Prospective MBA students often have a range of expectations. As highlighted by Eric Isaac Murray, an alumn of the Frankfurt School of Management & Finance, it’s vital to comprehend your MBA expectations and goals to achieve them.
As Eric Isaac Murray applied for his MBA at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, he outlined his expectations in the application letter. Fast forward three years, and the American MBA graduate can reflect on his experience and compare his expectations against reality. His reflections are a rich resource for prospective MBA students. He gives a glimpse of what to expect from an MBA program.
In this article, we will explore the extent to which the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management lived up to Eric’s expectations. Moreover, Eric shares his perspective on specific aspects of the program that propelled him forward in his professional journey post-graduation.
Eric’s admissions letter begins with a candid self-assessment. “I am pursuing the MBA to fill gaps in my education and experience and to become a more well-rounded leader in the business sector.” (00:18)
Given his military background, Eric keenly recognized his professional boundaries. His aspiration to augment his business credentials places him in a distinct group of MBA aspirants. Such “Skill Enhancers” view the MBA as a platform to swiftly hone business expertise within a structured setting.
The Frankfurt School of Finance & Management’s MBA curriculum is tailored for such individuals. It commences with a pre-MBA module in economics, accounting, and sustainability, followed by first-semester courses such as Understanding Customers & Markets, Managing & Measuring Value, and Leading Change & Managing Organizations. This solid business foundation equips students with robust competencies applicable across sectors.
The second semester opens candidates up to more niche electives, including:
These specializations allow MBA candidates to get a jumpstart in cutting-edge sectors.
During numerous job interviews, Eric referenced his transformative learning experience of the Frankfurt MBA. “I received many questions about how my MBA complemented or conflicted with my previous experience. As a result of that experience, I was able to successfully answer those questions.” (00:48)
Naturally, the depth and spectrum of business acumen one attains from an MBA program vary from individual to individual. Factors such as previous experiences, immersion in the program, and the ability to employ acquired concepts practically greatly influence outcomes. Yet, discerning what one seeks from an MBA makes it easier to pinpoint an institution that aligns with your aspirations.
Eric anticipated his MBA would equip him to excel in a profit-driven environment. While his established leadership skills were valuable in a military context, adapting them for a business setting posed hurdles.
Reflecting on this transition, Eric notes, “My military experience has certainly helped me to develop good ideas about how to lead people and how to go about transforming an organization and leading a culture. However, my MBA experience has taught me all of the necessary information for being profit-driven. That is what is most important to many of the employers that I’ve been interviewing with.” (01:22)
Beyond mere profit, young emerging professionals like Eric want purpose-driven careers that have a tangible social impact. However, for businesses to make a significant impact, they must first be financially stable. This means employers seek leaders who can combine ethical goals with profitability and growth.
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management’s well-rounded curriculum and personalized career services help students land post-graduation jobs that resonate with their aspirations and goals. The dedicated careers team offers students career counseling to give them an in-depth understanding of what is available on the job market. Then, through providing help with job search, application strategies, and interview preparation, the careers team helps students impress prospective employers.
Originally from the USA, Eric saw studying at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management as a gateway to a career in Germany. At the start of his MBA journey, Eric set a clear intention, “I hope to work for a Geman company, preferably in the renewable energy or manufacturing sectors.” (01:51)
For an American veteran not fluent in German, this was undoubtedly an ambitious goal. Yet, during his MBA program, Eric worked hard to build German language and business administration skills. As a result, a month after graduation, Eric secured a leadership role in a local family-owned manufacturing business. Eric cites his quick adoption of the German language as a significant factor in getting a job.
“I would not have been able to learn German had I not gone to the Frankfurt School and received the support in terms of language learning that I received there. That was probably the key to unlocking the rest of my goals.” (02:29)
Pursuing an MBA can lead to both personal and professional growth. But to reach your full potential, it’s essential to lay out clear objectives from the outset.
Eric set distinct benchmarks for his MBA journey: enhancing his business acumen, fostering a profit-centric mindset, and joining a German enterprise. These three clear-cut goals informed his decision to study at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. His current position as a leader in a German family-owned business is a testament to the transformative power of his MBA experience.
Every prospective student’s path is unique, and being well-informed is important before choosing an MBA program. If you’d like to learn more about the students’ experiences at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, contact students and alumni like Eric on the MBAGRADSCHOOLS Ambassadors page.
