MBA programs often serve as catalysts for career redirection. At the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, the MBA program doesn’t just offer education; it broadens horizons. Michael Anderson sought to transition from engineering to business and turned to the school’s full-time MBA to achieve this.
Michael Anderson wanted to transition from engineering to a business-focused role. Becoming a full-time MBA student was the right move for him to make a career pivot. Michael relocated from the UK to Germany to pursue his MBA at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.
“With an engineering background, it’s certainly beneficial when you work in manufacturing industries. But when you work in a more commercial job role, there has come a point where you start to think about ‘what other potential job roles you could do?’” Michael says. (00:42)
Speaking from bustling Frankfurt, he elaborates that despite his engineering background, at his job, he was handling marketing and sales. Michael realized having some formal business education could be beneficial. (01:09)
Frankfurt School offers its students and alumni extensive support and opportunities. Michael shares, “The MBA course specifically, they also have a concept called life-long learning where, after you graduate, you are able to still take part in some of the electives that you didn’t do during your course.” (02:55)
Michael highlights Frankfurt’s international allure and the widespread use of English in the city center. “It is such an international business hub. A lot of big businesses here have their working language in English. If you go the restaurants and bars, most people will speak English. In the University, a lot of courses, particularly master’s courses, are taught in English,” he says. (04:01)
Frankfurt, dubbed the financial capital of Europe, hosts the European Central Bank and a plethora of major financial institutions. The city’s strategic location and its status as a major transportation hub make it a melting pot of cultures and ideas. For MBA students at the Frankfurt School, this translates into unparalleled access to a vast network of professionals, industry experts, and potential employers.
This international environment was the perfect setting for Michael’s adventure of reskilling from engineering to business. As he delved deep into his MBA journey, Michael reaped the benefits of a multifaceted educational experience.
Personal and professional growth often lies just beyond the familiar. Delving into new subjects and earning certifications can bolster career prospects. Frankfurt School advocates for development beyond candidates’ established expertise. “In our program, we have sort of six or seven months of core modules and then three months of electives,” Michael explains. (05:14)
Michael “mixed and matched” finance and marketing modules to diversify his learning experience. He adds that the flexibility of the curriculum allows students to “fine-tune it to how you want the program to be.” (05:39)
At Frankfurt School, the learning journey can extend beyond the borders of Germany. Michael recalls an enriching exchange week at Bocconi Business School in Milan, Italy. Focused on luxury products and innovation, the week featured visits to the iconic Ferrari factory and a family-run balsamic vinegar business located on a country estate. (07:05)
Such immersive experiences broaden student’s horizons by offering a deep dive into international business nuances. Engaging with international peers, visiting global companies, and understanding different market strategies enriches the MBA experience, making graduates more adaptable and versatile in the global job market.
But Michael’s MBA adventure was as much about personal growth as it was about geographic exploration. His capstone project with a non-profit organization further enriched his understanding and skillset.
At Frankfurt School, the final project is a pivotal moment for many MBA students. Michael was no exception. There are three options for the conclusion of an MBA at Frankfurt School. Students can engage in a team-based consulting venture. They can develop an entrepreneurial business plan. And finally, they can conduct a solo academic research project. (08:11)
Eyeing a shift from engineer to management roles, Michael opted for a team consulting project. The team partnered with Crop Trust, a non-profit focused on preserving plant and crop diversity. This organization’s aim is to protect vital crops from extinction and offers data-driven solutions for regions affected by climate change. (08:32)
The choice of a non-profit was driven by the desire for novelty. “When you do an MBA, it’s about trying things you haven’t done before,” Michael says. And in this case, no one on the team had worked with a non-profit before. (10:05)
Michael’s MBA trajectory showcases that such programs aren’t just stepping stones for career progression. They can also be catalysts for discovering and navigating previously unexplored avenues for making a career transition into a new field.
Michael’s experience at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management underscores the wide scope of an MBA curriculum. As he puts it, “I like to look at an MBA as not making you an expert in all the subjects you study, but it’s giving you a really, really good summary of everything.” (11:01)
By reskilling to move from engineering to business roles, Michael can bridge the often problematic divide between mindsets.
His transition underscores the versatility of an MBA degree, opening doors to myriad roles ranging from consultancy to management. Eager to cement his future in Germany, Michael spots opportunities in manufacturing but also brand behemoths like Adidas and Puma. (12:07)
Empowered by rigorous coursework and hands-on experiences, MBA graduates like Michael step into the world equipped to harness myriad opportunities.
Considering a similar pivot? Reach out to Frankfurt School of Finance & Management ambassadors and ask about their MBA experience.
