“I’ve Re­fined My Pro­fes­sion­al Iden­tity”

Why did you choose the Copenhagen MBA?

I chose the Copenhagen MBA for several reasons. Firstly, I was looking to round-out my business knowledge and transition from education to business.  Also, my initial interaction with the admissions team was very positive because they were supportive right from the start, guiding me through the research process even before I applied. The level of care made me feel assured that I would receive support at CBS, especially considering my non-business background.

The intimate size of the class was also a significant factor for me. I sought a close-knit community where I could have personalised interactions with professors and build strong connections with my cohort. The diversity of industries, backgrounds, and experiences within the group is wonderful. Overall, our cohort is tight-knit.

I actually was born in Denmark and I left at a young age but I’ve been back and forth for study and an internship, and I also have some family here so I had the confidence that Denmark is a great place to study, work, and live.

What aspects have you liked about the programme?

One aspect of the programme that has exceeded my expectations is the depth of learning it covers. While many programmes emphasize the networking opportunities in MBA (which are indeed crucial for career development), I've found the academic experience to be particularly elevated. Despite being typically reserved in classroom settings, I've found myself more engaged - thanks to the environment created by the professors. This emphasis on active involvement makes the experience incredibly rich and unique.

Outside of the academic realm, the social aspects of the programme have been a highlight. Many participants have relocated here without an established support network, so bonding with people from all around the world has been incredible. We have explored the city together and now, thanks to the great weather, we picnic in the park and have many summer activities to look forward to as we approach graduation.

What have you found challenging about the programme and how have you adapted?

The country boasts a highly educated population, and many individuals already hold advanced degrees, including master's degrees. So, I’ve been in some situations where I’ve had to articulate the purpose of an MBA and how it can benefit a company. This has positioned me to dive deeper into understanding the unique value proposition of an MBA and how it aligns with and enhances my skills and aspirations. Through this process, I've gained a clearer sense of my strengths and how I can contribute to an organisation. I feel like I’ve refined my professional identity.

What is your internship project?

For my internship, I'll be working with Danske Bank in their data protection and management team. It's still early days, so the full scope of my role is still evolving. I'm happy to be working alongside two MBA alumni because of their familiarity with the programme.

What are your post-MBA plans?

My post-MBA plans are centered around staying in Denmark for at least a few years. While I'm still keeping an open mind about specific career paths, I'm eager to see where my internship at Danske Bank could lead. One of the main motivations behind pursuing the an MBA was to transition out of my previous industry in international education towards a more business-focused role.

What advice would you give to MBA considers?

One piece of advice I'd offer to MBA candidates is to actively engage with the admissions teams, alumni, and current students of the schools you're considering. Instead of solely relying on the website, take the time to reach out and have meaningful conversations to truly understand what each MBA programme offers and if it’s the right fit for you.

By speaking directly with those who have first-hand experience with the programme, you can gain valuable insights into its culture, curriculum, opportunities for growth, and be able to evaluate it’s a strong fit for your goals and aspirations.

What do you like about living in Copenhagen?

One of the things I adore about living in Copenhagen is the incredible pastries - they're truly delicious! But beyond the culinary pleasures, what stands out to me is the strong emphasis on work-life balance and quality time outside of work.

Here, people genuinely prioritise their time away from the office, whether it's leaving work early to enjoy the afternoon sun or spending time with family and friends. The local culture of valuing personal time has been a refreshing reminder that work isn't everything. In Denmark, there's a collective understanding that mental and physical well-being are just as important as professional success. This balanced mindset has allowed me to re-evaluate my own priorities and invest more time and energy into maintaining a balance between study and life.