René de Heij

Here at the MaastrichtMBA, we love our alumni and enjoy staying in touch! We recently caught up with class of 2018 alumnus René de Heij and reminisced over his experience at MaastrichtMBA and his current life. Read more to see what he is doing with all of that potential!

Fast Facts

Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?

At a certain point I became aware of a desperate need to upgrade my leadership behavior. In my motivation letter I mentioned: “I should improve my theoretical foundation to become a more severe partner in decision making or convincing peers. There should be a better balance between running on experience and be open for new approaches. I expect that the MBA programme can deliver the bigger part of it. I would look forward to meet people that are a little bit younger and work in other environments. I am curious how they manage their business but at the same time perhaps I can show a little bit of automotive passion.”.

Why did you decide to pursue an executive MBA at the MaastrichtMBA?

There are three strong points in the Maastricht approach:

  • The programme is organised in stages of a week. In an educational week you have intense contact with other students and really grow into a subject. You are out of your comfort zone and you are not able to fly on automatic pilot.
  • In every module there are assignments that you have to handle in a team. The team approach is comparable with a working environment and challenges your social effectivity.
  • Focus on innovation and new developments.

How have you benefitted from your MBA degree?

My career was already secured. The gain was to become more effective as a leader. The MBA provided more self-confidence. Next to that, choices are now made in a different way; not only downloading from the past but also out of curiosity for new experiences.

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

Start it when you have leadership responsibilities. That gives the advantage to practice learnings in your working environment. Do not wait like me till you are 55 years old.

What should applicants consider when they decide to do an MBA?

It is not about status or a nice certificate; it is an investment in your own development as a person and a leader.

How do employers benefit from employees with an MBA degree?

Employers need people that can make the difference in a changing environment. People that finish the MaastrichtMBA programme show that they are capable to adapt and are open to new challenges.

What stands out from your MaastrichtMBA experience?

Bootcamp week at Orshof. That makes clear that there is only one person to blame if things do not work out as planned: Yourself. How to control yourself?

What has been the most enjoyable part of the MaastrichtMBA programme?

My fellow students. I am completely impressed by their intelligence; the open attitude and the capabilities to think outside the box. They inspired me in an activating way. They made every week on University to a fantastic experience.

René de Heij
Rockwool Group
Operations Manager