A former media professional, Polish-Canadian Maggie Tulecka was keen on a mid-career pivot. She wanted to pursue an MBA that could prepare her for complex business challenges. With its diverse student body, expert faculty, and innovative curriculum, ESMT Berlin’s full-time MBA was the perfect choice.
Experience a day in the life of Maggie Tulecka, a full-time MBA student at ESMT Berlin. From peaceful mornings to intensive finance classes, Maggie shares how the school’s full-time MBA is key to her pursuit of a fulfilling career.
Maggie Tulecka’s story begins with a bold decision. The Polish-Canadian professional with a background in media was keen on a mid-career shift. And so, in January 2025, she decided to make the move to Europe to undertake a purpose-driven MBA.
Her choice was Berlin. The city’s vibrant atmosphere and ESMT Berlin’s dynamic learning environment made her decision an easy one.
ESMT Berlin’s intensive 15-month Full-time MBA program empowers students to build the career they want. For Maggie, successfully navigating this journey would mean bringing more than just books to Berlin.
She starts her day soothed by the comforting purrs of her cat Lilly. Berlin breakfasts have “… become our own little ritual,” says Maggie. “She came with me from Canada, and we’ve been navigating this new chapter together.” (0:16)
Lily has become a huge source of comfort for Maggie, helping her adjust to Berlin business school life.
ESMT Berlin campus gives students a unique study experience in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Yet, Maggie appreciates the serenity of her apartment, set in the leafy residential area of Moabit.
She describes Moabit as “… a peaceful corner in an otherwise busy city.” (0.32) This tranquil base gives her the ideal foundation for navigating an intense MBA journey.
ESMT Berlin is home to a campus with legacy and momentum. Once the headquarters of the East German State Council, it now helps to shape global leaders.
“It holds so much history,” says Maggie. “And now it holds the future we’re all building.” (0:45)
The school offers a diverse learning environment, creating a strong culture of peer learning. With over 1,000 students from 95 different countries, the school provides a mix of global perspectives.
Each day, Maggie typically heads to campus early to meet with her fellow classmates and compare notes. “It’s in these moments,” she explains, “that I’m reminded how connected we are by ambition and transformation.” (0:54)
These interactions highlight the importance of strong relationships during a shared learning experience.
The best modern MBAs instill students with the confidence to overcome personal challenges. For Maggie, finance was something she had struggled with in the past. As she highlights, “Finance used to intimidate me. But now I’m learning how to break down decisions from a business perspective.” (1:03)
“It’s demanding,” she says. “But this is why I came. To be challenged and to grow.” (1:10)
This desire to be challenged inspired her to think strategically about her future. After a decade working in the media, Maggie took time to reflect on her career. She wanted a sense of purpose. To follow a path of self-discovery and invest her time and effort into something more fulfilling.
“That’s when the idea of a wellness retreat came to me,” says Maggie.” A place for healing, growth, and development.” (1:22) The value of her MBA materializes in real-time and with a purpose attached to it.
“The leadership courses, the strategy frameworks. Even the group assignments. They’re all part of building something with meaning,” she explains. (1:32) Ultimately, ESMT’s innovative curriculum is helping Maggie bring this vision to life.
As the sun sets over Berlin, Maggie makes her way home to her peaceful apartment in Moabit. Her evenings revolve around mindfulness and personal anchors.
She takes time to read, journal, and reflect on her day after an intense period of learning and development.
“Health, purpose, growth – those are my pillars,” she says. (1:49)
“This journey hasn’t been easy. But it’s everything I hoped for and more. And tomorrow, we begin again, with something new to learn.” (1:58) This positive mindset has propelled Maggie along her MBA experience.
Maggie Tulecka’s experience at ESMT Berlin offers a compelling view into what a modern MBA can offer. For her, it’s more than a credential. It’s a vehicle for purpose, growth, and vision.
ESMT is helping Maggie align personal values with professional ambition. If you’re seeking a business school where growth feels personal and your career goals are pivotal, Maggie’s story should inspire your own.
Do you want to know what it’s really like to study for an MBA at ESMT Berlin? Talk to their MBA graduates and see if it is the right next step for you.
Want to study at ESMT Berlin? Take our eligibility quiz to see if you qualify!
