Michelle Aria Ahras
Malaysia, MBA Class of 2023
EMEIA Mobility Tech Consultant, EY, Germany

What were two of the key takeaways from your time in the MBA program?
First, better time-, people- and self-management. The intensity and mostly group-based projects of the program required me to rethink the way I approached the execution of tasks in a group (often times with tight time frames) while juggling that with my overall wellbeing. Perhaps because it is still fresh in my mind, I still look back at my time in the MBA, refer to and act upon lessons learned whenever I encounter difficult situations in my professional, and to some extent, personal life.
Second, engaging and interacting with a diverse group of people in the form of my classmates and faculty staff. Not only from a cultural sense but also from an industry / professional background perspective. I believe that also affects the way that a person thinks and behaves. So this was an eye-opening opportunity for me to understand how to interact with and handle people of various backgrounds. Bonus is I have made some good friends in the program!

In what ways did the MBA help prepare you for the German labor market?
What I really liked about the MBA at Pforzheim is that its curriculum is constantly being reviewed and updated to reflect current trends and themes-of-interest of not only the German labor market, but also Western Europe. All of this while maintaining a strong core business foundation in its repertoire. This has helped me transition seamlessly to the job market without there being an awareness gap after being away for 2 years, and has enabled me to effectively collaborate with colleagues and serve clients across the globe. When I really think about it, I can liken my current work as an extension of my MBA experience.
On top of that, the MBA has a solid connection to its alumni and industry network one can reach out to. It is particularly helpful when one needs assistance on studying, working and living in Germany.

What advice would you give to those applying?
Really consider what it is you want to gain from this program and whether it is the right one for you. If you get in, maximize the opportunity to its fullest potential. Make good connections, have even better work ethics, as well as always making sure to show up and step up because this would reflect on you in the long run. Also, make an effort to learn and speak German! It makes life much easier here.

Thanks, Michelle!