With online meetings now the status quo, WHU yet again welcomed a new batch of students to the #1 MBA Program in Germany. More diverse than ever before, the cohort met from around the world and in different time zones, eager to start and anticipating an intense week ahead.
On Friday the 26th of March, the WHU Full-Time MBA Program officially welcomed a class of 39 students. Representing 24 different nationalities, this new cohort raises the percentage of international students in this class to an incredible 87%. For many students, studying an MBA at WHU is the chance to work and learn alongside peers from a wide range of academic and professional experience, but also cultural diversity. With people attending from around the globe including South Africa, the Philippines, Spain, and South Korea, the new cohort is set to be one of the most diverse groups of professionals.
“The new cohort for this full-time class could not be more diverse when it comes to culture, academic background, and professional experience,” says MBA Program Director Gerold Gnau. “We hope that the students enjoy the benefits of this unique aspect of the program throughout their MBA journey at WHU.”
The day started with an official greeting by Professor Dr. Jürgen Weigand, Deputy Dean of the School, Professor Dr. Martin Fassnacht, Academic Director of the MBA Program, and Gerold Gnau, Program Director MBA. “The WHU MBA Program is about three core elements: it provides you with knowledge, with a network, and with inspiration for your professional and private lives,” says Fassnacht.
After the welcome session, students had the opportunity to present themselves in an elevator pitch, allowing a more relaxed introduction to take place between the new starters. A much-anticipated overview of the Future Leaders Fundraising Challenge followed – a fast-paced, weeklong leadership event that challenges them to think strategically while instilling a sense of social responsibility.
“I hope that through this program I will walk away with enhanced interpersonal skills, an improved business mindset, and a more confident framework for tackling business challenges,” says new student Louis van Wyk. “I hope to establish a solid network of future international business leaders with whom I hope to collaborate within the years to come.”
“For me, I expect to gain a deeper understand of management acquire the tools to help me pivot in my career”, says Elsie Gitari. “The WHU MBA Program is a chance for me to learn new ways of thinking for holistic problem-solving and how to create scalable solutions. I am looking forward to being part of a program centered on internationality, not only through a diverse student body but also through the international modules.”
The new cohort also received an introduction to the array of student clubs available at WHU to enhance their study experience, such as the WHU MBA Consulting Club, WHU MBA Women in Business Club, and the new WHU MBA Life Science Club focused on developing connections between the life sciences and management. The day was rounded off with a speed networking event, to allow the new students time to get to know each other better.