Back at University After 20 Years
The Executive MBA in Technology Management at RWTH Business School
Dr. Christian Hirschen completed his mechanical engineering studies at RWTH Aachen University with his Diplom thesis in 2004. Twenty years later, in October 2024, the alumnus will return to Aachen to pursue an Executive MBA in Technology Management at RWTH Business School for four semesters part-time. What Drives the Engineer and Manager?
He Always Kept in Touch With RWTH Over the Years
Dr. Hirschen still fondly remembers his first time as a student there: “It was just a perfect fit for me, so I’ve always kept in touch with RWTH over the years.” He did so even after leaving to get his doctorate at the German Aerospace Center. Dr. Hirschen started his career in 2009 – initially working for several years at management consultancies and for the past seven years at GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, an internationally active machine and plant manufacturer for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
As the Vice President of GEA Digital Technology, Dr. Hirschen is responsible for creating the underlying technology platforms for digital customer products, particularly focusing on developing a GEA-wide IIoT platform (Industrial Internet of Things). He also supervises and leads his own team. “The idea for me to apply for the Executive MBA program first came up in my annual development meeting with my supervisor. I was immediately attracted to the program’s holistic approach, which closely links management qualifications and technology topics,” explains Dr. Hirschen.
The Executive MBA Program: A Perfect Combination of Technology, Management, and Leadership Skills
Three aspects of the Executive MBA program in Technology Management are perfectly combined, in his opinion: “On the one hand, there is the technical side of the MBA, which reflects my background as an engineer very well. Secondly, there are management topics that I have also been dealing with professionally for years and where I can now gain further knowledge and skills. And thirdly, I’m looking forward to the leadership modules, as I’ve been managing teams at GEA for several years now.”
Last but not least, Aachen as a place to study also influenced his decision: “I’m really looking forward to being back in Aachen more often in the near future. The university’s proximity to my home in Düsseldorf is an additional advantage for me, as it allows me to combine my part-time studies very well with my family life and career,” he adds. “Even though a large part of the MBA program is self-study, there are regular face-to-face modules, and the comparatively short distances are convenient.”
RWTH Business School Offers a High Level of Practical Relevance
Dr. Hirschen is also looking forward to networking with the other students: “I’m excited to gain different perspectives and points of view on the defining trends and challenges of digitalization.”
In general, he expects to be able to immediately translate the new knowledge and skills into his professional practice. “RWTH has always been known for offering a high level of practical relevance. So, I look forward to putting much of my learning into practice.” Continuous learning is a matter of course for Dr. Christian Hirschen, even 20 years after completing his studies – not least as a springboard for career advancement.
“Arming Me With the Right Tools to Lead Change Effectively”
He has very specific expectations for his studies, beginning in October: “What can target-oriented technology management look like at a company such as GEA Group? How can a very established business model be brought to the next level with the right technologies and innovations and become future-ready? I hope that the Executive MBA will expand my skillset with the right tools and knowledge to address these issues.”
About the Executive MBA
The Executive MBA in Technology Management is a program designed for experienced experts from a wide range of disciplines who want to develop sound management and business leadership skills as their tasks and responsibilities increase. On average, students have 16 years of professional experience and work in industry, at technology companies, or in the consulting sector. Learn more about the program here.
– Author: Oliver Schönfeld
