Gain an insider’s perspective on what it is like to pursue an MBA in Frankfurt and the benefits for your career prospects. Learn from Artem Zverkovskiy’s experiences at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.
After spending time in the workforce, many business professionals aspire to secure managerial positions. However, achieving success in a managerial role requires the development of specific skills and the recognition of one’s leadership abilities. So, what steps can be taken to improve your managerial skills and leadership abilities?
One practical approach is learning and gaining experience while on the job by requesting additional responsibilities from your manager. However, pursuing an MBA degree can also be a strategic move toward attaining your career goals.
Artem Zverkovskiy, a seasoned consultant and technical lead, wanted to showcase his abilities beyond the domain of IT. Due to his expertise in development, analysis, and machine learning, people saw him as an “IT guy.” But Artem saw himself differently, “I always considered myself more as a manager.” (00:53)
His extensive experience as a consultant allowed him to build a strong foundation in management skills. Artem’s decision to get an MBA was driven by his desire to formalize his expertise and acquire a well-rounded skill set encompassing strategic thinking, leadership, and communication.
Artem chose to get an MBA at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, because of the school’s good reputation. “My father always says, ‘If you want to go to university, go to the best one.” (01:20)
Following his father’s advice, Artem had already studied at top-ranked universities in Russia and Germany. Therefore, Frankfurt School was a natural choice for his MBA as one of the top three programs in Germany, according to the Financial Times. Frankfurt’s Part-time MBA program enhanced his management acumen and broadened his horizons.
Although Artem has never struggled with time management, he emphasizes the complexity of the time constraints when dealing with MBA group work. Meeting in person with a group of five is challenging, especially while juggling full-time jobs and part-time studies.
Recognizing that gathering physically is impractical and time-consuming, Artem and his group took a different approach. He states, “What we do, we always have calls in Zoom or Teams, and that works pretty good.” (02:11)
Managing time effectively is both an individual responsibility and a collective effort. By leveraging remote co-working, Artem’s group created a streamlined process that maximized productivity and fostered collaboration.
In addition to technical know-how and leadership skills, a manager must also possess soft skills. This is especially true in cross-cultural environments. They are integral to the MBA at Frankfurt School.
“Soft skills, they’re beneficial, and they’re a valuable part of the whole MBA program. And to be honest, I think that’s probably one of the most important things you learn… We have a lot of networking activities, we are coming to class, and we have to be able to communicate with each other and as a manager. Obviously, we all hope that one day we will become the managers of some big companies. And as a manager, you have to be able to talk to everyone in their own language.” (03:04)
Reflecting on his experience, Artem explains it is crucial to communicate in a universally understood language. For example, as an IT professional, Artem can use technical jargon when discussing aspects of computers and IT systems. However, this specialized language may not resonate with those from other fields, such as chemistry. (04:05)
Frankfurt School’s dedication to personal and professional development extends beyond the classroom. Students develop soft skills for effective communication, collaboration, and leadership. These soft skills help graduates build connections and speak a language of success across industries and disciplines. (07:09)
Some argue that aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from an MBA degree, while others say an entrepreneurial mindset is enough. In Artem’s case, pursuing an MBA degree was a key stepping stone to launching his startup, How to Frankfurt.
With How to Frankfurt, Artem helps individuals relocate to Germany. Through consultations, the company supports expats in navigating German bureaucracy and integrating into the local community. Artem credits “market analysis,” a skill he honed during his MBA, as instrumental to his success as an entrepreneur. (06:07).
The entrepreneurial lessons he gained from his MBA went beyond technical proficiency. Artem’s presentation skills were also refined through numerous presentations and workshops offered by Frankfurt School. He emphasizes the depth of expertise required to utilize tools such as Microsoft PowerPoint effectively. Artem’s consultancy roles benefited greatly from his improving his presentation skills.
“I mean, everyone says that they’re good in presentations because they know PowerPoint, but nobody knows PowerPoint,” Artem says. (06:28)
The Frankfurt MBA program helped Artem strengthen his skill set and clarify his career goals. “It helped me position myself within my company,” he says. (07:25)
His employer assigned him more managerial tasks and allowed him to focus on his professional growth. Artem’s MBA proved to be a pivotal factor in advancing his career. Artem’s experience showcases the transformative impact of Frankfurt School’s Part-time MBA program.
The Frankfurt School of Finance & Management’s commitment to excellent and dynamic learning environments ensures a holistic program that prepares future managers for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Are you curious about an MBA program at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management? Contact Artem or other ambassadors to get more insights from MBA graduates.
