St Gallen and Nanyang MBAs have scooped up the FT MBA Challenge 2013. Team leader Meret Brotbek credits St Gallen's social entrepreneurship and has just landed a job at Unilever!
It is a fitting tribute to St Gallen that this year’s FT MBA Challenge winning team is named Aspera Ad Astra – a Latin phrase that translates to ‘through hardships to the stars’. The name is what the team consider a slogan for St Gallen HSG’s MBA class, and the team’s leader, Meret Brotbek, just completed a full-time MBA there.She was partnered with Taksh Singhvi, an MBA student at Nanyang Business School, along with students from John Hopkins and University and St Gallen classmates.
Per Aspera Ad Astra were unveiled as the winners on Wednesday, seeing off stiff competition from MBA students at some of the best b-schools around the world. Students from ESSEC, Dartmouth Tuck and IESE Business School were all in the final.
Meret spearheaded the team’s entry, a business project that worked with a Colombian charity that helps children achieve in school through extra educational programs. The charity, Fundación Promoción Humana, funds activities in part through donations and business ventures, selling pizzas and ice-creams in the Latin American region.
Meret credits the skills she learnt on the MBA program at St Gallen for helping the team take first-place. She specialised in social entrepreneurship and says the course was “immensely useful” in helping to consult the charity over the summer. “All what we learnt in the MBA, like how to scale a business venture, and the fact that I specialised in social entrepreneurship and impact investing, was immensely useful,” Meret said. “The team is very happy with the result.”
Fellow team member Taksh is a former EY and Accenture consultant. He spent a year studying at St Gallen and has just started at Nanyang, specialising in Finance or Financial Management. Nanyang Business School offers a Double Masters or Double MBA between Nanyang & St Gallen, offering students the chance to spend a year studying in both Singapore and Switzerland.
Meret thinks that Per Aspera Ad Astra came out on top because they made sure the NGO’s wishes came first, rather than try to force their own opinions onto the project. They helped the charity to get more donors on board and scale up its pizza shop by aligning it more closely with education. “In the end we didn’t pay too much attention to what was expected of us; we tried to make sure organization was happy,” she said.
“We had fancier ideas of what we could develop, but we spoke to the organization and they told us what they needed. We tried to focus on the needs of the organization and understanding the needs of the region, rather than picking all the big concepts from the MBA and pushing them onto the project.”
MBAs will know that diversity and international exposure are some of the best aspects of studying at b-school, and Meret worked with a truly international team. She used St Gallen’s social media network to spread the word, and hand-picked members with a similar interest in social entrepreneurship.
Alongside students from Singaporean and US-based b-schools, Per Aspera Ad Astra shared the same vision. “It’s always a bit difficult to work in diverse group but the cooperation went well because they were immensely supportive,” Meret said.
“Everyone works in a different manor but we were all animated by the same goal. The student from John Hopkins was an old friend and we knew the student at Nanyang because of our campus in Singapore.”
St Gallen is based in Switzerland but last year’s cohort had 24 different nationalities mixed together. With a campus in Singapore, their MBA program is nestled in the same city as Nanyang and provided a link to its MBA students.
The FT MBA Challenge will help Meret’s career take off, after just graduating from St Gallen in the summer. She has a passion for social entrepreneurship and was involved with Oikos – a social entrepreneurship platform for students at the university.
Before studying an MBA, Meret worked in crisis management at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Technip - among other organizations. She has done a complete 180 degrees career switch and landed a job at Unilever this summer. She was fed up with a lack of opportunities to advance her career in crisis management, and felt that she wanted to work in a company more aligned with her values.
“An MBA opened new doors and opportunities,” she said. “In my previous area, it was mostly former policeman and military personnel working there. It was very difficult to get into a directors role without being part of that world.
“I wasn’t sure what industry I wanted to switch to, so the MBA was fantastic for me because it opened new areas that I hadn’t heard of before. I was interested in sustainability and social entrepreneurship and without an MBA I wouldn’t have been able to make the switch.”
Now a procurement manager at Unilever – the giant, multinational consumer goods company – Meret is applying the skills she learnt at St Gallen. She is working on sustainable agriculture projects as well as social impact projects around the globe.
She got the job in-part thanks to the careers network at St Gallen. “The careers team put me in contact with recruiters," she said. "The University assigned me a mentor from Unilever, who was the Head of Responsible Sourcing. I was hired because of my strong interest in sustainability and there are many things that are close to my heart at Unilever.”
The FT MBA Challenge gave Meret the opportunity to find people who shared her vision for social entrepreneurship in an emerging market, and, thanks to St Gallen, she realises that is now her passion.
The MBA program gave her the tools and network to make a complete career switch - and break into one of the most popular sustainability companies on the globe.
After an MBA, Meret has gone Per Aspera Ad Astra.
Student Reviews
Good campus life and extra-curricular activities
This is a great place to learn and interact with more like-minded people. The campus is something that stands out to me. The infrastructure is great and the university is very well-built. There is lots to do on the high campus, from a large number of eating joints to the numerous clubs and sports activities. I also quite like Singapore as a country, as there is so much to do around not very far from campus. The educational facilities are extremely good, there are lots of opportunities to take on research projects and do industrial projects, which I really enjoy. The only thing I dislike about NTU is that the number of international students is really low and I would like to see a larger international intake in the future. Definitely recommend for the amazing educational facilities and on-campus social life.
An international campus that provided diverse choices for students
It's a beautiful campus with a high degree of internationality, providing diverse choices for students in terms of research opportunities and career consultation. Also, scholars are knowledgable and very inspiring, and are good at motivating the thinking of students.
