Sofia Sevastidou
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 Greek student Sofia Sevastidou. She works as Regional Product Manager EMEA at TE Connectivity, a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive and connected future. Sofia joined our On-Campus track in November 2021.
FAST FACTS
- Nationality: Greek
- Start programme: November 2021
- Entry age: 33 years
- Track: On-Campus – Responsible Leadership & Sustainability
- Company: TE Connectivity
- Job title: Regional Product Manager EMEA
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE AN MBA?
Studying an MBA degree forces you to get out of your comfort zone. From academic standpoint I have a background in Engineering and Science. I decided that I wanted to explore the business world more, as my experiences in business and leadership topics have been acquired on-the-job the past 7 years. MaastrichtMBA will reinforce my knowledge on how to run a business and explore the best tools to adapt to the unavoidable change of industries, the marketplace, and the ways people do business.
WHICH SKILLS DO YOU WANT TO REFINE DURING THE ON-CAMPUS TRACK?
Leadership skills, as it can play a large role in one’s career development. Technical skills and a college degree may only take you so far. Whether you are in a management position or leading a project, leadership skills will heavily dictate your success. I truly believe that whether it’s taking the initiative, developing critical thinking skills, or learning how to motivate and empower those around you, you must constantly be challenging yourself to enhance your leadership capabilities. Anyone can be placed in a leadership role, but to be good and thrive in that position requires solid leadership skills.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE FOR THE MAASTRICHTMBA PROGRAMME?
Maastricht University’s School of Business and Economics and UMIO is one of the top 1% of B-schools worldwide that have Triple Crown accreditation. So, the accreditation in combination with the beautiful location and the international spirit of the University, the one-week module structure, the Leadership Development Trajectory and the elective courses on Responsible Leadership and Sustainability (on top of the core MBA curriculum), are, amongst others, the main reasons that convinced me that MaastrichtMBA is the right choice for me!
AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE FOR THE RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP & SUSTAINABILITY ELECTIVE?
I strongly believe in the multiplier effect and the impact that current and future business leaders can create in society through responsible leadership. By choosing this elective, I aspire to gain this valuable knowledge on how to act responsibly but also how to drive sustainable development; a call to action to protect the planet and guarantee the global well-being of people. These two topics coupled together can-do wonders for our world. However, it requires the active involvement of all of us, the individuals, businesses, administrations, and countries around the world.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOU WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS ON-CAMPUS EXECUTIVE MBA?
I certainly appreciate the greater networking opportunities. The On-Campus track allows me to connect with respected and intelligent professionals that I may not had otherwise the chance to. I am undoubtedly already benefiting from the interaction with the other students by having created wonderful lifelong connections and relationships.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST ENJOYABLE PART OF THE COURSE SO FAR?
For me, learning again has been very enjoyable. I am excited to be back at the University as the spirit in the academic world is so fresh, open and innovative. And of course, as already mentioned above, I enjoy the connection with such a diverse and inspiring group of students. Not to mention the core teaching faculty of professors, and industry experts that are so knowledgeable, that I find myself going into the sessions with my eyes and ears wide open.
AND HOW DO YOU EXPERIENCE THE MAASTRICHTMBA PROGRAMME SO FAR WITH ALL THE CURRENT CRISES WE ARE FACING?
The health crisis impacted and changed our daily personal and professional life. I feel lucky as during the crisis, the University always found ways to accommodate the sessions in-person – of course under the COVID regulations of the Dutch government. However, last September, and while I was planning to attend my very first MBA session in person in Maastricht, I got exposed to the virus, hence I had to skip the session.
I felt disappointment at first, but I immediately realised that well-being is much more important. After all, it was not that big of a tragedy (as I thought); I will still follow up the course in the next round, postponing my graduation by a month or two compared to the original timeline. It’s all about being able to adapt to changes. Specially nowadays.
ANY TIPS FOR SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT APPLYING FOR MAASTRICHTMBA?
Making a decision to pursue an MBA should not be taken lightly. After all it is a significant time and financial commitment. My recommendation would be to attend a demo class, where you will get the chance to experience the content of the course, the diversity of the students, and the expertise that the professors bring to the sessions. All in all, I highly recommend the MaastrichtMBA as it has exceeded my expectations in every aspect. Stop overthinking and just do it! Plus, you can start anytime as it has multiple enrolling periods each year!