Discovering Europe Through the Vlerick Full-Time MBA
For Walther Esquivel, a Peruvian graduate of the Vlerick Business School Full-time MBA, pursuing an MBA program was a strategic move. He wanted a program that would sharpen his technical and leadership skills while offering global exposure.
“I saw the MBA as a natural step in my career to gain both the hard and soft skills needed to take on greater responsibilities,” he explains. (00:23)
Originally, Walther was debating between completing his MBA in Europe or the US. Yet ultimately, Europe stood out as his ideal study destination due to its high educational quality and rich cultural diversity.
He notes, “I chose Europe not only for the high quality of education, but also because you experience different cultures, which was a key driver for me. Europe offered me greater accessibility to diverse cultures and countries, making cultural exposure more feasible than in the US.” (00:39)
Walther chose Belgium due to its multicultural atmosphere and high quality of life. He specifically chose Vlerick Business School due to its unique blend of practical learning and leadership development.
Why Belgium and Vlerick? A Smart, Strategic Choice
Belgium’s multicultural environment was a natural fit for Walther’s global mindset. Walther was keen to work in Europe, making Belgium a great choice for his MBA.
However, Vlerick Business School’s practical approach, strong industry connections, and competitive tuition were the deciding factors.
“Vlerick’s methodology and program, and its strong focus on developing leadership skills, combined with a reputation as one of the top business schools in the Benelux region, and its excellent price-quality ratio as compared to other countries, ultimately led me to apply,” he reflects. (01:10)
The school is located in Brussels, nicknamed the “capital of Europe” due to the European Union’s headquarters being located there. Thanks to its prime location, Vlerick offers proximity to important European and global institutions and businesses.
That accessibility certainly offers a professional advantage in terms of networking and job searching. This is especially beneficial for international students seeking to launch a career in Europe after graduation.
Moving to Brussels: Relocation Made Easy
Relocating for graduate school can be challenging. Nonetheless, Walther found consistent support from Vlerick Business School throughout his entire transition to Belgium.
“The school never leaves you without guidance. Specifically, when it comes to relocation for international students. We received detailed handbooks, manuals, and presentations covering anything we need to consider for settling in Brussels. But there’s also a dedicated department actively helping you throughout the year with any aspect of the relocation,” he highlights. (03:00)
Vlerick’s commitment to its students goes beyond the classroom. Vlerick makes it a priority to help international students with the many aspects of adjusting to MBA life abroad. This level of support helped Walther with his move to Brussels. This way, he could focus fully on his studies and professional development.
Living in Brussels: Culture, Growth, and Friendship
Studying in Brussels gave Walther more than just academic and career growth. Completing his MBA in Brussels offered him the opportunity to build lasting friendships and gain valuable international exposure.
He reflects, “I enjoyed every minute of it. I would say that I got exactly what I was looking for: multicultural exposure, personal growth, and friendships that will last a lifetime, all in a beautiful city like Brussels.” (03:26)
The dynamic city of Brussels offered a perfect backdrop to his MBA adventure, further enriching his studies and self-development.
Leadership in Action in the Vlerick Full-time MBA: Skills That Last
For Walther, the collaborative and hands-on MBA program was a perfect fit. The program places strong emphasis on teaching leadership. The program also offers active coaching on multicultural teamwork, elements that mirror his professional goals. It is a key skill that he uses every day in his current job. (01:33)
Outside of the classroom itself, students have further opportunities to learn about leadership and entrepreneurship. For example, the Vlerick Entrepreneurship Academy offers practical insights and assistance with launching and growing entrepreneurial ventures.
Walther emphasizes, “Leadership is embedded in everyday life at Vlerick. Every course includes a leadership component. More specifically, Vlerick integrates leadership and entrepreneurship by coaching you to become a close, collaborative leader while providing proven high-impact knowledge to successfully launch and grow new ventures.” (02:35)
Leadership and entrepreneurship are woven into the fabric of Vlerick’s education at all levels. From courses to school initiatives, students can learn about leadership and entrepreneurship every step of the way.
In his current role, Walther leverages the skills he gained during his time at Vlerick. In particular, he applies the strategic thinking and multicultural teamwork skills he gained to his everyday tasks.
From Graduation to a Global Career
Ultimately, the success of a higher education institution lies in the career satisfaction and positive outcomes of its alumni. Walther’s story is one example of an excellent graduate success story. With the help of Vlerick’s Career Services, Walther landed a role at Atlas Copco, a leading global industrial company.
He notes that it is thanks to the dedicated careers team at Vlerick, who went above and beyond, that he had such a smooth job search process. He says he received ‘full coaching’.
“I received active support from Vlerick… they not only reviewed my CV, and helped me write cover letters, which is important. But they actually helped me to look for roles in companies that would fit my own self; personally, professionally, and [roles] that would help me grow my skills,” he says. (03:48)
This personalized, hands-on career support enabled him to transition smoothly from student life to a high-impact, international career.
Lifelong Learning: Vlerick’s Alumni Engagement
However, even after finding a job and starting his professional life in Brussels, Walther stays in touch with the Vlerick alumni community.
There are plenty of opportunities to remain involved, even after graduation. Walther elaborates that there are reunions with various cohorts, networking sessions, and mentoring opportunities with current MBA students. (06:50) He particularly enjoys offering guidance to current students while meeting new people and expanding his own network.
He affirms, “With Vlerick, that’s what it’s all about. It’s not only quality education, it’s also an invaluable network of people who will be there for you at any time.” (07:17)
The sense of support and community, whether from alumni, staff, or peers, is what made Walther’s experience abroad so fulfilling. Even after graduation, he enjoys being an active part of the Vlerick community and never fails to join an alumni event when he can.
The Vlerick Full-Time MBA: A Launchpad for Global Ambitions
Walther Esquivel’s story is a testament to what the Vlerick Full-time MBA can deliver: world-class business education, unmatched cultural exposure, and a pathway to global career growth.
From his decision to study in Europe to immersing himself in the multicultural environment of Brussels, Walther’s journey shows how Vlerick supports students every step of the way. Walther hopes to use all that he has learned to make a positive impact on companies, society, and most importantly, people.
“Vlerick helped me shape those ambitions by providing me with the skills that help me grow… they pointed me to a greater goal to pursue and [encouraged me] to continue growing constantly. They opened a window to a global environment that I didn’t know of before,” he says. (05:17)
His advice to future students is simple but powerful: build connections, be proactive, and fully embrace the journey.
If you’re ready to elevate your career, broaden your horizons, and join a thriving international network, the Vlerick full-time MBA may be your next step.
Discover more about Vlerick Business School’s Full-time MBA program and connect with an ambassador to explore how it can shape your career.
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