Great University
In overall, the university has met my expectations with its wonderful lectures and research staff. However, there are some issues with the administrative side, i.e. administration may give you different answers on the same question. Also, the university’s website often provides outdated information and it takes time to get what you need; perhaps there is not enough people for managing it.
Good resources
I would recommend. Good resources for research. Knowledgeable professors and instructors. Conducive environment for studying and doing assignments. Helpful staff and faculty. Food options are good. An overall good place to study.
inefficient communication and lack of transparency
The administrative team at the university is slow to respond and is often inadequate in their responses and solutions. The uni is also unclear and resistant to explain their actions and motivations when carrying out policies or when questioned
Formative experience for success
NTU prioritizes giving students ample time for independent research. The academic schedule consists of 6–7 weeks of study, followed by a week without classes, allowing students to catch up on any material they may have missed. This is succeeded by another 6–7 weeks of study, culminating in a week dedicated to final exam preparation and exams.
The curriculum is designed to be student-friendly, minimizing burdens such as excessive assignments, projects, exams, quizzes, and attendance requirements. This approach affords students the freedom to pursue personal interests and self-development. In my experience, each of the four courses I took had a comparable workload, typically comprising 2 assignments, 3 easy labs, 2–3 quizzes (some without), and 1 final exam.
In contrast, comparable courses at other universities often entail significantly heavier workloads, including 3 homework assignments, 5 projects, 5–6 pop-up quizzes, mandatory attendance, 2 midterms, and 1 final exam. Moreover, each project typically demands 3–4 days of work.
It is hard work, but it pays off.
Academic atmosphere
Nanyang Technological University offers a vibrant academic atmosphere that fosters innovation and excellence. The strong emphasis on research and practical learning equips students with real-world skills. Positives include access to state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative projects, and a diverse student body. However, the competitive environment can be intense, leading to high stress levels. NTU's academic atmosphere encourages growth but requires resilience to thrive.
Diverse professors
As a student at Nanyang Technological University, I have been extremely impressed with the quality of education I have received. The professors are knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate about their subjects, which makes learning engaging and enjoyable.
The teaching styles vary from lecture-based to interactive discussions and group projects, providing a well-rounded learning experience. The use of technology in the classrooms also enhances our understanding of the course material. One of the things I love about NTU is the diversity on campus. Not only are there students from all over the world, but the professors also come from various backgrounds, making the learning environment truly global. English is the main language spoken on campus, which makes it easy for international students to feel at home. In terms of examinations and coursework, the workload can be challenging at times, but the support from professors and classmates makes it manageable. The exams are fair and assess our understanding of the material effectively.
Video lectures
As a student at Nanyang Technological University, I am extremely impressed with the transportation options available on campus. The buses and shuttles make it easy to get around the huge campus. The beautifully landscaped garden campus adds a peaceful and scenic vibe to studying. The facilities, from the state-of-the-art labs to the comfortable study spaces, are top-notch. The video lectures are a convenient and effective way to supplement classroom learning.
Focus on science
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) excels in its focus on engineering and science degrees. The curriculum is robust, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Professors are industry experts, providing invaluable insights. State-of-the-art facilities enhance learning experiences. Opportunities for research and internships abound, fostering innovation and professional growth. NTU's emphasis on cutting-edge technology prepares students for real-world challenges. NTU's commitment to engineering and science education is unparalleled, shaping tomorrow's leaders in these fields.
great canteens
While at Nanyang Technological University, I can confidently say that the quality of education here is excellent. The professors are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, and the curriculum is challenging yet rewarding. The campus itself is green and natural, providing a peaceful and inspiring environment for learning. The canteens offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable food options, catering to different dietary preferences. From local delights to international cuisines, there is something for everyone. The student housing facilities are also well-maintained and comfortable, providing a home away from home for students. NTU's reputation as a top-ranked university is well-deserved, with cutting-edge research and a strong emphasis on innovation.
high quality education
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a top-notch educational institution that offers a wide range of programs and opportunities for students. The campus is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and the faculty members are highly experienced and knowledgeable in their fields. As a student at NTU, I have had a positive experience so far. The university provides a conducive learning environment and encourages students to think critically and creatively. The campus is vibrant and diverse, with a strong sense of community among students and staff. I would definitely recommend NTU to prospective students looking for a high-quality education in a supportive and stimulating environment. The opportunities for research, internships, and extracurricular activities are plentiful, and the university is committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for future success.
Student experience
As a student at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the experience is vibrant and enriching. Surrounded by lush greenery, the campus offers a serene environment for studying and relaxation. While parties and nightlife options are available, the focus leans more towards academic pursuits. The campus buzzes with activities, clubs, and events, catering to diverse interests. However, the tuition cost is competitive, offering value for the exceptional education and resources provided. I recommend my university
High quality of life
As a student at Nanyang Technological University, I'm thoroughly impressed with the quality of education. The faculty is highly knowledgeable and supportive, fostering an engaging learning environment. Tuition fees are reasonable for the value provided. The campus food options are diverse and delicious, catering to various dietary preferences. The transport system is efficient, with easy access to public transportation. NTU offers a high quality of life, combining academic excellence with a vibrant campus culture.
good value for money
At Nanyang Technological University, I find the tuition fees reasonable considering the quality of education and resources provided. The university offers diverse programs, experienced faculty, modern facilities, and opportunities for research and internships. While tuition costs are substantial, the value for money is evident in the comprehensive learning experience and the potential for career advancement. NTU delivers on its promise of excellence, making it a worthwhile investment in one's future.
