What motivated you to pursue the Digital Transformation MBA alongside your full-time role as an IT Project Manager?

For me, one of the most decisive factors in today’s professional world, particularly in the IT sector, is progress. The pace of change is relentless: what is relevant today can already be outdated tomorrow. With this in mind, I always knew that I wanted to take the next step in my personal and professional development.

The Digital Transformation MBA at Goethe Business School offered exactly the perspective I was seeking: the opportunity to examine future-oriented topics in depth, especially within the context of digitalization. From the very first information session until the completion of my studies, the program not only met but consistently exceeded my expectations.

Of course, pursuing an MBA while managing the responsibilities of a full-time role requires a high level of commitment and accountability. This journey is not one you undertake alone it also relies on the support of one’s professional environment and family. At the same time, it is important to recognize that such an intense period of growth is temporary. Looking back, the two years passed almost in the blink of an eye.

In that time, I was able to acquire a wealth of knowledge, but equally valuable were the experiences I shared with my peers, professors, and mentors. It was a journey that has left me not only better equipped for the challenges of digital transformation but also enriched with lasting memories and strong professional relationships.

How did the program provide new perspectives or impulses for your work in IT project management?

Project management, at its core, is leadership. 

From the outset, I was convinced that an MBA with a focus on digital transformation would have a direct and positive influence on my leadership style. The program confirmed this expectation: through exposure to a wide range of academic topics and case studies, I learned to approach challenges from multiple perspectives and to broaden my own thinking.

One of the most significant impacts was on how I deal with risks and complex problems. The MBA encouraged me to critically analyze situations on a strategic level while at the same time providing practical frameworks that I could directly transfer to my professional environment. Discussions in lectures and, even more so, in small working groups helped me challenge established approaches and refine my own methods.

As a result, my work today is not only shaped by a stronger focus on innovation and resilience but also by a more collaborative approach to leadership. Ultimately, the MBA has been a catalyst for growth not just for me personally, but also for my team and the colleagues I work with on a daily basis.

What strategies helped you successfully balance your studies, work, and family?

As I mentioned before, pursuing an MBA inevitably means taking on an additional layer of responsibility. From the very beginning, it was clear to me that success would only be possible with the full support and encouragement of both my family and my employer.

The most important strategy for me was a consistent and transparent organization. Balancing professional commitments, academic requirements, and family life is only feasible when all three are deliberately planned and aligned. After each release of the academic schedule, I would immediately map out the semester, structure my workload, and most importantly, communicate clearly with my family about the times when my availability would be limited.

This proactive approach created reliability and trust. My husband and my entire family were a tremendous source of strength throughout those two years. They supported me during late nights studying for exams or finalizing papers and shared my determination to complete this MBA. Of course, this sometimes meant compromises on their side as well, but it was precisely this collective effort that made the journey possible.

In retrospect, I can say with conviction: organization and open communication were the keys to balancing work, studies, and family life successfully.

Looking back, what was your greatest personal learning from this time?

That everything is possible. The MBA taught me not only new knowledge and skills but also how to grow beyond my own perceived limits and ambitions. I had the privilege of meeting many inspiring people with diverse perspectives, and through countless valuable discussions, I realized that we are often capable of much more than we initially believe.

Of course, the program provided me with a wealth of academic insights, but the most profound learning was on a personal level: how to adapt, persevere, and evolve in the face of challenges. The most demanding part for me was balancing my professional responsibilities, my personal life, and the significant time commitment required by the MBA.

One of the most defining moments was completing my degree while nine months pregnant with twins. Had someone told me this would be possible beforehand, I might not have believed it. Yet, it was possible, and that experience has fundamentally reshaped my view of what can be achieved with determination, resilience, and the right support system.

What advice would you give to others planning to take on a part-time degree?

My advice is simple: Do it! A part-time degree will enrich you in every possible way. I clearly remember the doubts I had before applying - questions like, “Will I really be able to manage this? Is the sacrifice of time and energy truly worth it?” Looking back now, as an alumna, I can say with full conviction: Yes, it is absolutely worth it.

The experience will shape you both professionally and personally. You emerge not only as a stronger and more capable professional but also as a more grounded and resilient individual. The journey demands effort, but the rewards in terms of knowledge, personal growth, and the lifelong connections you build far outweigh the challenges.

So, if you are considering a part-time MBA, my advice is clear: take the leap. It will be one of the most transformative decisions of your career and your life. 

Looking back, what’s a funny or unexpected moment from your MBA experience that still makes you smile?

There were so many wonderful and often humorous moments during the MBA: the lively and sometimes endless discussions in our lectures, the memorable culinary evenings during our course trip to Berlin, or the occasional Saturday-night “after-study drink” with classmates. These shared experiences added lightness, energy, and camaraderie to an otherwise very demanding journey.

And then, of course, there was the most unexpected moment of all: completing my MBA while nine months pregnant with twins - literally in the tenth month. If someone had told me at the beginning that I would hand in my master’s thesis almost ready to go to the delivery room, I would never have believed it. Yet it became the most unforgettable chapter of my MBA experience.

It’s moments like these that remind me: life rarely follows a perfect plan, but with the right mindset and a touch of humor, even the most unusual situations can turn into wonderful memories.