How difficult can it be to achieve the right MBA-life balance? Challenging for sure, but not impossible. With the right mindset, time management, and prioritization. Esther Hoogerdijk balanced motherhood, her full-time career at KLM, and successfully graduated from VU’s EMBA Leading With Purpose.
We live in a time where the world needs positive change in a number of fields. But where does change start? Evidently, organizations have great power in shaping the societies and economies around them. However, it is the people behind those organizations who can lead them to become change-making forces.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) recognizes this potential and is actively cultivating purpose-driven leaders. At VU, they empower individuals to uncover their purpose and channel it towards progress in their spheres of influence.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an internationally renowned research university ranked among the world’s best universities. Their Executive MBA, titled “Leading with Purpose” is focused on bringing these purpose-driven leaders together to work on the big, challenging questions revolving around the issues of today and tomorrow.
“What is my purpose?” is a question that has likely crossed the minds of many of us at some point.
When Esther Hoogerdijk, a mother of three and Deputy Director of KLM’s Flying Blue program, embarked on the Executive MBA program, she wasn’t quite sure what the big loaded “P” word really meant for her.
The EMBA program at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam gave Esther the necessary guidance and insights to better understand her purpose.
Finding balance was quite challenging for Esther with young daughters at home, a demanding career, and EMBA studies. Managing her time efficiently and making time for herself became essential.
“During the MBA, to also find time for myself was quite a challenge, to be honest,” Esther admits. (02:09)
However, she proactively addressed this issue head-first and took a course to help her reflect on her priorities. This led her to make significant changes in her daily routine.
“Nowadays, I start my days with a run, at least twice a week, after I drop the kids off and before I go to work. And then, at least, that part is covered,” she says. (02:42)
Exercise is one of the best stress relievers, and this seemingly small change allowed Ester to prioritize self-care and stay healthy.
Balancing work, an MBA, family, and time for oneself is a juggling act. The one thing that can save you from dropping the ball? Mastering the art of time management.
Like any skill, time management improves with practice and repetition. Effective strategies include proactive planning, time-blocking with a clear schedule, setting boundaries, and not hesitating to seek support. Something else that is often overlooked is treating rest as a crucial part of your routine.
“I make sure that on the nights where there’s nothing planned, I don’t work and don’t do an MBA. I either go out for dinner or just sit on the couch. I have some social or relaxed time,” Esther shares, recognizing the importance of recharging. (02:57)
The essence of finding balance lies in crafting a life where work, education, family, and personal time coexist in harmony, each aspect enhancing the others.
Embarking on an MBA program is a huge commitment. Getting the degree takes considerable time, energy, and money.
The EMBA at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has a particularly challenging curriculum, divided into six blocks over 18 months.
The program also includes a final capstone project where students have to provide a solution to a real-world problem in their organization.
“The MBA is truly intense, exactly how they said it would be. But the people are amazing,” Esther says. (01:18)
Esther is proud of her success, seeing it as a testament to her dedication and ability to overcome challenges. (03:13)
Studying for an EMBA while working full-time is quite a time management balancing act, but it also offers significant advantages.
To begin with, it is a good way of easing the financial burden that comes with higher education, as it allows you to continue earning a salary. In some cases, your employer might even have MBA sponsorship options available if you are able to make a strong case for how the MBA will add value to your role.
Moreover, studying for an MBA while working full-time can be a great way to gain new insights on how to approach challenges based on the experiences of peers.
In this regard, Esther says, “It’s super interesting to learn from them about what plays an important role in their company and how they apply the learnings from the MBA… If you are able to bring in all of those different views in your product and in your company, then you create value for yourself and your company.” (01:44)
Getting an MBA while working allows you to apply the things you learn to your job immediately. Connecting theoretical knowledge and practical application greatly enhances the educational experience.
VU’s EMBA: Leading With Purpose is an opportunity to join a community of change-makers ready to transform their organizations. The program provides a nurturing environment where students are guided and inspired to discover and embrace their purpose.
Are you looking to be a forward-thinking and purpose-driven leader? VU’s EMBA can equip you with the knowledge, skills, an, most importantly, mindset to get you there.
Esther and the other VU student ambassadors are happy to share more on how it has empowered them to get to where they are today.
