30 years of MBA International Management Part-Time

On July 19, ESB Business School at Reutlingen University celebrated the 30th anniversary of its part-time MBA degree programme International Management Part-Time – with an event that brought together the past, present and future of this practice-oriented degree programme.

In his welcome address, Professor Dr Markus Conrads, Dean of ESB Business School, highlighted the key themes of the evening: reflection, outlook, and appreciation. Opening with a personal story – how his own professional journey was influenced 30 years ago – he drew a direct link to the current relevance of the degree programme. He especially emphasised the aim of the programme to offer practice-based learning at the highest academic level: “An MBA lecture is not a standard lecture – it’s a dialogue. Students contribute real challenges from their working lives, and together we develop practical, constructive solutions.”

Despite growing national and international competition, the degree programme has firmly established itself in the market, noted degree programme director Professor Dr Gerd Nufer – through innovation, a commitment to high quality, and a student experience that appeals to and supports working professionals. Since its inception, around 875 students have successfully completed the degree programme.

Stefan Hirth, one of the first alumni, who graduated in 1998, took guests on an engaging journey through time – from 1990s Nokia phones to today’s AI applications – sharing how the programme shaped his more than 25-year career in international management. Today, he works as an independent consultant and coach.

During the celebration, current MBA student Dr Alvin Wong, an internationally acclaimed cellist, created moments of deep emotion with his solo performances. Wong earned his doctorate at Yale University and has taught at universities in China, Australia, Germany and Hong Kong.

A special highlight of the evening was the keynote by Dominik Kuhn, also known as “Dodokay”. The Reutlingen-based media professional, comedian and AI expert discussed how artificial intelligence is reshaping job profiles, society, and the way we think – and why future managers must develop a strong sensitivity to technological disruption. Balancing insightful analysis with entertaining rhetoric, he offered a captivating glimpse into possible futures.

The evening was hosted with humour and spirit by Professor Dr Stephan Seiter, a long-standing member of ESB Business School.

The festivities concluded with a buffet and an atmospheric get-together in the university atrium. Current students, alumni, lecturers and emeritus professors all used the opportunity for lively exchange and networking.

Part-time, practice-oriented, international

The MBA International Management Part-Time is designed for professionals with initial work experience who wish to qualify for demanding management roles – even without a first degree in business or economics. The programme offers a practical, international curriculum with maximum flexibility.

It is structured to be compatible with full-time employment: eight weekend sessions per semester and one intensive study week (eligible for "Bildungsurlaub") form the core of the in-person learning components. These are complemented by online seminars and self-study phases. An integrated one- to four-week international module takes place at one of the programme’s global partner universities.