“I took an MBA to get to the strategic level and to gain a basic understanding of all the components relevant to running a company successfully”, Jakob Therkelsen says. Jakob is originally educated as an accountant and has taken a Graduate Diploma in Accounting and Finance. After a job change into corporate finance it became relevant to pursue an MBA from CBS: “It was something I wanted in order to strengthen my professional competence and increase the value of my work. I wanted to reach a higher level and understood and was able to solve the kinds of problems that are top priority for the CEO’s. That is simply necessary to be a successful consultant at the purchase and sale of companies.”

Jakob Therkelsen studied for his MBA while working in order to evolve and he
is not in doubt about the great benefit. “I got more out of it than I expected. Professionally it pretty much fit my expectations however I never expected to get as much out of the network part as it has turned out to give – it’s been amazing!” As a result of the competence development he became a partner in Deloitte. “I got to where I wanted to be and I did it at a faster rate because of the MBA. I did it for myself mostly but to a certain degree also in order to do my utmost for the firm, so it became a win-win situation.

“I researched different places to find out where to do my MBA. Since I work in a global firm like Deloitte, I already had a network in Paris, London and New York, so I chose to prioritize the local network – this is where I have to be strong and contribute to the organisation. If I get assignments or challenges in an industry I’m unfamiliar with I call someone in the Alumni Network. Usually someone there works in the industry or they know someone who does. All of us MBA brothers (and sisters) are very helpful to each other and are happy to share experiences and knowledge – I appreciate that greatly”, Jakob says.

One of the advantages of the MBA education is the CBS MBA Alumni Society with over 500 members: “With Alumni Society you have access to lots of super sharp, business and progressive people. Both work-wise and privately, personally as well as professionally I get a lot out of networking with the others.” Alumni Society keeps MBA graduates informed by ensuring professional updating via monthly go-home meetings, where different subjects
and actual problems are milled over. There are also yearly updates in Master Classes, which is the continuing education of MBA graduates. At the same time Alumni Society has a great social dimension by creating networks among like-minded people: “It is a great opportunity to discuss both what we’ve just learned as well as work-related questions”, Jakob Therkelsen says and explains that the networking opportunities are an important reason why many people are motivated to take an MBA. Alumni Society is not only academic updating, it’s also fun and games: “In May we have our annual gala party
where everyone comes all dressed up. It is a fun tradition that lots of people support”, Jakob Therkelsen says.

Jakob Therkelsen got his MBA in 2003.