Getting the Confidence to Start Your Own Business with an Executive MBA

May 06, 2021

15 Years Executive MBA Bucharest Anniversary Career Story

Looking back 15 years, what has changed in your career because of your MBA degree? How did the program support you in reaching your career goals? What concrete career opportunities have opened up for you?

Many things have changed because of the program. I founded Pi2 PR, two weeks after graduating the Executive MBA program in Vienna. It was almost an instant decision. One year before, when I had started the WU classes, I was very happy with my position at that time, as General Manager of an international advertising agency, and the objective was to improve my general management skills.

I have never imagined that those 14 months of program could change my professional life to that extent. It was a remarkable experience that offered state of the art knowledge, I got to know successful people who became my close friends, and I was completely transformed. I gained a lot of confidence, which helped a lot in handling my shortcomings without being afraid of them. So, the decision to quit my job and start up my company was very natural. Looking back after so many years, I consider it was one of the best decisions of my life.

What are your goals for the coming year? Your goals in general? Is there still something you absolutely want to do/achieve?

My focus is to create a happy & meaningful working environment. Employees will be more productive, clients will be more satisfied. Business will increase. For that, I focus more on the leadership part and the impact I have on my team and our clients. I am looking more at the quality of our relationships rather than just delivering the correct results, which comes by default anyway. In most cases, this means to go beyond the brief and standard reactions. It means that I take more time to talk to people, to understand the context, personal limitations and challenges.

In your opinion, has the importance of having an MBA degree increased in recent years/since your graduation?

It definitely increased. For so many reasons. First, the Romanian education system is a bit left behind; it lacks reforms and update to the business needs of the 21st century. It is difficult to perform at a certain managerial position without having an exposure to a high-class international business curriculum. Since WU’s program in Romania offers a part time package that allows students to keep their job at the same time, I anticipate an increased interest for this course in the next years.

Secondly, the current global economic environment is so much more dynamic than it used to be. Innovation is present at all levels and industries and it requires an upgrade of strategy and know how every couple of years. You cannot be successful in what you do if you do not invest in continuous development.

Thirdly, for those who want to continue their career within a company, the pandemic brought more chances to work at international level; the remote work is largely accepted so there are increased opportunities to live in Romania and work remotely for an international company. An MBA experience not only offers a better understanding of how the global business works but it also makes you more attractive as a potential candidate for international positions.

Why would you recommend the Executive MBA Bucharest of the WU Executive Academy? What did you like the most?

I liked the general experience and the personal transformation that came with it. I enjoyed all classes as they offered me a better understanding of the large general management puzzle; I liked the professors and the case studies they brought during the class. I especially liked networking with my colleagues, now my close friends, with whom I love to meet during our Alumni meetings.