REFLECTIONS and REVELATIONS: MBA Alumni Give Insights on Professional Journeys and Career Wisdom
News
Looking back on the winter semester at Pforzheim University, one of the program´s highlights once again was the highly anticipated `Alumni Meet Current Students` event. This exclusive and inspiring gathering brought together accomplished alumni who shared their transformative journeys, career successes, and invaluable insights, reflecting on how their MBA from Pforzheim shaped their professional trajectories.
Program director Prof. Harald Strotmann was thrilled to welcome back MBA candidates from previous years like Garima Kinger Rana (, Jomy Jose Thekkiniyath, Reha Tözün, Rohit Singh, Olaitan Awonusi, Smitha Tiptur Ananda, and Zahra Oroumand, each of whom has carved a remarkable path in their respective industries. Their experiences spanned diverse fields, from finance and consulting to technology, entrepreneurship, and global management. Check below for thereflections and revelations of the MBA alumni.
GARIMA KINGER RANA, online Project Manager at points GmbH
Garima shared her experiences and expertise, emphasizing the importance of peer learning in professional growth.
“My MBA at Pforzheim University taught me adaptability and teamwork, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when everyone worked together to move forward. I gained valuable conflict management skills, essential for teamwork and project success. The diverse, international environment broadened my cultural understanding and prepared me for the German labor market. My advice to future students—trust the process; it’s a transformative experience that shapes both professional and personal growth.”
JOMY JOSE THEKKINIYATH, Project Manager at Atlas Copco
Jomy exuded enthusiasm as he narrated his journey of networking and embracing diverse career opportunities with an open mind.
“The HSPF MBA gave me a strong foundation in financial and commercial aspects of business, complementing my technical background. Its industry connections and strategic location make transitioning into management seamless. This MBA is like a multi-bagger stock—an investment that delivers long-term returns."
REHA TÖZÜN, PhD, Business Unit Manager and Lead Expert Mobility at Bridging IT GmbH
Reha showcased a blend of academic prowess and industry expertise, emphasizing the value of international perspectives and strategic networking.
"My MBA at Pforzheim University boosted my confidence in international settings and deepened my understanding of sustainability in economics. Studying in India and France through exchange programs broadened my perspective and career opportunities. Today, I apply these insights in energy and mobility solutions, bridging sustainability with economic success."
ROHIT SINGH, Senior Sales Operations Specialist at TeamViewer
Rohit captivated the audience with his insights on attention to detail and adaptability, showcasing the virtues of meticulousness and flexibility in the corporate realm.
"Pforzheim University’s strong accreditation, successful alumni, and Germany’s tech-driven work culture made it the perfect choice for my MBA. Being part of the Class of 2021 during the pandemic sharpened my adaptability, teamwork, and attention to detail—skills I now use daily. The program provided lifelong lessons in flexibility, precision, and collaboration, shaping me into a resilient professional."
OLAITAN AWONUSI, Director Clinical Research and Strategy Execution at bredent medical GmbH & Co. KG
Olaitan brought a unique blend of leadership and strategic vision to the discussion, highlighting the significance of learning German and communicating with confidence.
"Pforzheim’s hands-on approach, affordability, and strong industry ties made it the ideal choice for my MBA. I honed my ability to work with people from diverse cultures—an essential skill in my role today. Conversations with Prof. Strottmann and Prof. Volkert strengthened my passion for sustainability in line with the triple bottom line ethos; In addition, the real-world projects with top companies in the south of Germany enriched my learning experience."
SMITHA TIPTUR ANANDA, Project Manager Engineering and Business Excellence at MAHLE
Smitha radiated poise and wisdom as she shared her thoughts on people management, confidence, and the transformative power of experience.
"After six years at Bosch, I decided to pursue an MBA at Pforzheim to expand my business expertise and career opportunities. The hands-on, two-year program, combined with a diverse cohort and real-world applications, greatly enriched my learning experience. Engaging in challenging group projects helped me develop strong people management skills and boost my confidence. Essential concepts like PESTEL analysis, ROI calculations and many more have been proved highly valuable in my current role. My advice to future students is to approach learning with dedication, build meaningful connections, and fully embrace the MBA journey for both professional and personal growth. Choosing Pforzheim was one of the best decisions I ever made."
ZAHRA OROUMAND, Senior Project Specialist at SAP
Zahra exuded resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of perseverance and personal growth in the face of challenges.
“My MBA at Pforzheim University played a key role in my career by exposing me to companies through exciting visits and excursions, ultimately helping me target my ideal employer. The program’s international environment allowed me to learn from diverse cultures, enriching both my personal and professional growth. My advice to current students is to use this time wisely to explore career paths while also enjoying the MBA journey.”
The Alumni Meet Current Students event at Pforzheim University was an evening of inspiration, mentorship, and networking, offering current students the chance to engage with industry leaders, gain career insights, and navigate the global business landscape. An open-floor discussion encouraged students to embrace challenges, stay curious, and adopt lifelong learning, reinforcing the transformative impact of an MBA from Pforzheim University. More than just a reunion, it was an inspiring celebration of ambition, perseverance, and success. Here’s to the continued success of Pforzheim’s MBA alumni and many more enriching reunions ahead!