The MBA and experience

Experience accumulates faster than it is organized

Professional experience does not grow linearly. It is created in projects, decisions, conflicts and successes, often in parallel and under time pressure. Knowledge accumulates over the years that is effective but is rarely consciously structured. Many managers function excellently in this situation. They solve problems, make decisions, take responsibility. At the same time, there is little room left to systematically classify one's own experience.

The idea of studying an MBA often originates at this point. Not out of a lack, but out of a desire for order. Experience is there, but it is fragmented. The MBA starts here without replacing anything. It provides a framework in which existing knowledge is sorted, mirrored and placed in a larger context.

A large part of professional competence is implicit. Decisions are made correctly without explaining every step. This form of knowledge is valuable, but it reaches limits as soon as complexity increases or decisions have to be made comprehensible. The MBA doesn't change the experience itself, but how you deal with it.

Models, concepts and theories make it possible to name one's own actions. Relationships that were previously understood intuitively can suddenly be clearly formulated. This creates security, not only for others, but also for your own decision-making. This does not relativize experience, but makes it more precise.

A new look at familiar situations

Many participants report that their view of everyday working life is changing. Situations that previously seemed familiar are reinterpreted. Strategic discussions are gaining in depth, and operational issues can be better classified. The MBA does not lead to a radical change of perspective, but to a shift in focus.

This change is often quiet. Decisions are prepared more consciously, alternatives are considered more clearly, risks are identified more precisely. Everyday life remains demanding, but it is experienced in a more structured way. Experience loses none of its significance; rather, it is used in a targeted manner.

Language as part of leadership

Another effect can be seen in the type of communication. Those who have a lot of experience often act faster than they explain. The MBA sharpens the ability to organize thoughts and communicate them in an understandable way. Strategic considerations can be formulated more clearly and decisions can be better justified.

This common language creates connectivity. In discussions with other managers, partners or international teams, a common frame of reference is created. This makes voting easier and strengthens one's own position without being loud or dominant.