ALUMNI VOICES: SUCCESS STORIES FROM THE ALLGÄU REGION

In the series ‘Success Stories from the Allgäu’, Kempten Business School introduces alumni of the part-time Master of Business Administration (MBA). Roland Wölfle successfully completed the MBA in International Business Management & Leadership in 2020. The engineer from the Allgäu region now works as Head of Automation and Robotics at pester pac automation GmbH in Wolfertschwenden.

PAULA KEVEKORDES: YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE MBA PROGRAM AT KEMPTEN BUSINESS SCHOOL. HOW HAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL PATH CHANGED SINCE THEN?

Roland Wölfle: The change already took place during my studies. Every lecture, every course and studying together with the diverse personalities from all over the world was a great enrichment. The different perspectives of the participants and the lively and open discussions about critical issues in world politics and economics gave me a much broader view of my daily life and work. The new skills acquired or strengthened during the MAB had two consequences: First, my employer built confidence in my goal-oriented approach and supportive interactions with colleagues, making me a leader in one of the most innovative areas of the company. The second consequence was the step towards a part-time doctoral project in the field of business innovation. This is where my professional passion for high-tech innovations and the knowledge gained during the MBA in the field of innovation management come together.

WHAT SPECIFIC CONTENT OF THE MBA PROGRAM HAS PARTICULARLY HELPED YOU IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY PROFESSIONAL LIFE?

The skills I acquired in coaching and through the courses “Leading Self” and “Leading Others” enabled me to develop into a holistic leader. The goal-oriented leadership of an interdisciplinary team became a well-founded way of working thanks to the skills taught during the MBA. Elements from “Business Ethics” have influenced many a decision or put many a discussion in a different light.

NETWORKING PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE IN TODAY’S PROFESSIONAL WORLD. WAS THE MBA PROGRAM ABLE TO HELP YOU WITH THIS?

The contacts made last far beyond the time spent together. The many weekends spent together on group tasks and in lectures have created a very special bond with each other. The stays abroad were the ‘cherry on top’ of the shared experiences. Due to the participants’ varied CVs, contacts have been made from every conceivable field of study.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR FUTURE MBA STUDENTS AT KEMPTEN BUSINESS SCHOOL?
The papers as an exam performance are meant as assignments to consolidate what you have learned, not to put them off for three months. In general, candidates should not be put off by the assignment – the events are all so different in themselves, you take something new away from each one. You are presented with your strengths and weaknesses again and again throughout the entire time as if in front of a mirror, you should allow that and learn from it, that’s how you take the most away from the MBA.