Planting the Seeds for a Brighter Future at HHL

Securing a desirable job after completing an MBA is a top priority for many aspiring business leaders. At HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, the MBA Career Development team is key in guiding students toward their professional goals.

Anett Hughes is a Career Advisor at HHL. She shares valuable insights into how her team supports Full-time MBA students in navigating the competitive German job market.

Personalized Coaching: Your HHL Career Compass

The journey begins with individualized support. Anett says, “We’re trying to develop a roadmap with these students.” (00:12)

Anett highlights that the HHL MBA Career Development team meets MBA students in one-to-one sessions right from the start. The goal of these meetings is to develop what Anett calls a guiding “compass” for each student. This involves a thorough assessment of their existing skills, strengths, and values. 

Furthermore, the team helps students identify how their values align with the companies they aspire to work for. Anett emphasizes assessing these elements to create a targeted job search strategy. This initial self-reflection, facilitated by experienced career coaches, lays the groundwork for a successful career after graduation.

This personalized approach ensures that each student receives tailored guidance from the beginning of the program.

Thriving in a Real-World Environment During Your MBA

HHL further prepares students for the workforce by fostering an agile, diverse, and experience-based learning environment.

Developing Essential Workplace Skills Through Diversity

Anett expresses, “At HHL, the MBA students are already part of this agile work environment. They work with different teams, different backgrounds, and different nationalities. They are very much used to this modern environment.” (00:35)

The collaborative nature of the MBA program fosters crucial skills. Firstly, by working in an international setting, students learn to navigate diverse teams. Secondly, they learn flexibility to adapt to different working styles. This practical experience in teamwork and collaboration is invaluable in today’s globalized job market.

It prepares students for working in international companies, either in Germany or abroad.

Hybrid, Remote, and In-Person Work: Preparing Students for Modern Careers

Students gain real-world work experience by working with established companies. Many students learn to work remotely. For example, they can balance their studies in Leipzig while working remotely in other cities, such as Munich. Anett explains, “We feel they are very well prepared when they enter the German job market.” (00:49)

This immersive approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of a modern work environment. Learning about various work styles ensures graduates are ready to tackle a variety of roles. 

Additionally, by working with local German companies during their studies, students gain insights into the working culture in Germany. Furthermore, this work experience helps MBA students to make valuable connections and network with industry professionals. This is a distinct advantage when entering the German workforce.

Navigating the Competitive German Job Market

Germany presents a strong job market with attractive salaries. However, Anett stresses that it is highly competitive. As a result, Germany attracts top international talent from around the globe. 

Therefore, HHL MBA Career Development focuses on helping students secure fulfilling roles. For many students, working in Germany after graduation is a top priority. 

The support and guidance of the Career Development team can be invaluable in making these changes a reality.

Anett elaborates, “Germany is a very strong market, so you can get better salaries. But it’s also very competitive, of course, because a lot of people come to Germany to find better jobs and improve their careers. Therefore, we at Career Services are particularly aiming at helping the students to find these jobs that they want to fulfill their dreams.” (01:06)

The Career Development team focuses on supporting HHL MBA students to find meaningful jobs that best align with their goals.

HHL MBA Graduate Career Journeys

Anett notes that HHL MBA graduates mainly enter industries such as: Consulting, Financial Services, Energy, and the Automotive industry. Prominent companies that recruit HHL graduates include names like Hilti, Bosch, Siemens, BMW, Accenture, and Simon-Kucher, among others.

While many gravitate towards these large corporations, Anett highlights that some MBA graduates find opportunities in other fields. She underscores, “The MBAs are so diverse [and] have such different backgrounds and interests.” (01:55)

Many HHL MBA graduates find meaningful roles in smaller companies, start-ups, family businesses, or start their entrepreneurial journeys.

High Employment Rates and Long-Term Success

The employment statistics for HHL MBA graduates are highly impressive. Anett shares that approximately 97 percent of students launch their careers in Germany after graduating and tend to stay in Germany for several years after graduation.

Furthermore, she mentions that over 90 percent of students find a job within three to six months of graduation. The Full-time MBA at HHL is also consistently ranked among the top schools worldwide for return on investment (ROI) by QS.

She confirms, “The employment statistics are very positive after graduating here at HHL.” (02:10)

A Proactive Approach to Career Management

Anett emphasizes the importance of starting the career search early. She asserts, “We encourage the students to start early and to actively manage their careers.” (02:32)

Anett advises students to be proactive about their careers from the start of the program. The Career Development team provides the necessary tools and advice. However, ultimately, the students are responsible for putting in the work.

The Career Development team offers full support and guidance throughout the journey. They are always ready with an open ear and advice to help students land their dream jobs. Anett affirms, “We are here to fully support them in whatever they want to do.” (02:43)

Is an MBA in Germany Your Next Career Move?

The HHL MBA program is ideal for ambitious individuals seeking an MBA in Germany. The highly dedicated and experienced Career Development team at HHL offers MBA career support for greater self-development and career growth. Anett concludes, “Your success is our success.” (02:51) At HHL, career growth is a team effort.

HHL MBA Career Development places a strong emphasis on individual development and proactive career management. They equip students with the tools and guidance necessary to achieve their professional goals. The consistently high employment rates and long-term career success of their graduates stand as a testament to these dedicated efforts.

If you are considering an MBA in Germany, the extensive career support at HHL stands out as a significant advantage.

Learn more about what jobs you can pursue with an MBA on our Careers page.