The WHU MBA programme: Fostering holistic and inclusive leadership
"WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management stands as a prominent German business school renowned both nationally and internationally. It provides academic programs and executive education catering to professionals across their career trajectories. Gain insight into the transformative experience of pursuing an MBA program at WHU through the journey of alumna Jessica Ardelia Tan.
Jessica's Journey at WHU
Jessica embodies the quintessential MBA student—intelligent, ambitious, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Hailing from Indonesia, Jessica boasts an impressive background, including involvement in her family business and co-founding a venture. Her diverse experiences span high-flying careers in investment banking and marketing analytics across Singapore and Indonesia. Feeling the strain of burnout and prompted by the pandemic, Jessica saw pursuing an MBA as a constructive way to spend her gap year. She sought to bolster her business acumen, enhance her analytical prowess, and tackle impostor syndrome head-on through structured frameworks and case studies.
A Supportive Institution
As an international resident in Germany, Jessica is no stranger to living abroad, having spent nearly 15 years in countries like Australia and Singapore. Her introduction to WHU came through extensive research fueled by recommendations from acquaintances and the allure of the institution's rankings, international modules, and Career Center. WHU's admissions team played a pivotal role, offering unwavering support from initial inquiries to program commencement. Through buddy programs and informational sessions, WHU fostered an environment characterized by care and encouragement.
Aligning Education with Aspirations
Jessica recognized an opportunity to merge her long-standing MBA aspirations with a quest for market insights crucial for her family business's growth in Indonesia. Seeking additional European market acumen and proximity to the Netherlands—a focal point due to the family's flower business—further propelled her decision. With a career spanning diverse industries, Jessica viewed an MBA as a means to consolidate her experiences, fine-tune her general management skills, and bridge existing gaps.
A Profound MBA Experience
Jessica's journey at WHU was nothing short of transformative. Awarded the WHU Globalization Scholarship, she immersed herself in international modules across Dubai, Lisbon, and Austria. These experiences, culminating in the final leadership credo module, forged lasting bonds within her cohort. She extols the program's multifaceted benefits, citing a blend of knowledge acquisition, soft skill enhancement, and an expansive network. The diverse class composition, small class sizes, and personalized interactions with professors fostered a sense of community and enriched her learning journey.
Championing Gender Equality
An active member of the WHU Women in Business club, Jessica champions gender equality initiatives, particularly in Asian contexts like Indonesia. Inspired by her entrepreneurial parents, Jessica underscores the club's role in empowering women and enlisting male allies to drive workplace parity. Her upbringing instilled a strong ethos of entrepreneurship and resilience, shaping her aspirations and guiding her commitment to fostering gender inclusivity.
About WHU MBA Programs
WHU offers accredited MBA programs across three formats—Full-time, Part-time, and Global Online—each presenting equal opportunities for network expansion, knowledge enhancement, and personal growth. Accredited by EQUIS, AACSB, and FIBAA, WHU's MBA programs offer a comprehensive curriculum and holistic support system, including one-to-one coaching, real-world case studies, industry visits, guest lectures, and peer discussions. These initiatives equip students to emerge as globally competitive business leaders, ready to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape. Explore WHU's MBA programs to embark on your transformative educational journey."