obvious choice because it offers one of the best-ranked MBAs in Europe and is the No. 1 business school in Germany. I also liked the modular format of the program. I find it much more time efficient and effective than weekend programs.

The MBA already made a big difference in my career: one year into the program, I got a promotion. Getting promoted to Head of Corporate Strategy & Investment at BRITA Group, the leading water filtration company in the consumer segment, has been a big step forward for me. What greatly helped me face this challenge, especially with regards to building up my own team and suddenly having managerial responsibility, were the many leadership courses during the MBA program and the way we continuously worked on our personal development.

Being exposed to such a diversity of personalities and working styles was not always easy, but it certainly brought us all a major step forward. That meant for example finding a professional way of dealing with people that you just cannot work with by valuing their strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses.

One of my personal highlights was our residency in Atlanta. The leadership and organizational change module was outstanding. Having the chance to experience the flair of another world-renowned business school was unforgettable. Furthermore, networking with so many international young talents that inspire each other personally and professionally is a really unique experience.

Completing the Mannheim MBA has been a great journey. Would I do it again? I sure would. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn and work with fellow participants from so many diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Many were and will continue to be a great source of inspiration for me in business and private matters. I am leaving the Mannheim MBA thus not only with new skills but also with friendships that will last.

“Founding our own company was something we had aspired to, and the program definitely reinforced that decision. The Mannheim startup ecosystem felt like a natural extension of the Mannheim Business School environment: MBS and the Mannheim startup ecosystem provided us with invaluable resources such as access to funding, accelerator programs and potential customers. This support system played a crucial role in getting our business off the ground.

Dr. Benito Campos, Saribek Karapetyan and Gaurav Sinha, Co-Founders of Visual Abstract, Mannheim Part-Time MBA Class of 2020

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We decided to apply for the MBS Part-Time MBA because we believed in the power of lifelong learning and wanted to balance our existing careers with further academic and personal growth. The flexibility of the part-time program, the international reputation of Mannheim Business School, and its strong focus on entrepreneurship particularly appealed to us. Besides being home to Germany’s premier business school, Mannheim has been Germany’s hotspot for B2B startups and in some current rankings the startup climate was number one in the country, surpassing other startup hubs like Berlin and Munich. Next Mannheim is also one of the largest and best organized startup ecosystems. For the three of us, Mannheim was the natural choice.

For our application, we focused on showcasing our leadership skills, professional achievements, and motivations for wanting to do the MBA. We reached out to current participants and alumni, who were more than willing to share their experiences and provide valuable advice. Their insights helped us align our expectations and tailor our application effectively.

Our first contact with the admissions manager and the MBS team was very warm and welcoming. They seemed genuinely interested in our profiles and career aspirations. They were also transparent about the program and its rigorous demands, which gave us a clear idea of what to expect.

Receiving the acceptance notification was a thrilling moment. We felt that the MBA would open many doors for us but that it would also “close” doors in ways that we could not yet fully grasp: It would inevitably shape our path. In addition, we saw it as a validation of our hard work and potential, and it also marked the beginning of a new exciting chapter in our lives.

MBS has been incredibly successful in bringing together some of the brightest talents who are also great team players and good comrades. Walking into our class for the first time was a mix of nervousness and excitement. Seeing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our classmates, we knew that we were going to learn as much from them as from the program itself.

The program was filled with numerous highlights and challenges. Some highlights included working on real-world business problems, engaging in stimulating debates, and forming close bonds with our classmates. The most challenging moments were usually associated with balancing the demanding coursework with our professional responsibilities, but overcoming these hurdles was a rewarding experience in itself.

Founding our own company was something we had aspired to, and the program definitely reinforced that decision. The Mannheim startup ecosystem felt like a natural extension of the Mannheim Business School environment: MBS and the Mannheim startup ecosystem provided us with invaluable resources such as access to funding, accelerator programs and potential customers. This support system played a crucial role in getting our business off the ground.

The Mannheim Part-Time MBA has been instrumental in our professional and personal development. It not only equipped us with the tools and knowledge needed to run a successful business but also instilled a sense of resilience, strategic thinking, and ethical responsibility. It expanded our network and introduced us to diverse industries, which have been beneficial in our current roles. As #Mannheimerforlife we always had the unique opportunity to leverage Mannheim Business School’s powerful brand and network. Some of our professors still mentor us to this date, long after graduation and have been instrumental in shaping our business model.

When we started our MBA journey, we could understand the value of the MBS Network but now, we can fully appreciate it. The MBS Network has been an essential part of our journey. It provides ongoing support, learning opportunities, and connections that transcend our time in the classroom. On a personal level, it has given us lifelong friendships. Professionally, it's an immense resource for new business opportunities, partnerships, and insights. We consider it an indispensable part of our success. It speaks highly of Mannheim Business School that, even in times of pandemic and hard competition on the business school market, it has not diluted its prestigious “Mannheimer for life” brand.

