Tichele Solis from Belize, graduated in 2024, Interdisciplinary Management

• Why did you choose MBA&E study program at HTW Berlin?  I always knew I wanted a career in a STEM field. Becoming a Civil Engineer is an accomplishment I will always cherish, just as I will always be fascinated with Structural Engineering. However, I could not deny that I was also as intrigued with the management side of a project as I was with its technical aspects. To have the best of both worlds, I decided I wanted to be the bridge between the business and technical domains. To do this, I needed to close my educational gaps and give myself a fighting chance to succeed. A combination programme like the MBA&E is exactly what I was looking for: a chance to understand the function of business administration within a technical scope.

• What do you think this study programme is special about? Using real-world and current examples to convey the teachings of the lesson is what makes the MBA&E program so remarkable. The transition from student to full-time worker is not without challenges, but having the opportunity to learn as if we are already functioning within the current job market gave me an early start in determining how I can navigate this new job market as a new graduate. From finance, organizational management, simulation projects, and everything in between, this programme, in my opinion, balanced the need for theoretical and practical learning.
• What’s your job now? I am the Site Engineering and Continuous Performance Manager at Alstom in Hennigsdorf. 
• How does this study benefit your career and your life? The possibility of choosing an internship before completing the programme literally paved the way for my career today. 
• Looking back on your studies: What would you like to recommend the students on their way? Take advantage of the time you have with your professors. Gain as much knowledge and insight as possible while you have continuous access to them. Their expertise beyond the classroom could be the key to launching you into a vast pool of possibilities. 
• What memories do you have of your studies at HTW Berlin? (Or your time in Berlin? Your life in Germany?) Anyone who meets me knows I will never pass up an opportunity to talk about my country, Belize; both inside and outside the classroom. Coming from a small country, a Central American and Caribbean nation, I always have a flag, country map, list of holiday recommendations, and funny puns – “You Better Belize It” – ready to share. Most people have never heard of Belize, but sometimes I will meet someone who has, and I cannot help but smile. Rarely, but it has happened, I have met people who have visited my country, and I have had the chance to listen to their experiences – unforgettable.  
• Please finish the following sentence: “For me, MBA&E study programme at HTW Berlin is ...” A gift that keeps on giving. A cliché but true. I have lost count of how many HTW Berlin, including MBA&E, alumni I met in Berlin. It is the best icebreaker when meeting new people and, so far, all encounters have been positive. I am proud to always be a member of the HTW Berlin and MBA&E community. 
• What would you make different if you would have studied the programme again? Do you have any suggestion for improving our programme? If I could do it again, I would give myself more grace and have fun when trying to learn German. Embrace the mistakes and keep moving forward. I suggest a recurring (monthly) “Just German” gathering where students only speak German. To take it to another level, students can wear colours to represent their category (blue – I don't know I’m trying, green – A1, orange – A2, yellow – B1, etc).

Fernando Rivera from El Salvador, graduated in 2022 and specialized in Global Leadership in Engineering

•  Why did you choose MBA&E study program at HTW Berlin? I always wanted to study an MBA as a compliment to being a Civil Engineer since my development in this area had mostly been in Project and Real Estate Management. The intercultural aspect of the programme, added to the fact that this was an MBA focused on the engineering side felt perfect for me. I also wanted to explore new opportunities in the job market that would compliment my existing experience.
• What do you think this study programme is special about? In my opinion, the various areas of knowledge that are shared in the programme that especially engineers aren’t too much used to working on such as finance and organizational culture, are the backbone of what makes this MBA&E stand out. Of course, I have to add the wonderful international aspect of my colleagues and the sharing of experience when solving cases as one of the greatest assets.
• What’s your job now? Currently I am working as a Sales and Business Development Manager for International Markets for a Job Platform called Joblift. 
• What memories do you have of your studies at HTW Berlin? (Or your time in Berlin? Your life in Germany?) This one is special. Since I began my studies during the pandemic, most of my activities had to be conducted online. At the beginning of the programme I was still in El Salvador on an 8 hour delay relative to Germany. I had to go to class sometimes at 1:00AM and finished at 9:00AM which was obviously an enormous challenge but definitively one that I feel was worth it.  I came to Berlin in April 2021, and even though we wouldn’t see each other in person during class, the group always found a way to make fun gatherings and extracurricular activities from which I have to say I have made some wonderful friends too.
• Please finish the following sentence: “For me, MBA&E study programme at HTW Berlin is ...” … an added value to any professional who seeks to gain knowledge from different areas of business, finance, human resource management, and technological innovations among others, not only from the programme itself but from the networking with colleagues and professors that will definitively boost the professional marketability in today’s global stage.
• What would you made different if you would have studied the programme again? Do you have any suggestion for improving our programme? Probably the most obvious answer would be that I would’ve loved to have more on-campus activities but due to the pandemic I understand it wasn’t possible and also I know for a certain that if it wasn’t for that situation, I probably would have never taken the adventure of studying in Germany and I wouldn’t be happily living now in Berlin and looking forward to what comes next. 

