The St.Gallen MBA gave German student Vincent Irrling the skills, knowledge, and network he needed to become an entrepreneur. Discover the benefits of an MBA for aspiring entrepreneurs.
When searching for an MBA, the aim is to find a program that helps achieve personal and career goals. Naturally, those goals can differ depending on the individual. Vincent Irrling, a German student, sought an MBA which would help him develop his soft skills.
Vincent had considered pursuing an entrepreneurship track before starting his MBA. He prioritized small class sizes, allowing him to learn from other students, and connect with professors. (00:37)
Vincent’s crystal clear criteria led him to one of the top MBA programs in Europe: the University of St.Gallen in Switzerland. The school’s 2023 full-time MBA cohort numbered just 45 – a figure dwarfed at other top European schools. But for Vincent, the chance to join a close-knit MBA community was more valuable than a larger network of students.
The ideal MBA requires alignment with one’s interests and desired skills. Additionally, it should connect you with like-minded individuals. Vincent always had an interest in equity sharing. Then during a hackathon, the idea for KAPSLY Ventures was born. KAPSLY Ventures connects startups with hand-picked service partners who offer hands-on venture-building support in exchange for equity stakes. (1:44)
So, Vincent’s research to find a suitable MBA program paid dividends. He describes his experience at St.Gallen MBA as challenging, fulfilling, and aligned with his goals.
“I was really happy throughout the whole experience. The first six to seven months have been really tough. There was quite a lot of pressure that they also wanted to put on the students, I believe, but I definitely enjoyed the experience.” (01:22)
Regarding MBA class sizes, bigger doesn’t always mean better. The St.Gallen MBA network’s close-knit community enables students to establish deeper connections.
Vincent’s entrepreneurial aspirations and vision for the future, which he pursued through an MBA degree, were instrumental in his success. The skills, knowledge, and network gained from the program helped him launch KAPSLY Ventures. Additionally, he maintained strong connections with peers; for example, the legal counsel at KAPSLY Ventures is a St.Gallen MBA alum.
The MBA program at St.Gallen provides students with a strong foundation in business principles. Upon graduation, it is common for accomplished alums of the program to give back and support the next generation of students. Many St. Gallen graduates inspire current students through mentorships, and Vincent is one of them.
As a program graduate, Vincent was invited to participate in the inaugural St.Gallen Startup Week for the next MBA cohort.
While recognizing the significance of learning from experienced entrepreneurs, he also believes that his expertise can offer valuable insights and aid to others. As a St.Gallen alumni, he values supporting the next generation of MBA students.
“I am always excited when MBA students reach out with questions about setting up a startup in Switzerland or how to find co-founders. It is a passion for me, so I am happy to contribute.” (09:03)
St. Gallen is committed to fostering an innovation and entrepreneurship culture that can benefit its students and the wider community.
The Global Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (GCEI) at St.Gallen is a leading institution dedicated to researching and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
The GCEI recognizes that successful entrepreneurship requires innovative ideas and the skills and resources to turn ideas into successful ventures. Similarly, innovation relies on entrepreneurial spirit to bring new ideas to market and create value for society.
“Entrepreneurship is definitely something that deserves more attention in MBA programs, because I believe MBA students or graduates can make great founders,” Vincent says. “So often they have diverse backgrounds, and then they get this management education on top.” (08:32)
Entrepreneurs and business experts have been debating whether obtaining an MBA is necessary for success in the business world. Yet, considering the global network and world-class business education you’ll obtain from an MBA, it’s easy to understand Vincent’s viewpoint. For him, getting an MBA was about more than acquiring business knowledge. It was about learning the soft skills that can be so valuable in business. (1:06)
And now he’s happy to share that knowledge with the next generation.
If you want to learn more about studying the St.Gallen MBA, feel free to reach out to one of our St.Gallen MBA ambassadors.