“Iknew the MBA would help me become a responsible leader in my organization. Apart from the career path I was offered within Robert Bosch GmbH, the company I work for, the Mannheim MBA taught me that I could become an intrapreneur and put things in motion to improve my work environment.”

Jéhann Duplot, PMO, Robert Bosch GmbH, Mannheim Part-Time MBA Class of 2016

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I decided to enroll for an MBA because I wanted to understand more of the organization of a company. I also knew it would help me become a responsible leader in my organization. I chose Mannheim not only due to the exceptional experience that the participants share during the program but also because of the fact that it is the best school in the most powerful country in Europe. The part-time format, which is different from the ones at other business schools, ensures that learning phases are both intense and effective.

Apart from the career evolution I was offered within Robert Bosch GmbH, my company, the Mannheim MBA taught me that I could become an ‘intrapreneur’ and could put things in motion to improve my work environment. The courses gave me the necessary tools to define the strategy for my team and implement it flawlessly. I was also able to use the two years of the program to develop my soft skills and presentation abilities, in front of many experienced, very well connected professionals.

There were many intense moments during the program, but the international seminars organized during the MBA will stay in my memory forever. The courses were taught in Business Schools with an excellent reputation and the benefits of learning from the world famous professors were countless. I even stayed in touch with an eminent scholar from Hong-Kong, with the hope to have a common project in the years to come. 

On a personal level, I learned a lot during the social project, which is mandatory during the Mannheim MBA. We had to think about issues that are not your typical business cases, but we were taught to think out of the box and we reached a very satisfactory result for the disadvantaged children we wanted to help. And finally, I know that nothing will erase the friendships I developed over the last twenty-four months. They are way more than just co-students, we are all part of the Mannheim family!

“I achieved a more rounded personal profile, which earned me a recommendation for an internal personal and professional development program over one year and the MBA gave me a clearer vision of what is really important to me in my job and what I want to achieve in the future with regard to my hierarchical level and leadership, for example, I am now striving for more and more strategic elements in my job.”

Nico Dahl, Head of Digitalization at PFW Aerospace GmbH, Mannheim Part-Time MBA Class of 2016

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Why did you decide to do an MBA? Why did you choose the Mannheim Part-Time MBA?

In doing an MBA, my goal was to gain new insights and learn new skills. With my background in engineering, I needed to complement my management expertise in order to accelerate my career. Moreover, I wanted to extend my network. I chose a part-time program because I wanted to continue with my career and also prove to myself that I can manage to both work and study at the same time.

The decision to study at Mannheim Business School was an easy one for me: Apart from the proximity to my home and my workplace, there are many good reasons in favor of Mannheim. As confirmed by the major international rankings, MBS is the best business school in Germany. Its Triple Crown accreditation is further proof of its international acceptance as a leading institution for management education. I also think that the course schedule, with two study trips and compact modules every two months rather than fragmented lectures every weekend, is the best concept for a part-time MBA program.

What difference has the Mannheim MBA made to your career? 

For one thing, the MBA led to the next stage in my career just a few months after graduation. There are also many personal changes I have noticed: I built my stamina throughout the program and I can now overcome stubborn obstacles; the program increased my self-confidence by taking me out of my comfort zone and making me master tasks I was not very comfortable with before (for example, from being afraid of presentations to having fun doing them); I achieved a more rounded personal profile, which earned me a recommendation for an internal personal and professional development program over one year; and the MBA gave me a clearer vision of what is really important to me in my job and what I want to achieve in the future with regard to my hierarchical level and leadership, for example, I am now striving for more and more strategic elements in my job.

How do the tools and expertise you obtained help you in your daily work?

Plenty of tools have already been of great use, for example, the Strategy Canvas and the Scenario Funnel as inputs for a SWOT Analysis to identify the potential of a new strategic project within our company. Moreover, I became more confident in talking to the management board: No question marks appear in my head when the impacts of KPIs like DSO or Cash Flow are discussed during a meeting. I also adopted many tips and tricks from my fellow students with a consultancy background to improve my slide decks, with the result that I have received much more positive feedback since.

What were some significant experiences that you took away with you from the program?

I would say there are two main things I took away from the program. First, ideas get bigger and better in a team: If you discuss your idea within a team, so many valuable and interesting new aspects come together. And second, giving huge projects a logical structure and splitting them into digestible parts right at the beginning is key to the overall success and keeping everybody on board throughout the project.

What was your personal highlight? 

One of my highlights during the program was the module abroad at Goizueta Business School in Atlanta, US: Great lectures and facilities, awesome organization, and a great mix of studying and excursions. Everything was just right and almost felt like a class trip from my childhood. 

