Fernanda Montiel
The core of the MaastrichtMBA programme is our students. 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 Mexican student Fernanda Montiel. Our new MBA student Fernanda Montiel works for Collins Aerospace, a company leader in the aerospace and defense industry. She is responsible for the International Trade Compliance Department AS for the EMEA region. As of May 2019, Fernanda joined the MaastrichtMBA programme.
FAST FACTS
- Nationality: Mexican
- Start programme: May 2019
- Entry age: 37 years
- Track: On-Campus – Digital Business
- Company: Collins Aerospace
- Job title: Compliance Manger
WHY DID YOU PURSUE AN MBA?
An MBA has always been on my bucket list, but it felt as it was never the right time. I’ve been here now for 3 years and my integration process was definitely a challenge, specially leaving my family behind and learning the local language. But I am officially integrated, and my internationally based team is also growing, so I thought, this is the right time to continue developing my leadership skills.
WHY THE MAASTRICHT PROGRAMME?
The modular structure and the dynamics of the program are very appealing. The study weeks are mostly interactive, you don’t just sit in a classroom and listen to a professor, but you need to put theory and experience into practice. The schedule is very convenient as I only need to be here for one week every quarter, so if I’m disciplined, I can get my assignments done and combine this with my current responsibilities. Apart from that, Maastricht is a beautiful location to follow the course and spend some time!
HOW DO YOU THINK YOU WILL BENEFIT FROM DOING THIS MBA?
When you are in a room with more than 40 people, who have very different backgrounds and a vast experience in different industries, your perspective proves to be narrow. It is amazing what this interaction does to your personal and professional development. So it’s not only about the theory that you get but the people that I’m interacting with.
Completing any post-graduate study requires discipline and hard work, as you need to find the right balance between doing your job and getting all your assignments done. The reward will not only be the recognition for doing that, but your own growth during this process.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE MOST ENJOYABLE PART OF THE COURSE SO FAR?
The class dynamics and the personal connections you make. As I mentioned before, there is so much you can learn from others. Through meeting other people, they are teaching you and the way they put things into practice, that’s incredibly valuable.
ANY TIPS FOR SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT THE COURSE?
Try to attend a demo class, this gives you an idea of the atmosphere and the class structure. You will be able to talk to students who were at different stages of their MBA journey, this is the best way to get real insights and answers to your questions.