Dhanashri Patankar from India, graduated in 2019 - Specialization: Global Procurement

• Why did you choose MBA&E study programme at HTW Berlin? I had several reasons to choose the programme. The tuition fee was less than other MBA program (e.g. MBA in US), and this MBA is for engineering background. I also wanted to study in Berlin and the study was not so long, prolonged in 3 semesters.
• What do you think this study programme is special about? Various specializations made the programme special.
• How does this study benefit your career and your life? The programme provided me not only theoretical background but also practical knowledge (from practice and from professor’s experience). There were many competitions sponsored by companies within the program, and professors had very good connections with industry.
• What’s your job now? I work in Strategic Procurement at Siemens.
• Looking back to your studies: What would you like to recommend the students on their way? Students should try their best and do assignment on your own, explore projects and work equal in group.
•  What memories do you have of your studies at HTW Berlin? (Or your time in Berlin? Your life in Germany?) I was working over night for one presentation and got point 1.0 as a result. Hanging out with friends, trying  various kind of German beer, cooking, BBQ were also my most memories.

Francisco Schmidt from Chile, graduated in 2016 - Specialization: Interdisciplinary Management 

• Why did you choose MBA&E study programme at HTW Berlin? Programme agenda matched my career path. The tuition fee was reasonable.
• What do you think this study programme is special about? I had learned about manufacturing process in Germany and built a network among international classmates (they came from Germany, Russia, US, Egypt, Belgium, Australia, etc.) 
• What’s your job now? I am CRO for a Chilean IT Consultant Startup for Latin America and the US (Imagemaker). 
• How does this study benefit your career and your life? The study gave me a better CV and got more job offers after graduating, expanded my network, and provided me knowledge in Finance and Economics.
• Looking back to your studies: What would you like to recommend the students on their way? New students should connect with other classmates because you need to work in group, or pairs, and approach/engage with teachers. 
• What memories do you have of your studies at HTW Berlin? (Or your time in Berlin? Your life in Germany?) I had done many fun activities such as BBQ and drinking beer with friends, my 1^st kid was born in Berlin, and I had explored German culture.

Varun Dev from India, graduated in 2020 - Specialization: Global Leadership in Engineering

• Why did you choose MBA&E study program at HTW Berlin? I was looking for a engineering management course in Germany and didn’t want to do a pure MBA or a masters degree in engineering. This course looked like the ideal course. Berlin was an added advantage to gain intercultural skills and competencies. 
• What do you think this study programme is special about? I believe the program is unique and authentic and doesn’t replicate a typical MBA or another program which I have come across. I also liked the fact that there was enough time in between classes to do a working student role and gain the additional exposure of working while studying. 
• What’s your job now? I am currently in the process of joining my family business which is in the machine tool subsystem manufacturing industry with a role in strategy, business management and new business development
• How does this study benefit your career and your life? I have personally learnt a lot throughout the program in class, working on team projects and outside class with opportunities to work in two different organisations Rolls-Royce in Berlin as a working student- business management, TRUMPF in Stuttgart as an intern-new business development and master thesis student. 
• Looking back to your studies: What would you like to recommend the students on their way? If you think you can handle the work life balance then take more subjects in the first semester so that you can have more free time in the second semester to do a longer working student role in an organisation or start your internship sooner. Plan to travel around Europe whenever you find a small break in your schedule. 
• What memories do you have of your studies at HTW Berlin? (Or your time in Berlin? Your life in Germany?) Exploring and partying in Berlin was a wonderful experience because everyday you get to see something new in Berlin. Berlin has a very interesting vibe which I felt was missing when I moved to Stuttgart. HTW Berlin in particular has a lovely unique campus which makes learning a little more scenic. 

