University of St.Gallen alumnus Stephan Bögner explains how the MBA program shaped his career shift. He shares why rankings, program design, and St.Gallen’s “triple transformation” concept guided his decision. He also highlights how relocating to Munich opened both professional opportunities and personal growth.
For many professionals, an MBA marks a turning point. Stephan Bögner returned to business school armed with clear goals and a sharper focus. “When you go to study for a second time, it’s more of a conscious choice,” Stephan explains. (00:27) He was ready to make an MBA career shift.
For Stephan, choosing a program meant meeting a certain set of criteria. Rankings were one of his first tools. Like many prospective students, he used them to compare quality and reputation. However, rankings were only part of his decision.
Program curriculum and skill development were also key. “For me, it was just as important to have the hard skills… but also a little bit of personal development,” he says. (00:42) While hard skills like strategy, management, and finance are important, aspects such as leadership growth are also essential to a successful career.
Flexibility mattered too. Stephan was still working when he applied, so a Part-time MBA was essential.
Finally, geography played a role. The University of St.Gallen’s location made it possible to combine studying with his professional commitments. The combination of these factors ultimately made the St. Gallen Part-time MBA the perfect fit for him.
Once he had begun his St.Gallen MBA, one of the standout concepts was the school’s idea of a “triple transformation.” The Triple Transformation is embedded in the St.Gallen MBA program philosophy: to gain a personal, professional, and geographical transformation. For many students, the framework answers the common question: “What can you do with an MBA?”
St.Gallen’s triple transformation helps students think strategically about career change across three dimensions.
His own post-MBA journey illustrates this idea. Stephan stayed in the tech industry, which he enjoyed. But the MBA helped him make other important career changes. “I wanted to have a different function and I also wanted to have a different culture,” he reflects. (01:42)
That decision led him to an American company with its largest office in Munich, Germany. Like choosing St.Gallen, using the triple transformation framework to inspire an MBA career shift is another example of Stephan’s conscious decision-making.
For Stephan, moving to Munich after his MBA was another deliberate step in his career journey.
As a hub for global business, the city provided access to leading companies across tech, consulting, and engineering. “If you’re anywhere on the engineering side, there are lots of great companies and logos out there,” Stephan says. (02:32)
Yet, career opportunities weren’t the only attraction. Studying for an MBA in Munich also provided an excellent quality of life. “You have a big selection of gastronomical offers. I also like having this huge green area called the English Gardens. You have this rich history, which is reflected in the architecture.” (02:10)
With unique cuisine, culture, architecture, and nature, Munich has plenty to offer to MBA students. Munich’s combination of professional opportunities and lifestyle made the city an ideal destination for Stephan’s career growth and personal fulfillment.
Stephan wanted an MBA career shift to raise his professional acumen and credibility in a competitive market. “Going for an MBA, in general, is taking your study level one notch up,” he explains. (02:50) Employers recognize this. Many of them hold MBAs themselves. They understand the skills and mindset it brings to the table.
Stephan says the degree armed him with “knowledge, tools, [and a] network to deal with whatever may come; to deal with uncertainties.” This readiness for the unexpected is what makes St.Gallen graduates stand out. (03:06)
Recognition also plays a key role. “When they see an MBA degree, especially coming from St.Gallen, which is obviously very well known… they see someone who is ready for that part of uncertainty.” (03:15)
Instead of simply opening doors automatically, the St. Gallen MBA equips graduates with the confidence, skills, and credibility to step through those doors themselves when opportunities arise. This blend of brand recognition, practical knowledge, and personal responsibility gives the degree its enduring value.
Stephan’s MBA career shift with the University of St.Gallen showcases how a well-chosen program can reshape a career. Through the triple transformation, he shifted his role, work culture, and location, all while staying connected to the industry he loved.
Today, as a Senior Manager at Deloitte, Stephan credits the program with preparing him to embrace uncertainty and new opportunities. His story illustrates how an MBA from St.Gallen can be a launchpad for leadership, purpose, and long-term personal growth
As Stephan puts it, “St.Gallen is a very, very powerful brand. It uncovers doors. But it’s still all up to you to make sure you open it, find the right person to make an introduction, make the right appearance, and then, of course, deliver with the right skill set to actually cross through that door.” (00:02)
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