‘While I was still completing the programme, I was promoted to a senior role as Customer Optimisation & Acceleration Specialist at Amazon Web Services,’ Incia explains. She graduated in January 2025. ‘At Amazon Web Services, it’s common to work towards a promotion over six to eight months. You strengthen your skills and demonstrate your performance. The Executive Programme in Management Studies helped me develop knowledge and skills that I could apply immediately. For example, I used insights on storytelling to improve my presentation skills.’

Her thesis provided an additional boost. ‘I researched the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by small and medium-sized enterprises in the Benelux. The topic was closely linked to my work, which enabled me to take on more strategic projects. That increased my visibility and credibility within the organisation.’

A few months after graduating, Incia took the next step. She moved into consultancy and now works as a senior Cloud Consultant at Xebia. ‘The management consulting module gave me the confidence to apply for a consultancy role. In this field, a Master’s degree is highly valued. The programme laid the foundation for this transition.’

Practical skills and academic depth 

Incia completed her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2021. After moving to Amsterdam in 2022, she started working at Amazon Web Services. In 2023, she began the part-time EPMS pre-Master’s at Amsterdam Business School, followed by the Master’s programme itself.

‘I was looking for a better balance between practical skills and academic depth,’ she says. ‘The programme bridges the gap between academic research and daily work practice. It allowed me to continue working full-time while studying.’

Why Amsterdam Business School? ‘Several colleagues had studied there and spoke highly of the experience. I attended an open day and an information session. I heard honest stories about combining work, study and private life. That gave me confidence that the university would support me in managing everything alongside each other.’

From pre-master's to master's 

The part-time Executive Programme in Management Studies is an 18 to 24-month programme for ambitious professionals ready for the next step. Students choose from a range of electives and 3 specialisations: Digital Business, AI & Strategic Business Innovation, and Leadership & Management. The study load is approximately 20 to 22 hours per week, including a weekly lecture day and around 14 to 16 hours of self-study.

For students who do not yet meet all admission requirements, a pre-Master’s programme is available. This takes on average five months. Incia: ‘I found the pre-Master’s challenging. After several years of full-time work, I had to get used to studying in a structured way again. Especially because so much was happening in my life. I was developing in my job, settling into a new city and preparing for my wedding. Finding balance was not always easy.’

Incia sees the pre-master's programme as an indispensable link on the way to a Master's degree. ‘The pre-Master's programme strengthened my analytical thinking and helped me develop the discipline required for academic study. I learned to break complex problems down into manageable parts. That helps you set priorities and manage time pressure more effectively.’

Growing as a professional and as a person

For Incia, one of the main strengths of the programme was the opportunity to choose a specialisation that matches your own interests and ambitions. ‘Management consulting appealed to me from the start. The courses I followed in this area played a decisive role in my decision to move into consultancy.’

‘Academic knowledge is always the foundation, but you also learn how to apply it,’ Incia adds. ‘The management consulting courses provided practical tools for delivering persuasive presentations. I now use storytelling much more effectively to engage clients and internal stakeholders.’

According to Incia, the interaction and collaboration with other students gives an extra boost to the learning process. ‘Every Friday, you sit in class with professionals from different backgrounds, ages and sectors. You share the challenges you face at work, collaborate on group assignments and give each other hands-on feedback. This made me realise that I was not alone in my studies. During the Master's programme, we all developed, both as professionals and as individuals.’ 

Investing in yourself

The part-time Executive Programme in Management Studies offers much more than academic knowledge alone, says Incia. ‘You learn about so many aspects of your professional and personal life. Think of discipline, the ability to speak in front of an audience, and new career prospects. I see the programme as an investment in yourself: you go through a development process to achieve the goals you have in mind. Of course, it's not always easy. Sometimes you spend nights studying. But you get a lot in return.’

‘EPMS gave me the confidence to actively participate in strategic discussions at work. That strengthened my abilities, positioning and credibility,’ adds Incia. ‘I was also challenged to think about my ambitions and goals. That was essential for the next phase in my career. I gained self-confidence and I dare to speak up more decisively.’

What would Incia say to ambitious professionals considering the part-time Executive Programme in Management Studies? ‘There is never a perfect moment to start. You can keep wondering whether it fits alongside work and private life. But the only way to find out is to explore your options. For example, you can attend an information session or speak to an alumnus. Talking to the ABS student support team can also help. They understand your situation and will help you figure out what works for you.’

‘Curiosity keeps you learning, but you also need craftsmanship to get ahead. A teacher once said that to me, and I often think back on it now,’ says Incia. ‘Especially in the age of AI, your skills and expertise set you apart as a professional. EPMS contributes directly to this and is therefore decisive for the direction and success of your career.’