After several semesters of occurring online, this summer semester the biannual (every semester) alumni meet took place face-to-face once again. This highly acclaimed networking event introduces current students to some of HSPF’s International MBA alumni, granting the former a glimpse into their prospective future. As is tradition, the event was hosted by Program Director Prof. Harald Strotmann, joined by Prof. Markus-Oliver Schwaab and Tanja Solombrino and Sabrina Mitrasch from the MBA team. After a round of quick and brief introductions by our students, each alumnus had the opportunity to speak about their past and current professional experiences, main takeaways from Pforzheim University’s MBA program as well as their motivations. This was followed by a Q&A phase where students were able to ask the alumni questions. Finally, an informal “getting to know each other” session over pizza and drinks was held where the current MBA students could get many valuable tips.
 

Alby Wong, Founder Thoss Education Services, Stuttgart, MBA Class of 2015
Prior to doing her MBA at Pforzheim University, Alby was a merchandiser gemmologist on the SCM side where she was responsible for the purchasing of jewels from India. Her decision to choose Pforzheim University to do her MBA was due to Pforzheim’s connection to the jewellery industry. The MBA gave her a solid foundation in entrepreneurship which allowed her to start her own business. On top of that, it also provided her with a support network in the form of her batchmates

Sandra Eckstein, Senior Consultant NTT Data, MBA Class of 2018
Sandra had lived in the U.S. and grew up in Mexico which meant that throughout her life, she had lived an international experience. Rather naturally, she would go on to do her bachelor’s degree in English and has professional experience in the hotel industry. After completing her MBA with HSPF, she would go on to be a Scrum Master for NTT Data. The career change was driven due to exposure to Agile Management which is currently taught as an elective within the program. Her most valuable takeaway from the MBA is its alumni network which extends to various industries in Germany.

Shravan Jayaram, Data Product Owner for Track & Trace., Robert Bosch GmbH, MBA Class of 2017
Shravan began his professional career as a software engineer for the automotive industry.  After obtaining his MBA with Pforzheim University, he was hired to develop mobile applications for Bosch where he is now a product owner for AI applications. Similar to the other alumni in attendance, he really appreciates the long-lasting connections he has made with his classmates, especially Eduardo whom he considers one of his closest friends.

Engin Kerem Keteci, Pricing Analyst at MAHLE Aftermarket GmbH, MBA Class of 2012
Kerem’s motivation to do his MBA at Pforzheim University was to change his professional track, learn a new language while having an international experience. Previously, he was an application consultant in a supply chain project at Unilever Turkey. The MBA prepared him for his future career in the form of boosting his presentation skills and providing a cross-cultural experience. He is able to determine market pricing via the quantitative aspect of marketing. Furthermore, the MBA afforded him his most valuable connection where he met his wife who was his then batch mate.

Dong Chen, Head of Germany Office, Shanghai, Zongmu, MBA Class of 2016
After having worked 9 years at Bosch as an engineering manager, Dong Chen was motivated to shift focus to EV and ADAS from a business perspective. He identified the Leadership elective from Pforzheim University’s MBA program as a crucial tool that helped him be at the helm of Zongmu (a successful ADAS startup in the Chinese Market) in Germany where they are currently close to acquiring a project for the European market. Dong considers the marketing and finance courses as very helpful in laying the foundation foe him to be a product line director who is responsible for bringing innovative products to the market and guaranteeing product profitability at the same time.

Eduardo Rodriguez, Global EVC Growth Manager, Diebold Nixdorf, 2017
As a firm believer in grabbing opportunities as they present themselves, Eduardo sold everything he had in Mexico at the age of 27 to do his MBA at Pforzheim University. With proper time management and discipline, he was able to complete two semesters while carrying out his work student job. Post-graduation he was offered and had accepted a position pertaining to price management. His main takeaway from the MBA was communication skills, specifically on how to “sell” one’s self to targeted parties, i.e. potential employers, clients and etc.

Srihari Kosaru, Global Procurement, Kirchhoff Group, 2019
With a background in mechanical engineering, Srihari’s motivations for selecting Pforzheim University to pursue his MBA include affordable tuition, quality education, job opportunities in Germany and the lack of visa obstacles. On his decision pertaining to the MBA, Srihari had always been curious about the business side of things such as what it takes to be a good manager and how to run a company well.

Ujwal Kolhe, Senior Solution Advisor, SAP, 2019
After 7 years of the same routine in IT consulting, Ujwal decided to take the leap to make changes in his professional career. He chose HSPF’s MBA program due to its courses, modules, alumni meetings and guest lecturers. The duration of 2 years was also a crucial driver as it meant that there is a longer period to learn and absorb new knowledge. In terms of securing a fulfilling job, he advised on focusing on one’s strength. Now he is engaged in the building and execution of the Go-to-Market strategy for SAP for its customer experience solution portfolio globally.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our alumni who took the time and made the effort to be there physically that evening! Thank you for your support throughout the years and looking forward to seeing you at one of our next events!

Text: Michelle Ahras, Class of 2023
Photos: MBA