Luc van Es

Our students are the core of the MaastrichtMBA programme. Students with a broad diversity on nationality, age and even professional background. The insights and thoughts of our MBA students describe the true experience of MaastrichtMBA. This time we talked with our Dutch student Luc van Es. He works as Operations Leader at Fibrant. Fibrant strives to be an innovative and reliable partner and a company with sustainability in the core of her activities, with the ultimate goal to become climate neutral in 2040. Luc joined our Online MBA track in November 2024.

Fast Facts

Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?

After years of serving in the military, I made a career switch to the chemical industry three years ago. Leading teams under intense conditions taught me the value of clarity, swift decision-making, and unwavering team commitment. In those environments, strategic thinking wasn’t optional, it was a matter of necessity.

 

Now, in a corporate setting, I bring that same drive and resilience. However, I recognise that succeeding in business requires not only grit but also a broader strategic and analytical toolkit. I’m pursuing an MBA to deepen my knowledge across key business domains and to better position myself as a value-driven leader who can create meaningful impact for both company and colleagues. No matter your background, growth only stops when you stop learning/exploring.

 

 

This programme will also help me to refine a more empirical and analytical mindset, an essential skillset in today’s data-driven business world. Additionally, a Master’s degree is a requirement for future leadership roles, giving me both professional incentive and personal motivation to give it my all.

Why did you choose for MaastrichtMBA?

Living near Maastricht, I’ve always had a positive impression of the university, confirmed by the experiences of friends and family who studied there. As I explored my options, it quickly became clear that MaastrichtMBA offered the right blend of quality, flexibility, and reputation. The structure of the Online MBA track made it the perfect fit for my dynamic lifestyle, allowing me to pursue my education without compromising my professional responsibilities.

What made you choose your specific MaastrichtMBA track?

While the On-Campus track may have seemed more obvious given my proximity to Maastricht, I believe in leading by example, which is not placing an extra burden on my team or employer. The Online MBA track allows me to balance study with shift work, family life, and personal passions. It’s a choice rooted in responsibility, flexibility, and long-term vision.

Which skills do you want to refine during the programme?

I’m eager to broaden my perspective across all business disciplines. I’m looking forward to diving deep into modules such as Corporate Finance, Strategic Management, and International Marketing. These areas, and many others, will not only sharpen my analytical abilities but also help me identify where I can make the biggest impact in my future career.

 

Ultimately, I want to develop a more structured, evidence-based approach to strategic decision-making, one that contributes to responsible business practices and supports a fairer, more sustainable world.

How do you think you will benefit from doing this MBA?

Combining my operational leadership experience from the military with a robust business education will make me a highly adaptable asset in any industry. This MBA strengthens my ability to connect strategic thinking with real world execution. It equips me with the knowledge and perspective to contribute to organisations that prioritise sustainability, ethics, and long-term value creation.

What is the most enjoyable part of the MaastrichtMBA programme so far?

I’ve just completed the Corporate Finance module, an area far outside my comfort zone, and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding learning experiences so far. It was intense, intellectually demanding, and incredibly enriching. Beyond the academics, what I enjoy most is learning alongside my peers. Their diverse perspectives, on business and life, continue to challenge and inspire me. I’m particularly excited for my first elective week coming up soon.

What advice do you have for anyone considering an executive MBA at MaastrichtMBA?

I haven’t taken the Marketing module yet, but here’s my short pitch: if you’re committed, curious, and driven to grow, go for it! This MBA will broaden your horizon, sharpen your business insights, and push you to become the best version of yourself, professionally and personally.

Luc van Es
Fibrant
Operations Leader