Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam MBA: Bringing Humanity into Business

A Unique Business Education Philosophy

In an insightful interview, Dr. Lalin Anik, the Director of the Part-time MBA program in International Business at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), shares the unique philosophy and structure of VU’s MBA degree in International Business.

She emphasizes VU’s commitment to developing skilled business professionals and ethical and compassionate leaders who prioritize human dignity and “care about the greater good.” (0:20)

Dr. Anik highlights the program’s distinctive features, including its connection to Amsterdam’s vibrant culture, flexible scheduling, and personalized approach.

The VU MBA is an 18-month, part-time program for candidates with at least three years of work experience and proficiency in English. Based in the Netherlands, the School of Business and Economics of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam belongs to the top 1% of business schools worldwide holding both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations.

The Core Values and Ethical Foundation of a VU MBA

VU’s MBA approach is deeply rooted in the belief that business education should extend beyond mere profit-making. The program aims to cultivate graduates driven by a sense of responsibility and caring for others.

As Dr. Anik explains, “We take it very seriously that our students …prioritize human dignity, that they care about others, that they push their peers, their organizations, to make ethical decisions, and to follow their hearts and minds.” (0:10)

It is this emphasis on ethical leadership and empathy that sets the program apart, fostering a culture of social awareness and action.

Harnessing the Dynamic Energy of Amsterdam

The program’s location in Amsterdam plays a crucial role in shaping its identity. Dr. Anik emphasizes that the program is “energized by the DNA and the geography and history of Amsterdam and VU.” (0:52)

She further describes how the program builds on the “vitality, on this energy of entrepreneurship, creativity, free-thinking, and citizenship” present in the city. (0:57)

This connection to Amsterdam’s dynamic business environment provides a unique backdrop for learning and innovation, infusing the program with a sense of real-world relevance.

Challenging Yet Flexible Learning

The Vrije Universiteit MBA program is rigorous enough to challenge students while offering the flexibility necessary to accommodate their professional and personal lives. Dr. Anik explains, “We take our academics very seriously, we challenge our students. [However] it’s not one methodology, one way fits all.” (1:07)

Instead, the program incorporates diverse learning experiences, ranging from a “case method” to “workshops in the Royal Dutch Army barracks,” to a “five-day leadership retreat.” (1:14)

The flexibility of the part-time program, which allows students to obtain an MBA without taking a break from their professional and personal lives over 18 months, ensures that students are “challenged, but are not squeezed.” (1:46)

The program’s structure allows for a unique application of learning. Classes are held for 2 and a half to 3 days each month. This enables students to apply their learnings directly in their work lives. For example, they can apply what they learned in class on Saturday the following Monday in the business world. Dr. Anik highlights, “You can test your ideas, and then you can come back and get feedback from your classmates and your faculty, and then you can reiterate.” (2:00)

This allows students to test their ideas at work and receive further feedback in class, creating a cycle of continuous learning and improvement.

Personalized Support and a Nurturing Environment

Beyond academic rigor, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam MBA places a strong emphasis on personal attention and support. Dr. Anik explains that “the other aspect that makes our MBA programs very special is the personal attention that you get… as we’re pushing you forward, we also support you.” (2:11)

From Dr. Anik’s perspective, the program aims to “provide a nurturing, safe environment for you to get lost and then really see what are the possibilities, [and] find the edge.” (2:23) She goes on to add that this support also extends beyond faculty to include Executive Coaching.

Dr. Anik shares her personal experience of teaching the MBA, explaining how she “felt my heart beating within the hearts of my students.” (2:42) This led her to feel compassion for her students and their experience of the program.

Following this approach, she intends to bring empathy to the forefront of the VU MBA experience, with the overarching goal of bringing “humanity into business.” (3:10)

Impactful Graduates Making a Difference

The program’s impact is evident in the behavior of its graduates. According to Dr. Anik, organizations where alumni work often remark that Vrije Universiteit graduates “do things a bit differently than their peers.” (3:17) 

She describes VU alumni as individuals who “look outside of themselves, they speak up on behalf of others who might not be able to do so, they stand up for others, and they take action when and where it truly matters.” (3:19)

This demonstrates the program’s success in growing socially responsible leaders, committed to making a positive impact. Dr. Anik concludes by stating that is exactly what she wants the VU MBA to be known for.

Why Should You Choose Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

The VU faculty is a notable advantage. Many VU faculty, such as Dr. Anik (who has a PhD from Harvard, and has previously taught at Duke Fuqua and Columbia), have prestigious experience and deep expertise. The faculty delivers thoughtful, dynamic, and high-quality education.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam also offers various scholarships that cover up to 50% of the tuition fee.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s MBA program offers a distinctive approach to business education by prioritizing ethical leadership, personal growth, and practical application, all within the context of Amsterdam’s vibrant business culture.

This emphasis on ethics and empathy ensures that graduates are not only successful professionals but also compassionate and socially responsible global citizens.

Become the empathetic and internationally-minded leader our world needs. Talk to an ambassador to gain further insights about studying at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.