Alumni Meet Current Students: A Gathering of Knowledge and Inspiration for MBA Students
News
The current MBA cohort at Pforzheim University was very excited as eight alumni from the MBA program returned to campus for the “Alumni Meet Current Students” event, that takes place every semester. The meeting provides a platform for these successful professionals from different industries to reconnect, reflect on their time at the university and inspire the next generation of MBA graduates by sharing their individual insights and experiences.
The meeting started with each of the alumni introducing themselves, highlighting their work, and reflecting on their time in the MBA program.
Andres Melo, Strategy Associate at Qontigo
Andres boasts three years of professional experience in business development, consulting and strategy. He has held positions at Mahle, EY, Marlene Blacx Consulting before he started his career at Qontigo. During his talk, he emphasized the significance of building strong networks during the MBA program, stressing that these connections could yield long-term benefits. Additionally, he encouraged students to enhance their German language skills, as it would prove advantageous for a successful career in the German labor market. Andres also provided valuable guidance to students in their job search process.
Annie Nguyen, Marketing & Community Lead - Out of Office by CXC
With nearly nine years of experience in marketing and project management, Annie's professional journey includes positions at reputable companies such as Daimler, trivago, advisable.com, and CXC. She stated that, in order to become a good leader and continuously develop your team, you´ll have to keep asking yourself, if you are indispensable in the team. In her address she also instilled confidence in her juniors, urging them not to doubt their abilities. Annie emphasized that they possess the skills and potential to accomplish anything they set their minds to.
Aswin Pottayil, IT Strategy & Special Projects Manager at Continental AG
With a diverse background encompassing ten years of experience in strategy, consulting, IT and project/program management, Aswin has worked with renowned organizations such as SAP, Siemens Healthcare, KPMG, and Continental. Aswin's advice to his juniors was that it's acceptable not to have a concrete plan in place at all times. He also highlighted the benefits of management trainee programs as a launching pad for their desired careers. His most important tip for the students was to always stay curious and keep their eyes open for opportunities!
Avigyan Dutta, Assistant Director at EY
Avigyan has dedicated more than eight years to his work at EY. During the alumni event, he shared invaluable advice with the current MBA students, urging them not to settle for less than they deserve. Considering their experience, he advised against accepting entry-level positions and encouraged them to approach their careers as a marathon, not a sprint. Like many of his fellow alumni Avigyan also stressed the importance of networking.
Diksha Ahuja, Project Manager at Munich Re
With nearly nine years of experience in consulting and project management, Diksha's professional background includes prominent roles at SAP, EY, UniCredit, Allianz, and Munich Re. She also emphasized the importance of networking, urging students to leverage the benefits offered by the alumni, colleagues, and professors. She told the students not to be afraid but to try different things. Additionally, she highlighted the value of learning opportunities beyond the confines of the classroom.
Mayank Shekhawat, Project Management and AI Automation Consulting, omni:us
With close to twelve years of experience in consulting and project management, Mayank has worked with companies like SAP, UniCredit, Allianz, and omni:us. Mayank's valuable advice centered on maintaining a positive perspective throughout their MBA journey. For him the program with its various electives proved to be a great platform to experience many different areas. He emphasized that not having a rigid plan is acceptable and encouraged students to persistently explore different career paths until they find their true passion.
Dr. Olaitan Awonusi, Director of Marketing and Communication, bredent medical GmbH & Co.KG
With over ten years of experience in the medical & pharma industry, Olaitan provided insightful guidance to students. He encouraged them to step outside their cultural comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and engage with diverse perspectives and different people. He also emphasized the importance of perseverance and self-improvement, suggesting that students should focus on enhancing their strengths while working on their weaknesses. Olaitan remarked that graduating from the MBA is merely the beginning of their journey, not the end.
Yousra Emara, Senior Strategic Market Insight Analyst - EMEA Region, Abbott Diagnostic Business
With seven years of experience in strategy, Yousra has worked with notable companies such as SAP, AMR Research GmbH and Abbott. She considers the MBA as a great opportunity to find a job in Europe after the graduation. Youara reassured the students that the two years of study in the MBA program would give them enough time to explore what they really want to do after their graduation. Concluding Yousra shared her personal experience of completing an Ironman race after her MBA, inspiring students that it's never too late to pursue new interests and challenges.
All present alumni were eager to reconnect with their alma mater and give back to the MBA program that had played a pivotal role in shaping their careers. The alumni took turns sharing their career journeys, reflecting on their time in the MBA program and imparting their learnings to the eager audience of current MBA students. The stories were filled with valuable insights, lots of practical advice and inspiration and the MBA students were able to ask their pressing questions regarding career choices, industry trends and the challenges faced by professionals in their respective fields.
The “Alumni Meet Current Students” event at Pforzheim University was a resounding success, bringing together accomplished alumni and current MBA students in a synergistic exchange of knowledge and experiences. A big THANK YOU to all participating alumni who made the time to join the event and for your ongoing support of our MBA program!
Text: Sourabh Jagtap, MBA Class of 2024
Photos: MBA