Hien Nguyen from Vietnam, graduated in 2019 - Specialized in Automotive Management

• Why did you choose the MBA&E study programme at HTW Berlin? I chose this programme because of two reasons. First, it was the only MBA programme in Berlin offered courses for people who want to develop further in their automotive career, no matter which background one has (business or engineering). Second, it doesn’t require GMAT as its prerequisite for the admission.   
• What do you think this study programme is special about? This programme outweighs other normal MBA programs by providing a mixture of business administration and engineering. It broadens student’s perspectives in both worlds, which helps them to become much more competent after their graduation.
• What’s your job now? Currently, I am working as a Recruitment Specialist at Mc Group, Germany. 
• How does this study benefit your career and your life? This course has brought to my life wonderful international friends, who I stay in touch until now. Besides, my love with Human Resources Management and Organisation kind of developed during the time I’m there. That is why I work now in the field of HRM. 
• Looking back to your studies: What would you like to recommend the students on their way? I would recommend the students to learn how to do scientific research beforehand as it plays a big role in the grading system of the university. For example, qualitative/quantitative method, citing, and even Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/Powerpoint). One other important fact is that they also need to learn German at least to B1 level before coming to Germany. Many companies prefer to offer internship or master thesis topic for those who speak already some/good German. 
• What memories do you have of your studies at HTW Berlin? (Or your time in Berlin? Your life in Germany?) I would say the professionalism of the professors at the university. Some of them did work beyond what the job required them to do.

 Erika Huwiler Bolaños from Costa Rica, graduated in 2019 - Specialization: Interdisciplinary Management 

• What do you think this study programme is special about? The programme is special because it offers various specializations suitable to diversified background of students. Moreover, within the programme I had the opportunity to get an internship and work on a project during my master thesis for a German corporation.
•  What’s your job now?  I work at Bosch Power Tools GmbH, Stuttgart, as a Process Owner in Replenishment. 
• How does this study benefit your career and your life? As an MBA&E student, I had studied with experienced and knowledgeable professors, learned more about the German culture, and got the chance to build amazing friendships with my international classmates. For me, MBA&E study programme at HTW Berlin is a great opportunity to meet people from all around the world and to further develop, not only professionally, but also personally. 

Ganesh Sonwane from India, graduated in 2020 and specialized in Interdisciplinary Management 

• Why did you choose MBA&E study programme at HTW Berlin? I used to work with project management, so I looked for a master’s programme specializing in Project management with engineering background. The programme is a good combination of management and engineering. The tuition fee is reasonable, in a state university like HTW. 

• What do you think this study programme is special about? I was interested in the Course “Special topics in business administration” because it helped me to analyze the business model and entrepreneurship. 

• What’s your job now? I am working for Schindler Technical Services as a Mechanical Project Engineer for elevator business unit. 
• How does this study benefit your career and your life? Now I can make a business model since I learned about innovative product and business planning. I am also more confident in project planning and implementing.  
• Looking back to your studies: What would you like to recommend the students on their way? New students could spend their spare time in learning German, prepare for career path and focus on it.
•  What memories do you have of your studies at HTW Berlin? (Or your time in Berlin? Your life in Germany?) Corporate Finance and Project Industrial Engineering courses impressed me. The professors were strict about content, format, numbers and conclusion in any assignments. I really liked individual feedback by the professors on corporate presentations. I also enjoyed hostel life, making new friends, and the sight-seeing of Berlin. 

