At Berlin International University of Applied Sciences, the MBA journey is not just about mastering business fundamentals; it is about transformation, connection, and preparing for a global career. Among our diverse alumni community, Eliana and Héctor stand out as a couple who chose to embark on this academic challenge together. Originally from Colombia, with backgrounds in finance and business administration, they share their unique perspective on studying as partners, adapting to life in Berlin, and carrying the lessons of BI into their professional lives. Their story captures the spirit of resilience and internationalism that defines our MBA program.
To learn more about their experience, we asked Eliana and Héctor to share their story, from the decision to pursue an MBA to life after graduation.
1. Can you briefly share your background, what you are doing now, and what motivated you to pursue an MBA?
As a couple from Colombia with academic backgrounds in Business Administration and professional experience in finance, we made the decision in 2022 to pursue an MBA as a strategic step to advance our careers. Our choice was influenced by several key factors: the high quality of education, the opportunity to study in English, and the appeal of a city known for being welcoming to international students.
These elements, along with many others, made Germany, and BI in particular, a compelling option for us. Currently, we are both working in the finance sector, though in different areas: Eliana is focused on billing and charging, while Héctor works in credit risk. What unites us is a shared belief in the value and flexibility that an MBA provides. We see it as a powerful foundation for gaining well-rounded business knowledge and preparing ourselves to grow and contribute across various functions within business administration.
2. What factors made BI’s MBA program the right choice for both of you?
The fact that the program was offered in English, located in a major capital city, and structured with a strong focus on finance were key factors in our decision. Additionally, the program's well-balanced curriculum, competitive tuition, and the university’s strong reputation and central location made it an even more attractive choice.
3. How did studying together as a couple influence your learning experience and motivation?
Studying together as a couple gave us an important source of support during a time when many international students face loneliness and the challenges of adjusting to a new country. By sharing both the highs and lows of the experience, we were able to encourage and motivate each other,something that played a key role in completing the MBA successfully and adapting to a new life abroad.
In addition, our different strengths and skills allowed us to complement each other throughout the program, making the learning process even more effective and meaningful.
4. Which courses or projects had the most impact on your professional growth and prepared you for the international job market?
Although our main area of interest in the program was clearly finance, where we both felt most comfortable, we discovered that we truly enjoyed exploring other subjects as well. Courses like marketing, especially those focused on storytelling and brand development, challenged us in new ways. While we were not experts in these areas, they provided fresh insights and a broader perspective, making us appreciate and become more interested in fields we hadn’t initially considered.
5. What were the biggest academic challenges during the MBA, and how did you overcome them?
The thesis was one of the most challenging parts of our MBA journey, not only in identifying the right and relevant topic for us, but also in developing a thoughtful and meaningful outcome. It required both academic discipline and personal commitment.
However, the support and guidance of our advisors were essential in helping us navigate the difficulties and successfully complete this final step of the program.
6. What was the most rewarding experience you shared during your MBA journey, both academically and personally?
We wholeheartedly believe that graduation was the ultimate reward for the dedication, hard work, and commitment we invested throughout this journey. More than just an academic milestone, it marked the beginning of a valuable network of lasting connections and friendships.
Many of our peers now work in diverse industries around the globe, broadening our professional horizons and enriching our career opportunities. This expanded network has not only strengthened our competitive edge but also opened doors for future collaboration and growth.
7. How did you balance personal life, studies, and networking as a couple during the program?
We firmly believe that working as a team was the key to our success throughout the academic year, both from a personal and professional perspective.
8. Looking back, what key skills or lessons from your MBA do you apply daily in your careers today?
We developed a wide range of skills during the program, all of which have proven invaluable in our professional journeys. Among these, analytical thinking and problem-solving have been the most critical, enabling us to thrive in our current roles.
9. What advice would you give couples or individuals considering an MBA at BI?
Finding the right university and program is not always easy. The key lies in carefully analyzing the many factors that make up the complete experience. Of course, the content of the program and its alignment with our goals are essential, but seemingly small details, such as the city, the international atmosphere, and overall expectations, also play a significant role in shaping the decision.
That is why BI, being a fully international university, stands out as an excellent option for students seeking to meet these expectations. At BI, you can be confident that you will receive strong support and genuine understanding throughout your entire journey.
We thank Eliana and Héctor for sharing their inspiring journey with us and wish them continued success in both their professional and personal paths.
Their story reflects the spirit of Berlin International University of Applied Sciences , where global ambition meets opportunity, and where our alumni carry their experiences into impactful futures around the world.
