Johannes Schwarzer | IMBA Alumnus from Germany

The full-time MBA at ISM allowed me to study in a program that was truly international, often with more than ten different nationalities in a small group of students. We received intense face-to-face classes and had the opportunity to work in international teams to develop new strategies or solve complex business tasks.

While working as a Sales Manager in the steel industry in 2013, I was planning to do an MBA in International Business or Management while looking worldwide for a school that suited my background. Having already lived a year in the USA and holding an undergraduate degree in International Management, I wanted to do my MBA at a school that would fit my international background and experiences. The full-time MBA at ISM allowed me to study in a program that was truly international, often with more than ten different nationalities in a small group of students. We received intense face-to-face classes and had the opportunity to work in international teams to develop new strategies or solve complex business tasks. With professors from all over the world who have in-depth theoretical and practical experiences in business and education, we gained hands-on experience that truly helps me in my day-to-day business.

Using the ISM MBA mainly to switch careers, I began working as a Senior Buyer and Design Scout for Monoqi, a Berlin-based start-up company that is growing rapidly. I used the business skills and intercultural competencies that I gained while living and studying in Paris on a daily base. In my position, I collaborated with Designers and Brands all over the world on a daily basis, and I worked on an international team comprised of more than ten nationalities that all have their specific needs that must be addressed. ISM has truly helped me to gain an in-depth understanding of international business and strategy while acquiring international management and intercultural skills, a huge advantage to grow in my position and exceed my monthly goals.

In summer 2016 I left Monoqi in order to pursue my dream of starting my own business. Together with my business partner, I started Dezignated in August 2016. In January 2017, we launched our website, which is a new and upcoming e-commerce platform that curates lifestyle products for men with a wide range of categories including permanent and limited edition products.