Chusin Mateechaipong from Thailand, graduated in 2013, specialized in Business Process Outsourcing

• Why did you choose MBA&E study program at HTW Berlin? I chose MBA&E program at HTW Berlin because I liked the program course & the university. Especially it is a German education & the location which is in Berlin! Moreover, the course fees were almost free compared to other international institutions. The program also provided internship program for 6 months & one-and-half-year visa after the study so I had opportunity to explore my career path in Germany. 
• What do you think this study program is special about? This study program provided practical knowledge, for example, in finance class, the professor let us invest in the stock exchange simulation which we learnt a lot! Furthermore, there was lots of group work to immerse in the study to apply theoretical knowledge into practice. The program gave me an ability to do self study & complex research on your preferred topics. 
• What’s your job now? After getting a job at trivago as a Thailand country manager in Düsseldorf, Germany for 2 years, I have moved to different companies around the world e.g., Japan & Singapore. Currently I am back in my home country leading a digital marketing team as a head of digital marketing at True Digital Group, one of the largest conglomerates in Thailand. Thanks to the firsthand experience back in Germany! 
• How does this study benefit your career and your life? There are two important things that this study has given me. First, the master thesis & course phase has given me an ability to self study in my interested topics & think systematically. This is important because when you are at work. You need to do a lot of self-learning & organized your thoughts to work on various projects.  Second, Internship program that equipped me with the digital marketing knowledge to start my new career in digital marketing at trivago, which moved my path in different countries, meeting new people, learning from various industries & contributing my passions to the world. 
• Looking back to your studies: What would you like to recommend the students on their way? I want you to try everything! You never know that they will benefit you in the future. My motto is that if you like it, just do it! 
• What memories do you have of your studies at HTW Berlin? (Or your time in Berlin? Your life in Germany?) I miss my classmates at MBA&E program a lot!  They are my friends & family back then. We had a potluck party, doing the homework assignments, playing sports, doing the snowman, singing karaoke, and travelling across EU countries. You would do the things that you have never done before in your home country. I really learned a lot from them & we have a very strong connection till now.

Azeem Shaik from India, graduated in 2020 - Specialization: Global Procurement

• Why did you choose MBA&E study program at HTW Berlin? The programme specialization matched my experience; tuition fee is cheap compared to other programs. HTW is located in Berlin, which is a big and good city.
• What do you think this study program is special about? There were a lot of presentations, group work and various kinds of evaluation (written exams, presentation and online test). Professors are very nice, helpful, friendly, approachable and experienced.
• What’s your job now? I work as a Strategic Purchaser in SUMITOMO Industry.
• How does this study benefit your career and your life? The study improved my business mindset and helped me to understand about business matters. I also learned a lot from professors not only about study content but also about life.
• Looking back to your studies: What would you like to recommend the students on their way? Students should get closer to professors, ask for any projects they can take part (for master thesis, etc.), learn German and find internship beforehand.
• What memories do you have of your studies at HTW Berlin? (Or your time in Berlin? Your life in Germany?) I missed my friends and teachers, time sitting by the river near HTW campus, and eating at Mensa.

Maria Uribe from Colombia, graduated in 2015 - Specialization: Interdisciplinary Management

