Stepping up into senior leadership with an Online MBA
Laurence Mertens has a doctorate in chemical engineering – and had solid experience working in both pharmaceutical and biotech organisations. But the Belgian national wanted to break through into senior leadership – and an MBA was the natural next step.
Laurence works in Chicago, USA for Belgium-based biotech company Biocartis. So she wanted her executive MBA to have an international outlook, combined with deep understanding of European markets.
She says: “I’m responsible for the commercial operations of our US business. I have been a lifelong learner, and an MBA felt like a natural next step to broaden my skills and perspectives. I wanted to strengthen my understanding of key business topics and language.
Laurence is the one on the right in the photo.
Stepping up out of middle management
“It came at exactly the right time: I was in middle management, looking to grow into more senior leadership roles. I wanted to deepen my knowledge of core business topics, broaden my leadership perspective and gain the confidence to take on bigger challenges.
“I chose the Vlerick Online MBA because I currently live in the US and needed the flexibility of an online format, but also wanted the strong academic reputation and European perspective that Vlerick offers. Since I intend to return to Europe at some point in the future, this programme allowed me to start immediately, without waiting for the right time to attend in person.”
Laurence says the experience of participating in the Vlerick Online MBA was transformational in ways she hadn’t anticipated. She says: “I have not only gained new knowledge and skills, I have also changed how I approach challenges. Balancing a demanding role, personal life, and the MBA taught me to embrace complexity, manage priorities more effectively, and build resilience. These are lessons that will serve me well going forward.
Get out of your comfort zone
“A real “a-ha” moment for me was during the leadership development course. The 360° feedback and coaching helped me gain much deeper self-awareness – not only about my leadership, but also about what I’m good at and what I want to pursue in the next phase of my career.”
Laurence also learned how energising it can be to step beyond your day-to-day job. She says: “Doing my Knowledge-in-Action Project (KIAP) with an external start-up pushed me out of my comfort zone and strengthened my interest in strategy and entrepreneurship.
“Then there’s the benefit of working alongside peers from diverse industries and geographies. Exchanging ideas and experiences together made me realise how much you can learn simply by listening to and coaching each other.”
Laurence says the programme exceeded her expectations. “I now feel much more prepared to contribute to strategic discussions, something I wasn’t always comfortable with before,” she says. “The leadership track also helped me grow in confidence and reflect more deeply on my leadership approach.
A flair for strategy and entrepreneurship
“I also discovered how much I enjoy strategy and entrepreneurship. Through the courses and my KIAP, I realised this is an area I’m truly passionate about and want to pursue further in my career.”
Another huge benefit of the Online MBA programme at Vlerick was the professional network Laurence built. She says: “Doing an MBA online requires a bit more initiative to build connections, but it is absolutely possible.
“I really enjoyed working with peers from across the world and different industries. I’ve built strong professional relationships – and friendships – that I look forward to keeping in the years to come.
“Taking part in activities outside the regular coursework really helps. I joined the optional trips to Cape Town and Silicon Valley. They’re fantastic experiences that combined thought-provoking lectures, unique company visits, and great opportunities to connect with fellow students across different MBA formats. Experiences like these bring a different perspective you would not easily get in your day-to-day work life.
Embracing the challenge
“During IMEx week, I happened to be on the Silicon Valley trip with one of my fellow Online MBA students. It was a hectic week – visiting companies, attending lectures, and in between, working on our IMEx challenge. I still remember us sitting in the evening with a glass of Californian wine, laptops open, trying to meet deadlines. A bit chaotic, but also a lot of fun! Experiences like that show how this programme not only fits around life, but can actually add to it.”
While she was studying for her MBA, Laurence was promoted and is now a senior director. She says: “From my perspective, the online MBA format is ideal for people who are living abroad, travelling frequently, or have personal or professional reasons that make an on-campus format less practical.
“You also learn to juggle – and embracing that challenge is part of the journey. My advice would be to use your assignments to explore topics beyond your current job. For example, I chose to do my KIAP with an external start-up, working on strategic topics that really pushed me out of my comfort zone.
“I feel proud and energised by my MBA. I have grown in confidence – and I feel equipped to take on opportunities where I can combine my strengths in strategy, entrepreneurship and operations.”
Get in touch!
Aurelie Van de Meulebroucke
Customer Relationship Manager – Full-Time, (Global) Executive and Online MBA