Cristian Gonzalez, a seasoned marketing professional from Los Angeles, sought an MBA to reorient his career. He found the perfect fit at Vlerick Business School, known for its diverse, dynamic, and holistic learning environment.
It’s not uncommon for professionals to find themselves needing change after years on the same career path. In today’s world, the concept of a lifelong career is outdated. Nowadays, the average person will switch careers multiple times. MBA programs provide a chance to reskill and reevaluate the direction in which you want your career to go.
Cristian Gonzalez worked in the marketing industry for 12 years in Los Angeles, California, United States, before deciding it was time for a change. He felt it was the right time to step back, look at the bigger picture, and reflect on his career path from new perspectives.
“I feel the MBA program has done a really great job of helping me pause for a moment and think to myself, ‘What do I want to accomplish from a professional standpoint? What do I want to accomplish from a personal standpoint and also from a cultural standpoint?” he reflects. (00:05)
Cristian was open to changing job functions and locations, so he joined the Full-time MBA program at Vlerick Business School. He felt that the MBA program has helped him reflect on his career path from a cultural, personal, and professional perspective.
He notes, “What I like about Vlerick’s program is that it does help meet students where they are at, at that particular moment in their career or their life.” (00:58)
Regardless of where MBA candidates are in their career trajectory, the Vlerick MBA offers support to help candidates develop their skill sets and achieve their long-term career goals.
Cristian was drawn to the school’s international and culturally diverse environment, which mirrors its host city, Brussels, Belgium.
“I think Vlerick is a really great expression and reflection of Brussels, in that Brussels is a very worldly and culturally and internationally diverse city,” he says. (00:35)
This international perspective is a core component of Vlerick’s educational philosophy. The diverse and supportive environment at Vlerick has helped students such as Cristian grow professionally and personally. Interactions with peers from different cultural and professional backgrounds enrich classroom discussions and have provided Cristian with a broader view of global business practices.
The school’s location in central Europe is also a significant advantage to those hoping to network, gain employment, and relocate within Europe.
Vlerick’s program is designed to meet students where they are in their careers. Whether you are looking to move up from mid-management, switch industries, or relocate, Vlerick offers the flexibility to explore these paths.
For Cristian, this meant gaining a broader understanding of business beyond just marketing.
“It’s not just about marketing and strategy,” he notes. “All the pieces really need to go into place to be able to drive success for the organization, drive success for the people within it, and then hopefully also drive success for the business vertical that you’re contributing to as well.” (02:09)
The MBA ensures that students are equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to make a successful career transition. The program’s emphasis on real-life applications and dynamic learning processes prepares students to effectively and confidently carve out their career paths, wherever that might lead them.
Cristian emphasizes, “There’s not very many schools that, I think, that provide you with both a cultural and real-life opportunity and an academic opportunity the way that Vlerick does.’” (01:47)
Reflecting on his future goals, Cristian feels inspired and ready to take on new challenges.
“The MBA has been a really wonderful reminder that, ‘Hey, there’s still plenty left to accomplish not only for myself but for my classmates and the world around me,’” he says. (02:26)
Having gained valuable skills, personal reflections, and confidence through the Full-time MBA, Cristian looks forward to exploring new career opportunities.
With its unique blend of academic rigor, cultural diversity, and international orientation, Vlerick Business School is ideal for professionals looking to make a change, take new strides, and reorient their careers.
Discover more about Vlerick Business School, and contact a student ambassador to gain further first-hand insights.
