Student Talk | Keron Alleyne
What makes studying the Full-Time MBA Digitalization & Industrial Change at RWTH Business School so special? Let Keron Alleyne tell you all about his reasons for deciding for this program, his experiences with the study course and the professors and his student life in Aachen!
An MBA student reports...
Why did you decide for the Full-Time MBA Digitalization & Industrial Change?
We are at a pivotal point in history when we consider climate change. As a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) located in the Caribbean, I have been a beneficiary of a robust economy driven by the oil and gas industry. Having worked within the industry as a petroleum engineer during the boom and downturn periods, the use of innovative technology as well as integrating methods to reduce reliance on fossil fuels were of great interest to me.
So when I decided to pursue an MBA program, I sought one which would be stimulating, forward-facing and providing an opportunity to develop and expand on my professional and personal experiences. The Full-Time MBA Digitalization & Industrial Change checked several boxes as it offered a unique combination of development economics, digital transformation and future technologies that would allow me to do just that. The program offered me the value creation that I sought, while being complementary to my skill-set.
What do you like the most about the program?
The program is well structured and thoughtfully curated. This is evident in the course content and the delivery of the materials by the various professors who administer the program. There is a mix of assignments, which are relevant within today’s ever changing landscape. The possibility to work individually or as part of a wider group on a project presents a unique opportunity to learn from a truly international cohort. I especially appreciate how the professors are very responsive to questions by the students and their encouragement when we use our own experiences to develop a topic further.
How is it like living in Aachen or in Germany in general?
Living in Aachen has been an adjustment in all aspects, from geography to culture to the weather. However, my time so far has been enjoyable as I have been learning and interacting with different parts of the city and its people. As an introvert, I appreciate Aachen’s unique mixture of peace and pace, especially when compared to the other German cities I have visited in the past. Aachen is also close to Germany’s borders with Belgium and the Netherlands so there is an option to travel a little further when you’re looking for a change in environment, after exams or during term breaks.
What did you learn (so far)?
I have learned the importance of having a vision when planning or carrying out a task. From the simplest to the seemingly complex, a vision will help you stay focused especially when facing changing external circumstances. Success comes at a price so taking the time to craft a vision should be the common theme in anything that you do professionally and personally. We have explored this in topics of the program; innovation, strategy and leadership to name a few.
What was your greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge so far in the program has been time management. As this is an MBA the workload isn’t unexpected but sometimes prioritizing certain projects over the others due to their weighting is required. The result is that you end up with multiple assignments and presentations due for submission in very close succession. When we speak of time management we naturally make the mistake of only focusing on our output and forget that internal or self management (such as prioritizing rest) is also important because this is a real world building block that will carry us through our careers post university.
What does the program mean for you and your future?
The program means a lot to me and my future because it positions me as an asset in the everchanging landscape of global economies. It equips me with the necessary knowledge, tools and network to effect positive change in the present and in the future. As the program has progressed, I have seen new avenues and developed new ideas that allow me to be a champion of digital transformation.
What should future students know about the program? / What is your advice to those interested in the program?
My advice to those interested in the program would be to first, start working on your vision. What is your vision? How will this MBA allow you to successfully implement this vision? Second, have an open mind when approaching the content of the course. Some things may not resonate with you in the beginning but trust me when I say, it fits together perfectly in the end where you see the various interactions across courses and projects. Third, engagement is key. Engage with your fellow classmates, the professors, the content, the vast amount of knowledge available and yourself. Challenge yourself. Lastly, make friends, explore the city, the culture and the country. Make memories that will last a lifetime.
Describe the program in one word!
Transformative.
