MBA Success Stories: Nico Eddelbuettel, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your career to date?

I studied international business at the University of Stralsund, located in the Baltic Sea port city of the same name in northeastern Germany, where I gained my first business experience through the student consulting club.

I interned and wrote my thesis at global industrial adhesive tape manufacturer Tesa in Amsterdam. Post-graduation, I joined its marketing/strategy team, focusing on the B2B business in Western Europe.

After three years, I returned to Germany to become an international product manager for the automotive industry at Tesa. Two years ago, I moved to Michigan in the US to lead the company’s efforts in establishing the automotive electric vehicle business in North America.

What does your current role involve?

I am currently head of market segment & product management for automotive at Tesa and part of the leadership team in North America. With my team, we develop go-to-market strategies for our automotive focus segments, collaborate with R&D to translate them into product portfolio strategies and drive major customer projects alongside sales to meet targets.

Why did you want to study for an MBA and why did you choose to take the programme at this particular school?

I wanted a fresh challenge after working for five years post-graduation and was eager to learn alongside a diverse group of people from different backgrounds and industries. Frankfurt School’s MBA caught my eye because it’s one of Europe’s top-ranked universities and has campuses in Hamburg, Frankfurt (pictured above) and Munich, so I undertook a two-year, part-time MBA programme there in 2023.

I was working full-time in Hamburg and attending classes in person was important to me. I believe the power of an MBA lies in the collaboration and exchange of ideas among a diverse group, best achieved in a physical classroom setting.

What is the most interesting thing you learned from your MBA?

Witnessing diverse problem-solving approaches. It was fascinating to see how individuals from various industries, countries and backgrounds tackled challenges differently, yet achieved the same goal. This experience highlighted the power of diverse teams – there’s no one perfect method, but many effective ones. Bringing together brilliant minds from different backgrounds often leads to the best results.

What were some of the challenges you faced when studying for an MBA?

Studying for an MBA while working full-time is tough. Juggling work and studies requires careful planning to keep everything on track. It’s important to focus on the most critical tasks and use tools to stay efficient both at work and in your studies. The programme is intense and leaves little personal time, so support from family, friends and/or your partner is crucial. Their encouragement and understanding make a huge difference. A strong support system is just as important as staying motivated.

How has the MBA made a difference to your career path and leadership journey?

The MBA helped me grow personally and professionally. Alongside my performance and practical experience, the MBA provided a crucial foundation to accelerate my career and transition into a leadership role. Additionally, it gave me access to a network of professionals I didn’t have before. I still use this network to exchange ideas and discuss career opportunities. Shortly after completing the programme, I moved into a leadership role at my current employer and the MBA played a significant part in preparing and qualifying me for that position.

In what ways have you taken what you have learned in your MBA into the organisation you work for?

Complex problem-solving; through numerous case studies, I learned how to simplify and creatively address complex issues using collaboration and leadership. For instance, I set up a cross-functional battery expert team to develop and execute an electric vehicle battery strategy in North America. This initiative was inspired by a consulting project we worked on at BMW during my MBA, where I saw first-hand the power of bringing people from different departments together to work towards a common goal.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying for an MBA?

Be prepared to fully commit to the programme to get the most out of it. If possible, choose an in-person programme, as the real power of an MBA lies in collaboration, not just theory. Ensure your family and friends are on board with your decision since their support is crucial for your success. Additionally, make the most of the network you build during the programme and continue to nurture these connections after you graduate.

What are the next steps for you on your career journey?

To build up the automotive business in North America for Tesa. After that, I aim to advance within the company into a senior leadership role, either marketing or sales. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s impossible to plan a career precisely because you never know what opportunity will present itself next – let’s see what the future holds.