I also learned to shoulder the workload and enjoy it: No matter how tough and tight one’s work, study, and private calendars are, there is always a way to integrate good fun and enjoy the journey.

During the program, I loved listening to guest lectures held by entrepreneurs – the way they burn for their dream and their passion in their work were incredible and demonstrated that this is really what it takes to start your own business.

I am still in touch with some fellow students: We see each other at private and MBS-organized events, and sometimes our WhatsApp group still goes crazy with new messages. I am impressed with how passionate MBS is about keeping the network alive and together – there are so many great opportunities to be part of it as an Alumnus. I am happy that I can now recommend the program to potential “Mannheimers” and that one of my closest friends has joined the next Part-Time cohort. And finally, I am proud that I was invited to contribute to a newspaper article about studying at Mannheim Business School, published in the “Rheinpfalz” in December 2017.

The Mannheim Part-Time MBA program has been a great experience I can only recommend!

 

Your Sparring Partner for Life

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Whether you want to change role, company or industry, attain a higher position and more responsibility within your organization, or found your own startup, our dedicated Career Development Managers will help you work out how to get there. Our dedicated leadership curriculum will take you from leading yourself to leading others, change or even an organization, with a series of workshops spread over your two-year learning journey. And what’s more, our support does not end with your graduation: Being a “Mannheimer for Life” means that you can come back to us at any time and use us as a sparring partner for the next step in your career.

THE MANNHEIM PART-TIME MBA CAREER DEVELOPMENT OFFER

EXAMPLE CAREER DEVELOPMENT PATHS

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Lisa, 29

Lisa's goals and current situation:

  • Wants to hold a leadership position within the next three to four years.
  • Works for a big IT company in the Rhine–Neckar region.
  • Is quite satisfied with her position and the company she works for.

How the Alumni Relations and Career Development Team supports Lisa:

  • She benefits from the career development curriculum and leadership model, which include soft skills workshops that help her grow into a leadership role.
  • In the Goal Setting workshop, Lisa reflects on her (professional) life and writes a concrete plan on how to proceed. She also takes up the MBS option to have a peer buddy, and her regular talks with her classmate John keep her motivated.
  • Lisa books an individual counselling session in the course of her studies. She gets advice on how to become more visible in her company and on social media. Since our individual counselling sessions are a lifetime offer, she plans to book another session one year after concluding the program, when she will be ready to take the next step.
  • Lisa becomes an active member of the MBS Network Clubs. The Technology & IT Club is particularly interesting to her since it gives her new and useful insights into her industry while extending her network.
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Chris, 27

Chris's goals and current situation:

  • Wants to switch industry.
  • Currently works as a product manager.

How the Alumni Relations and Career Development Team supports Chris:

  • Chris uses the CareerLeader online self-assessment tool to find out which career choices would match his profile and gain useful insights into his strengths and the personal values that drive him.
  • He books an individual counselling session to discuss the results of the CareerLeader assessment and obtain advice on how to achieve his career goals. Together with his counsellor, he optimizes his CV and learns how to write a convincing cover letter.
  • Chris becomes a member of all MBS Network Clubs. He loves to attend the networking events to learn about the various industry trends and gain a better understanding of the industries.
  • During one of the company visits organized by the ACO Team, he gets to know a company whose products interest him. In the Q&A session, he asks a few questions and realizes that the company values and its products would be a good fit for him. He connects with one of the company representatives on LinkedIn.
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Praveen, 32

Praveen's goal:

  • Wants to build his own startup.

How the Alumni Relations and Career Development Team supports Praveen:

  • Praveen attends the Design Thinking workshop where he considers various business ideas and prototypes. He teams up with a classmate and uses his newfound knowledge for their startup idea.
  • He books an individual counselling session where he shares his objectives and concerns. He is glad to have a neutral person as a sounding board for his thoughts without being influenced or judged. The session gives him new insights and makes him more aware of pitfalls. Praveen also learns about startup partner NEXT MANNHEIM where he can get more specific support.
  • As a member of the Startup Club, he regularly connects with other people who have already built a start-up and are willing to support him and his classmate in pursuing their business idea. He also finds his first sponsors through this Network Club.

CORPORATE NETWORK

Mannheimers can rely on a unique network. This also applies to our corporate contacts. We regularly work closely with our contacts at various levels within renowned companies of different sizes, in various industries. Needless to say, these corporate partners also frequently recruit from among our graduates. Meet our corporate partners here.

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MANNHEIM BUSINESS SCHOOL (MBS)

Located in the heart of the German and European economy, Mannheim Business School (MBS), the umbrella organization for management education at the University of Mannheim, is considered to be one of the leading institutions of its kind in Germany and is continuously ranked as Germany’s #1.

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