After having done some research I found it as a good idea to study at a College which works in collaboration with the German-British Chamber of Industry and Commerce. In 2004 I started the HND course with the ECBM which built the basis for my further education at the ECBM and of course the British universities (UeL, LJMU).

3. Why did you choose to study at the ECBM.

ECBM has got an international focus both in regards to the students as well as to the teaching method and content. I have been attracted by these points as I was interested in getting an international degree for an international career; being an attractive candidate for top global employers. After I moved back to Germany in 2005 I was really happy about the fact that I „had“ to return to London for the teaching weekends; this way I still could enjoy the crazy, fast moving life of London.

4. How did you like the MBA course at the ECBM?

I really liked the fact that the MBA programme is delivered via “Blended Learning”. The theoretical input (teaching sessions) helped me to put my knowledge into practice at my daily working life. Due to the fact that we had fixed deadlines it was a challenge for me to organise myself and to manage the time in order to hand-in the next assignment on time and to do my job in the office appropriately. I also liked the combination of the independent students’ work (course work) and of the group work (teamwork). Both have been supported by the virtual contact with the tutors. Especially the help of my dissertation supervisor in my final MBA year was excellent. This is also the time where you really need it. Another thing I liked was the mixture of challenging students. The students had different private and business-like backgrounds. It was interesting to see how other businesses work and how people act in different positions.

5. What are your fondest memories of that time?

It is perhaps the memory of the group work. We helped each other and shared our experience with each other. Our group members were separated all over the world (Germany, China) and we had to manage our communication, technologically and time-wise. We were really enthusiastic about our project(s) and exchanged our knowledge, experience and creativity among the group members. The best thing was that we all had the same goal: to achieve the project at its best!

6. What has been the biggest benefit you have gained from studying at the ECBM?

To be able to study and work at the same time! I am able to organise and to structure my private and working life much better. Even at the time when I have stress I know how to deal with it so that it does not affect my life. Studying together with the individual students (backgrounds) in my course taught me to think outside the box; to see different (business) situations from another point of view.

Earmark time for your studies. Experience has shown that even the busiest managers among our students are able to cope that way. And may the fine weather call for a bath in the swimming pool, or your friend’s party for a night out – at least for the period of your studies this isn’t exactly top priority.

On the other hand, although part-time studies obviously and inevitably mean cut backs on your social life, don’t put it on ice completely. Do something to compensate for the brain work, spend time with those who support and encourage you (they deserve it!).

It’s also advantageous to communicate with your line manager or employer regarding your increased workload. By enhancing your business knowledge you immensely contribute to your company’s quality. Many of our students’ employers are aware of that fact and support them accordingly.

Last but not least, remember: it’s not all about passing assignments but how you personally benefit from the teaching input. The more effort you put in there, the more you get out of it – and this isn’t necessarily measured in grades.

After all, getting “back to life” evidently means improved career prospects through your new title and added expertise – plus a great sense of achievement!