Lucas Ortlieb
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 German student Lucas Ortlieb. He works as Sales Director at VISCO JET Rührsysteme, medium-sized family business specialising in the development, manufacture and distribution of agitating systems. Lucas joined our On-Campus track in February 2020.
FAST FACTS
- Nationality: German
- Start programme: February 2020
- Entry age: 38 years
- Track: On-Campus – Responsible Leadership & Sustainability
- Company: VISCO JET Rührsysteme
- Job title: Sales Director
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE AN MBA?
In the past ten years, I have worked in business development and sales in an international environment. This gave me the possibility to get to know different cultures, countries and mentalities. It broadened my horizons in terms of decision making in different cultures. Together with my professional experiences, my motivation to develop my management skills with an executive MBA grew.
WHICH SKILLS DO YOU WANT TO REFINE DURING THE ON-CAMPUS TRACK?
I’ve learned so much in the six modules I have taken so far. Getting a deeper understanding for entrepreneurial decision making, summarises it best. Over the course of the six modules, this was reinforced by the sustainability aspect to it.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE FOR THE MAASTRICHTMBA PROGRAMME?
I looked at several programs in different countries. The reasons for choosing Maastricht was the connection to Maastricht University, with its great international reputation, the feedback I had received from alumni, and probably the most decisive factor, the flexible structure of the programme. I can integrate the schedule of one attendance week per quarter perfectly into my family life and my professional agenda.
AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE FOR THE RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP & SUSTAINABILITY ELECTIVE?
Both tracks, Digital Strategy and Responsible Leadership & Sustainability, are great options. In the end, I decided on the Sustainability track because I wanted to get a better understanding of the topic in relation to business and how responsible leaders can positively influence the social and professional environment. Most of the companies I know incorporate sustainability goals into their objectives, everyone in the world is affected by it and it’s a constant topic in the media. Of course, my personal ambition to make a contribution to a more sustainable future supported the decision. I am glad I chose this track.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOU WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS ON-CAMPUS EXECUTIVE MBA?
What I have learned through the content of the modules helped me to refine my skills. What I have learned during my MBA trip so far – from the lecturers, the literature, the assignments and, above all, from the fellow students – has helped me to develop awareness of my most important values and to reflect on and sharpen my professional goals.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST ENJOYABLE PART OF THE COURSE SO FAR?
I have made great friends from different countries and from various industries. The conversations and times we spend between lessons and during joint dinners in Maastricht, are important parts of the journey and offer so much more than just skills that can be trained in classrooms.
AND HOW DO YOU EXPERIENCE THE MAASTRICHTMBA PROGRAMME AFTER THE CORONA BREAKOUT?
The MBA lives from personal interaction and the relationships that develop throughout the MBA journey. Due to strict measures and restrictions, it was not possible to have some of the educational weeks in Maastricht. The MaastrichtMBA team tried very hard to make the online modules as interactive as possible and I appreciate that. At the same time, nothing can replace the dynamic of being in the same room, reading each other’s body language, looking each other in the eye and laughing together at random jokes. Hopefully online sessions will no longer be necessary.
ANY TIPS FOR SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT APPLYING FOR MAASTRICHTMBA?
If you want to pursue an MBA, be sure of it. MaastrichtMBA is a great programme and I can highly recommend it. Talking to alumni and/or current students would be my best advice.