• Why did you choose MBA&E study programme at HTW Berlin? I chose the programme because of the mix of management and engineering skills that it offers. For me it was particularly attractive that all professors had very extensive industry experience and are well aligned with the needs of the industry and the job market.  Last but not least studying in Berlin was a plus-point for me, as the city offers many opportunities for networking and getting to know the German culture while being in a really dynamic and international environment. 
• What do you think this study programme is special about? The fact that there are several specializations to choose from is definitely an added value of the programme. The opportunity to choose the areas that were most relevant for me was good and the chance to meet other students, who had selected other specializations was valuable to learn about different perspectives. 
• What’s your job now? I am Head of Procurement and Supply Chain for “MULTI” at TK Elevator. 
• How does this study benefit your career and your life? It offered me a steppingstone to start a career in Germany. I also was able to learn German simultaneously, get to know the German culture and the expectations of the job market through an internship. I met many interesting people and made good friends while learning about different cultures. 
• Looking back to your studies: What would you like to recommend the students on their way? The best thing about Berlin is the diversity of the city, which means there are many different ways to connect with people from all possible backgrounds. I would recommend new students to benefit from this. Another really important thing to do is to learn the language. Speaking fluent German opens many doors once you´re looking for an internship or a fulltime job.
•  What memories do you have of your studies at HTW Berlin? (Or your time in Berlin? Your life in Germany?) We had the chance to complete a project with students from a partner university in Rotterdam. The whole MBA&E class traveled to the Netherlands and spent some fantastic days with the students from the partner university. We also had the chance to propose a solution to a challenge proposed by a company based in Rotterdam. We got to host our fellow students from the Netherlands back in Berlin as well, and had a real cultural and academic exchange. 

Ranjan R Jinka from India, graduated 2017 - Specialization: BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) 

• Why did you choose MBA&E study program at HTW Berlin? I was looking for an MBA programme for engineering background, in Berlin and in an applied university. The MBA&E suited my criteria. I was very particular about the city, Berlin as it is very international and being a hub of start-ups.
• What do you think this study program is special about? There were students from multiple nationalities in my class. I enjoyed working along with friends coming from different countries and cultures, explored new knowledge in offered courses such as Corporate Finance, Strategic Marketing, Outsourcing, Robotic Process Automation, Special topics in Business Administration.
• What’s your job now? I am working as SAP consultant at Capgemini, Germany and director of Startup Grind Duisburg, Germany. (www.linkedin.com/in/ranjan-jinka/)
• How does this study benefit your career and your life? This study helped me in understanding the business side of the corporate world, finetuned my strategical thinking, gave a boost to my leadership skills.  This course helped me in finding a permanent job in Germany within my 3rd semester and now while I am running a start-up community (startupgrind.com/Duisburg).
• Looking back to your studies: What would you like to recommend the students on their way? Students should be proactive and make use of the excellent faculty at HTW. Be bold, interactive, professional in terms of preparing the presentations, working in teams, blend with other cultures. They should keep exploring market and technology trends, never give up and work with good professor (like my master thesis’s supervisor, who is from Machine Learning domain).
• What memories do you have of your studies at HTW Berlin? (Or your time in Berlin? Your life in Germany?) I miss the campus life, my times at my student dorm in Aristotelessteig, those times we played ping-pong, volleyball, cricket along with friends from different countries. 

Syeb Haseeb Hassan from Pakistan, graduated 2016 - Specialization: Automative Management

• Why did you choose MBA&E study program at HTW Berlin? I applied for MBA&E programme because I wanted to expand and diversify my engineering knowledge by pursuing a career in management in the automotive industry and this course was the best option available at a reputable University of Applied Sciences.

• What do you think this study program is special about? The fact that the course is tailored for the market requirements already makes it very special.

• What’s your job now? I am working as a Sales Specialist at ABB AG for their Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure business division.

• How does this study benefit your career and your life? With the help of this programme we understood the dynamics of automotive industry in Germany and it helped us identify our strengths as well as weaknesses which were an integral part in deciding my career. Furthermore, we had excursions to Airbus, VW and automotive suppliers and it was very useful because we could observe the industry directly and understand the job requirements.

• Looking back to your studies: What would you like to recommend the students on their way? I would recommend the students to plan their future goals, research about the market situation and future trends as well as basic things such as accommodation situation, expected monthly costs before even coming to Germany and if possible, I would highly suggest to learn German in your native countries, at least till B1 because it will give you a head start when finding better part time jobs and internships.

• What memories do you have of your studies at HTW Berlin? (Or your time in Berlin? Your life in Germany?) It was indeed a brilliant experience as I got to know different cultures, made really good friends and learned from experienced professors who helped me in thinking out of the box.