Professor of Financial Services Innovation
When the world we live in keeps evolving, our skillsets have to keep pace. For individuals, lifelong learning is the key to remaining relevant. And for organisations, it’s critical for long-term success.
Patricia Engels and Maartje Meijer have very different professional backgrounds. Patricia is a talent management specialist who is used to operating at the highest levels in international corporations. Maartje is a musician and project manager at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
Yet in their professional development, both women were facing similar challenges. In a rapidly changing world, both wanted to upskill beyond their immediate specialisms. And they both wanted to work more sustainably.
These shared objectives led them both to become some of the first participants in Vlerick Business School’s new European Executive MBA.
Patricia says: “Five to ten years ago, things like data and AI weren’t talked about in HR. Sustainability wasn’t the pressing topic it is today. Now these are vitally important subjects.
“I felt a need to broaden my skillet. I also had a strong interest in sustainability – which is what drew me to Vlerick’s European Executive MBA.”
For Maartje, the road to Vlerick was similar. She says: “I am an arts professional. I have experience leading a young talent programme at the conservatory – and I’m passionate about making music more accessible. But I knew that to make more impact, I needed to have a different mindset and view.”
Director of Vlerick’s European Executive MBA, Professor Bjorn Cumps, says the need to keep pace with change – and to be able to work in ever-more sustainable ways – are leading more professionals to executive education.
He says: “The rate of change organisations are facing keeps accelerating. And, of course, there is an urgent need to embed sustainable approaches. This is why lifelong learning is so important.”
The programme has so far taken participants to Paris to dive deep into sustainable finance and to Dublin, to explore innovative and sustainable venturing. In Brussels, programme participants got to grips with European sustainability legislation. And further trips are scheduled to Copenhagen, Madrid and Zaragoza, where participants will learn about purposeful organisations and sustainable supply chains.
“In each of these residential modules, there is learning, networking and practical application,” says Bjorn.
Participants make this transition from theory to practical application rapidly, ending each day by giving presentations and suggesting approaches to real-life business challenges.
Patricia says: “I have already changed so much, both personally and professionally, through this programme. It’s intense – but it is so rewarding.”
Maartje agrees: “I am already more confident about sharing ideas – and excited about taking back into my workplace everything I’m learning on the programme.”
Bjorn adds: “The European Executive MBA has been designed to empower and enable professionals to keep learning – and to be able to take direct action to make their organisations more sustainable.”
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Customer Relationship Manager – European, Executive and Online MBA