Student Talk | Nathalie Saikali

Insight into studying at RWTH Business School

Why did you decide for the program?

The four pillars of Technology, Innovation, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship are all concepts, which have triggered and fascinated me for many years. Combining this with additional advanced management knowledge seemed like the perfect mix to be prepared to create and seize exciting opportunities.

What do you like the most about the program?

My favorite aspect of this program is meeting international people of very diverse cultures. Everyone has different views and is opinionated in ways that create the most interesting conversations! You get to learn so much from the other students. Apart from that, the content of the courses and the professors are a big asset of the program. The professors are of the highest class and, still, very approachable and helpful to every student.

How is it like living in Aachen or in Germany in general?

Aachen is incredibly nice to live in. It is full of students, has a cosy “Altstadt”, and hosts the best “Weihnachtsmarkt” (Christmas market). In general, I really enjoy the German concept of WGs, in which you live with other students in an apartment. Through my German roommates, I was able to get to know the city very quickly and immediately had a wonderful group of friends.

What did you learn (so far) during the program?

The business world is one big game, in which you need to learn how to play and how to leverage your knowledge, network, and motivation to achieve your goals. Don’t sit around wasting your time. Instead, go out, keep your eyes open, and seek new opportunities and experiences.

What was your greatest challenge?

One of the biggest challenges was to manage my time. The master itself is quite demanding and, on top of that, there is a plenitude of other experiences to explore. Extracurricular activities, building and maintaining a social life, and travelling are just a few examples. So much to do, so little time!

What does the program mean for you and your future?

This program is the bridge between my academic life and my professional life. Even though opening up many opportunities (e.g. PhD positions, internships…), it also helps to narrow down and discover which industries/careers truly interest me. Before starting MME TIME, I was mostly focused on engineering. However, this master has shown me how fascinating management can be as well. Apart from that, it enables me to build a strong network with and through the professors and peers.

What should future students know about the program?

Go for it! Even though demanding, you get to learn so much during this program. On the one hand, the blended learning concept allows you to learn at your own pace and ensures you can absorb the content to the fullest. On the other hand, the interactive lectures on campus reinforce your knowledge and participating in those is surprisingly enriching. I can tell you this: the more effort you put in, the more you get out of it!

Describe the program in one word!

Invigorating.