Lisa Zimmerling

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 Lisa Zimmerling. She works as Leading Editor at 99pro media. 99pro media is a media production company based in Germany. Lisa joined our Online MBA track in May 2024.

Fast Facts

Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?

I come from a creative background and have already completed both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in my field. Just before I started my Executive MBA journey, I had stepped into my first leadership role, which was a turning point for me. I realised that if I wanted to grow in my career and carry more responsibility, I needed to broaden my perspective beyond my industry. Pursuing an MBA felt like the perfect opportunity to not only deepen my understanding of economic and business concepts but also to develop my leadership skills in a meaningful way. More than anything, I wanted to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone, and invest in my future.

Why did you choose for MaastrichtMBA?

The MaastrichtMBA programme stood out to me because it offers the perfect balance of continuing my career while also pursuing my degree. The flexibility to work and study at the same time was an important factor in my decision. At the same time, I liked the strong focus on learning as a team effort. I wanted to be part of a community where I could share experiences and gain insights from professionals in various industries.

 

Another draw for me was the opportunity to specialise in digital business. I think digitalisation is one of the most important issues we face today, and I wanted my MBA to have real-world relevance. And finally, Maastricht’s Triple Crown accreditation gave me the confidence that I would receive a top-quality education with strong industry recognition.

What made you choose your specific MaastrichtMBA track?

I chose the Online MBA track because it was really important for me to find an international programme that would allow me to study part-time alongside my career but also offer a sense of community. I didn’t want to just sit alone behind my desktop for two years, studying in isolation.

 

The Online MBA track of MaastrichtMBA offers the perfect balance. It allows me to continue advancing in my career without taking a break while also providing a strong group of peers to study and learn with. This sense of collaboration and flexibility made the programme the perfect choice for me.

Which skills do you want to refine during the programme?

For me, one of the most exciting parts of this Executive MBA is the opportunity to dive into areas I don’t usually come into contact with in my day-to-day work. I want to develop a broader understanding of how different parts of a business come together and refine skills that will allow me to think strategically beyond my industry. Additionally, I like that academic work always challenges you to think critically, analyse topics in depth, and approach problems from new angles.

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

The insights I gain through this Executive MBA will help me advance my career, challenge me to grow, and push me to achieve more in the long run. I think it is a great opportunity to sharpen and expand your career path!

 

But even beyond that, I think the opportunity to connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds is really important. Expanding my network and learning from others’ experiences is something I truly value about MaastrichtMBA. It’s the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world insights that really stands out to me.

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

I really enjoy diving into new topics with each course and gaining new insights that I can directly apply to my work and career. Another highlight of MaastrichtMBA is the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a subject during the in-person elective weeks. So far, I have participated in weeks in Maastricht and Paris, both of which have deepened my knowledge while also offering great opportunities to connect with fellow students and benefit from a shared learning experience.

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

If I had to choose an Executive MBA programme again, I would choose MaastrichtMBA without hesitation. Of course, studying alongside your career is a big commitment and can sometimes be challenging. But if you are motivated and eager to expand your knowledge, you will find the time to make it work.

 

If you know what you want to achieve, you can take valuable lessons from every class that will benefit your career in one way or another. Even though it requires some extra dedication, I have never regretted it and feel that it helps you grow both professionally and personally.

Lisa Zimmerling
99pro media
Leading Editor