Career Story: Klemens Kaar, Bechtel

January 12, 2015

Professional MBA Entrepreneurship & Innovation alumnus

Why did you decide to participate in the Professional MBA Entrepreneurship & Innovation?
I wanted to combine fundamental entrepreneurial skills with a specialization in a future-oriented topic. The MBA program focused on fostering & implementing innovation strategically, which appealed to me because I consider innovation as the source of sustainable success of organizations.

What impact did the MBA program have on your professional life and your career so far?
Hard to quantify only 3 months after my graduation - I sure have gained access to a strong business network. In fact I was recently appointed to be a lecturer for the International Chamber of Commerce. The connection to this organization started through my MBA.

How did you benefit from the program personally?
Thinking "outside the box" became normal - I benefit from this personally and professionally.

What comes to your mind when you think about the program now? What were the highlights?
My classmates were so diverse. At first this was a struggle - too many different backgrounds, cultures and communication styles. Then we grew together and realized that our diversity was a strong source of innovative problem-solving.

Do you have any advice for our future students?
Team up with the people who are most different to you during group work - it will bring the best results.

With which celebrity (historical or alive) would you like to spend your lunch break with?
Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin - he has little to do with my business ambitions but I'd like to play the guitar with him.

Which book is currently on your bedside table?
"Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer - an amazing true story of a tragic Mt. Everest Expedition.