BIGGER IS BETTER - 2 DAY EXCURSION TO 3 BIG COMPANIES IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL SECTORS
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Company visits are an important part of the curriculum of the MBA Program at Hochschule Pforzheim. Students get the opportunity not only to gather valuable insights on company operations and corporate practice but also to network with the representatives of these companies. Mid of November the MBA students of 1st semester along with Prof. Dr. Harald Strotmann, Vice Dean of the Business School, Prof. Dr. Markus-Oliver Schwaab, Associate Dean Business School and Tanja Solombrino, Program Coordinator MBA International Management, went on a 2 day excursion to 3 companies in Southwest Germany, which are amongst the top players in Germany as well as worldwide - Groz-Beckert, Blickle and EY (Ernst & Young). Please read below for further details:
Groz-Beckert - the world’s leading provider of industrial machine needles, precision parts and fine tools, as well as systems and services for the production and joining of textile fabrics
From Pforzheim, the excursion first took the students to Albstadt, halfway located between Stuttgart and Lake Constance. Groz-Beckert, which was founded in 1852, is one of the oldest companies in Germany with more than 8,800 employees worldwide and provides its products and services all over the world. With its headquarters in Albstadt, Germany, Groz-Beckert is the world’s leading provider of industrial machine needles, precision parts and fine tools, as well as systems and services for the production and joining of textile fabrics. Mrs. Alexandra Bartsch, Manager HR Marketing, welcomed the MBA group at the company headquarters along with her other colleagues. During the visit some interesting insights on the working of the competence centers of textile technology for knitting were provided. Also, two employees of the digital unit informed the MBA students about the digital transformation of the organization. An application engineer introduced the students to different ways of joining textile fabrics and the diverse challenges involved. Further, Mrs. Sarah Hartmann, HR Manager Global Mobility gave the students lots of interesting information on Groz-Beckert´s steps towards global mobility and career options with the company.
Blickle - a leading manufacturer of wheels and castors, ranked 1st in Germany, 2nd in Europe and 3rd worldwide
Driven by innovation and customer satisfaction and with a thought towards reinventing the wheel, Blickle is a family run company which came in existence in 1953. Ranked 1st in Germany, 2nd in Europe and 3rd worldwide, Blickle is a leading manufacturer of wheels and castors. Situated in Rosenfeld, Germany, Blickle is also one of the hidden champions of the region and exports its products to more than 120 countries. The students received a very warm welcome by Mrs. Dr. Sarah Blickle-Fenner, Member of the Executive Board as well as the granddaughter of the founder Mr. Heinrich Blickle. Furthermore, Mr. Ralf Hilt, Export Group Manager, introduced students to some fascinating facts about the establishment. Additionally a company tour was provided showcasing deeper knowledge of processes, quality standards, and autonomous operations of the organization. Watching the working of the high rack warehouse as per industry standard 4.0 was also very exciting for everyone.
EY (Ernst & Young) - a leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services
On the second day the MBA group continued their excursion to one of the largest professional services firms, the global EY organization, a leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. EY was formed in 1989 through the merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co. and has its headquarter in London, United Kingdom. Anne Kaltofen, Recruiter TAS & Advisory at EY Stuttgart greeted the students and further introduced them to Benjamin Epple, Senior Manager Advisory. Mr. Epple talked the MBA group through the different operation and functions of the company. He also explained the working style of the organization with practical examples and facts. Students were also briefed about the know-how and opportunities to work with the company both presently as a student and later on as a permanent employer. Thereafter, Thu Ha Ngo – Consultant in advisory services took the MBA students on a company tour and showcased the facilities and the impressive working atmosphere of the organization.
Text: Siddharth Uppal, MBA class of 2020 / MBA
Photos: MBA