From Experience to Next Steps: 6 Executive MBA Stories at TUM

What does an Executive MBA at TUM actually change? For many, it starts with a question like this and ends up taking them somewhere entirely unexpected.

Olga & Pinkle: Navigating Change in a Global Context

For both Olga and Pinkle, the Executive MBA at TUM became a way to better navigate change – whether personal, professional, or shaped by global developments.

After relocating to Germany, Olga used the program to understand the local job market, build a network, and establish herself.

“When making a career change or migrating, it’s important to show you are familiar with the culture and have international experience. The Executive MBA program at TUM gave me that. When applying for jobs, saying I was enrolled at TUM made a real difference.”

Olga Lucia Vanegas Motta

Pinkle describes the Executive MBA as aligned with current business realities. Courses were built around real cases, combining academic and industry perspectives.

“Given the fast-changing world with technology and geopolitics, handling turbulent situations is very important.”

Pinkle Panda

Rebecca: Growing Across Borders and Life Stages

Before joining the Executive MBA at TUM, Rebecca had already been running her own business for several years, supporting companies with market entry and expansion through her company Colibri Content.

Originally from the United States and working in international business, she came to Germany to broaden her perspective, build connections in Europe, and deepen her understanding of different markets.

During her time at TUM, she continued to develop her business while completing the program. She describes this period as intense, but manageable thanks to the flexibility of the program, which allowed her to balance studies, entrepreneurship, and professional commitments.

“For me, the greatest part was the people in the MBA—students from many backgrounds and industries. I have my own business, and it was enriching to learn from classmates in other fields and professions. The quality of my peers really stood out.”

Rebecca Rist

Gerardo: Building Connections That Last

For Gerardo, the Executive MBA was defined by the people as much as by the content.

With a background in data and IT, he describes the program as a place where knowledge was constantly exchanged. In the interview, he adds that working with peers from areas such as supply chain, manufacturing, and healthcare brought new perspectives to familiar topics.

“The knowledge sharing and support among students went beyond my expectations.”

Gerardo Ayala Solano

As he explains in the interview, this dynamic was also shaped by the way courses were taught. Gerardo describes how professors responded to what was happening in the room, linking theory to practical challenges and opening up space for discussion. He also points out that many of the connections formed during the program continue beyond it.

According to Gerardo, encounters with companies, guest speakers, and fellow participants have developed into lasting professional relationships.

“Although the modules have ended, the connections and learning continue beyond the classroom.”

Gerardo Ayala Solano

Nimesh: Turning Ideas into Impact

Nimesh used his time at TUM to develop and launch Tamu-Tamu*, a food brand focused on sourcing nuts from smallholder farmers in Africa and processing them in Europe. And his journey at TUM doesn’t end yet: Nimesh is in touch with colleagues at the TUM Venture Lab in food and agriculture, describing the environment as open and supportive for further developing his idea.

“The TUM ecosystem for startups is also fantastic; it’s very comparable to Silicon Valley.”

Nimesh Karia

He points to the study trip to Berkeley as a highlight. Being there gave him a direct impression of how the Silicon Valley ecosystem works and how it compares to what is being built at TUM. Nimesh also mentions the role of the network. The Venture Lab helped him develop his idea further and explore potential partnerships.

“Joining a program like this opens many doors and opportunities. I can definitely recommend it.”

Nimesh Karia

What started as a concept gradually took shape as a concrete business.

* Tamu-Tamu products are also available at Café Vista in Munich, which is operated by Nimesh Karia himself.

Sam: Expanding Perspectives Through Diverse Minds

Different industries often approach the same challenge in very different ways. In the interview, Sam describes how experiencing these contrasts firsthand became a defining part of his Executive MBA journey.

That’s because Sam was part of a cohort made up of professionals from fields such as healthcare, chemistry, and insurance. For him, this mix influenced how topics were discussed in class. He notes that many discussions helped him see how others approach similar challenges from different angles.

“Every topic has multiple sides to consider, not just your own angle.”

Sam Khourshd

The exchange was not limited to peers. Interaction with faculty also played a central role. As he explains in the interview, sessions developed through discussion, with participants questioning concepts, challenging assumptions, and bringing in their own experiences.

“There were many points where we challenged the professors, and they were very patient and open to discussion about our challenges.”

Sam Khourshd

This dynamic created a learning environment defined by curiosity and critical thinking.

The experiences shared by the six graduates reflect the different paths participants take at TUM.

• Some use the program to take the next step in their careers,
• others to build a business,
• expand their international network,
• or gain new perspectives.

Those interested in learning more about the Executive MBA programs at TUM can find further information and upcoming application details here.