'The Amsterdam MBA is known for its sophisticated combination of theory and practice, and I could see this clearly from the very first lecture. In addition, sustainability and ethics are prominent topics in the programme - and that is also what appeals to me so much about this programme,' says Daniela Terrones.

Daniela started the MBA at the Amsterdam Business School of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) in September 2024. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Industrial and Commercial Engineering in Lima, Peru, and then worked at Nestlé in Bogota, Colombia.

100% dedication

'I wanted to be 100% dedicated to my education, and I was looking for an on-site programme in which you participate with a small and diverse group of fellow students. The Amsterdam MBA fits that description perfectly,' says Daniela about her decision to study at the UvA. 'What I also value is the flexibility of the programme, with room for electives and specialisations. This allows you to tailor your studies to your professional and personal goals, which helps to truly advance your career.’

The introduction day for UvA's new MBA students left Daniela with a positive impression of the one-year, full-time programme. ‘You quickly get to know many other students, and immediately notice the diversity of backgrounds and motivations of your classmates.’

Fellow students as a success factor

How do you successfully shift from working full-time in your home country to studying on the other side of the ocean, in a city you have never visited before? Daniela sees the interaction with fellow students, most of whom are in a similar situation, as the success factor. 'The lectures take place in the afternoons, and in the mornings we often come together as classmates to exchange views. We discuss what we learn in the lectures, and how we link that to our previous studies and work experiences.'

‘The exciting part is that you are responsible for what you gain from the study,’ adds Daniela. ‘When you are employed, you are given targets and deadlines. As a student, you set your own priorities, and you have to manage your time and organise your days and weeks independently. The daily meetings with fellow students then provide a helpful structure.'

Daniela is convinced that the interaction during lectures plays a crucial role in the results you achieve as a student. ‘You learn from the lecturers’ expertise, but certainly also from the experiences of your fellow students. Our group consists of peers from diverse backgrounds, which enriches the discussions during the lectures.'

From knowledge on current issues to the soft skills of the future

For Daniela, the emphasis on current affairs and corporate social responsibility is a great strength of the Amsterdam MBA. 'We discuss major issues in today's business world, often in response to the latest news. Guest lectures by executives from leading Dutch companies, as well as study projects with local businesses, help strengthen your skills and expand your network. Sustainability is a key theme, and one that comes up almost daily in the lectures. Just a few weeks after starting the programme, I knew for sure: I will gain insights on a wide range of business topics ánd I will develop the soft skills needed to become an ethical leader.'

Career coaches are available for students of the Amsterdam MBA, offering support at various times during the academic year help them reflect on professional and personal goals. For example, the coaches advise on the tools the UvA provides to best prepare you for the Dutch labour market.

Inspiration, energy and discipline

The Amsterdam MBA is an intensive one-year programme designed to prepare you for an international career. The study load is about 45 to 50 hours per week. In addition to the five lecture days, an average of 30 to 35 hours of self-study is required. 

‘The discussions during the lectures inspire me to study with great energy and discipline,’ Daniela says. ‘Through the multifaceted perspectives addressed in the programme, you gain a deeper understanding of how social developments impact organisations. You will find answers to how businesses thrive in a global economy, and what is desirable from an ethical perspective.'

Daniela is already looking forward to the two study trips for Amsterdam MBA participants - and to the continuation of the programme afterwards. 'After the visits to Berlin and South Africa, we will each start our own project, applying the theoretical insights from the programme to the day-to-day operations of a company. I am also looking forward to the electives, which will allow me to further strengthen my profile. The biggest challenge I see ahead? That might be the cold winter weather in the Netherlands.'