Rotterdam is a vibrant port city that thrives because of its diversity, reflected by RSM’s Executive MBA cohorts. The city is global by nature, making the Executive MBA program an ideal choice for students looking to bolster their leadership qualities in an international context.
At the beating heart of one of Europe’s leading logistics hubs sits the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM). This is a school that harnesses student diversity to create MBA programs that prepare students for the biggest challenges facing the world today. Their core offering is an Executive MBA program tailored for professionals working in a global context. Rotterdam is a highly diverse city, with over half the population having a migration background. This inherent diversity makes it an ideal setting for students looking to learn more about the world.
The Executive MBA program at RSM leverages diversity to push students to think broadly about their roles in business. With a primarily foreign-born student cohort following a curriculum incorporating an international study tour, students learn about business in a global context and other cultures.
Marko Zubic, an RSM graduate and a regional director at Danfoss, cites Rotterdam’s cultural mosaic as one of the key factors that made RSM stand out for him. He states that “one of the reasons why I chose Rotterdam is because of diversity.” (00:01)
Marko wasn’t the only Executive MBA student attracted to RSM’s diversity. 64% of students in the 2025 cohort are international, coming to the Netherlands from over 30 different countries.
Many see executive education as a chance to build leadership skills with a deeper conceptual foundation. The typical Executive MBA student likely already has a few years of leadership experience under their belt. However, they might not have the strategic view that helps connect all the dots within their business. As Marko puts it, “With the Executive MBA, you connect those dots; you fill the gaps. You … upgrade yourself for the future.” (01:04)
RSM’s Executive MBA uses a three-pronged approach, combining the diversity of leadership theory with experiential learning. Students can expect in-class simulations and feedback sessions that allow them to apply theory in real-world settings. The result is a curriculum that helps students continuously improve their leadership style.
After graduating in the Netherlands, Marko went from working up the corporate ladder to helping colleagues be their best. “Now what I enjoy the most is creating high-performing teams. Being a leader that is growing other leaders around myself.” (02:16)
From engineers like Marko to aviation union leaders, RSM’s alumni network reflects a diversity of industries and locations that few executive MBA programs can match. The school’s network boasts over 50,000 alumni worldwide. The alumni network provides plenty of networking opportunities at lectures, social events, and reunions. The network also encourages alumni to give back to students through a dedicated mentorship platform.
From day one of the program, students experience RSM’s expansive network. Marko particularly enjoyed how the program was academically rigorous but also included many opportunities to socialize with his cohort outside of the classroom.
He reflects, “We did a lot of things outside of the curriculum. We went sailing, we went skiing. There are a lot of things that you can do with the similarly-minded people around you. So definitely, the network is great.” (01:52)
He also mentions that the study trips with his classmates to South Africa and Washington D.C. were highlights of his time at RSM.
Soft skills such as self-reflection and analytical thinking are core qualities of mature business leaders. RSM puts self-reflection front and center in its Executive MBA curriculum. Courses use reflection techniques and assessment methods that put students in the right mindset to become responsible leaders.
RSM’s Executive MBA courses helped Marko turn the focus inward. “The power comes from being able to understand the past … and why you react. Then you are able to do things better in the future.” (02:34)
Classwork and executive coaching sessions prompted Marko to examine his own goals and decisions with a clear head. “Then you have a clear goal of where you need to go and how to get there. That’s where RSM helps you a lot.” (02:43)
What sets RSM’s Executive MBA apart is its broad approach. The goal is not narrow specialization. Instead, RSM provides students with the tools and experiences necessary to become better people. In some cases, this means assignments that allow students to test their theoretical understanding in the real world. In others, students engage in lively group discussions on a study trip abroad. Regardless of the setting, RSM Executive MBA students get diverse skills that set them up for success.
Marko likens his experience to that of an athlete. “When you come out of business school, you’re a different person. Before business school, you are an amateur playing in an amateur league. Once you finish business school, then you’re playing like a professional in a professional league.” (01:17)
While his chemical engineering studies provided valuable stepping stones for his career, RSM’s Executive MBA empowered Marko with the business acumen necessary to lead teams teeming with talent and diversity.
Are you looking to learn more about RSM’s Executive MBA program? Get in touch with an MBAGRADSCHOOLS Ambassador.
