With sunny skies setting the scene, this year’s MBA Orientation Days began on a positive note, reflecting the motivation, curiosity, and excitement of the new cohorts. Following a warm welcome from Dr. Christian Jansen, GBS Managing Director, the GBS team introduced the programs and shared insights into the journey ahead at Goethe Business School.
A special highlight was the talk by Jessica Fröhlich, Pharma MBA alumna from the Class of 2025. Welcoming the new cohort, she reflected on her own experience, saying:
“Just a little time ago, I was sitting where you are sitting right now. And I’m super confident that you, too, will be standing here in about two years. This time will go by really fast, and you’ll be surprised by how quickly this chapter comes to an end.”
Sharing her lessons learned and best practices, Jessica offered valuable insights into making the most of the MBA experience. Drawing on her own journey, she reflected on how the program had shaped her perspective and highlighted the value of looking beyond the classroom. Her experience served as a reminder that the MBA journey is about much more than expanding one’s knowledge. It is also about questioning assumptions, embracing new perspectives, and developing the skills needed to become a more effective leader.
Beyond the introductions, the Orientation Days offered plenty of opportunities to connect with and get to know fellow participants. From casual conversations over food and drinks to fun challenges such as MBA Bingo and a campus scavenger hunt, students had plenty of opportunities to break the ice and get to know their new classmates. The team-building sessions with Dr. Karolien Notebaert and Dr. Nicole van Hoeck added to the experience, bringing students together through interactive activities.
Another highlight of the Orientation was the Semester Opening Talk on the evening of the second day, delivered by Dr. Daniel Steiners, CEO of Roche Pharma AG. His contribution set the stage for the semester ahead, connecting the academic journey with the realities and challenges of today’s pharmaceutical industry.
With inspiring insights, valuable advice, and plenty of motivation for the months ahead, this year’s MBA Orientation provided a promising start to the new academic year. And while the weather may not have played along on the second day, the outlook for the semester is certainly bright.
Goethe Business School offers part-time MBA programs that combine academic excellence with practical business applications and are tailored to the needs of working professionals. The Pharma MBA equips participants with management expertise relevant to the pharmaceutical industry, while the Goethe MBA enables students to specialize in Digital Transformation, Data Science, or Sustainability, preparing them to assume leadership roles in a rapidly evolving business landscape.