Elmar Jung quit journalism, switched career track, and landed a new job at Implement Consulting after an MBA at Copenhagen Business School
Elmar Jung is proof it’s never too late to switch career track.After an arts masters in Munich, he spent almost a decade in journalism, working his way up from reporter to an editor role at Süddeutsche Zeitung, Germany’s largest regional daily newspaper.
He went on to establish his own editorial office, working for more than 20 customers—including Die Welt and Financial Times Deutschland—in five countries. He even wrote a book—Ullstein—about life as a German living in Denmark, selling over 14,000 copies.
Aged 36, and with a young family, Elmar joined Copenhagen Business School’s full-time MBA program in 2013, determined to change career direction.
It’s fair to say, Elmar isn’t your typical MBA student. But the Copenhagen MBA isn’t your typical MBA program—topics like sustainability and responsible management are ingrained within the course curriculum.
The Leadership Discovery Process (LDP), which runs throughout the one-year program, focuses on personal development, with courses on cognitive coaching, brain functions, and team dynamics. And it was the LDP, facilitated by Implement Consulting, which helped Elmar change role, industry, and land his post-MBA job.
Through the LDP, Elmar was introduced to the Nordic-based consulting firm and got the chance to network with senior execs. He joined Implement Consulting after graduation, starting up a new communications team at its Copenhagen HQ.
Far from being a drawback, Elmar’s non-traditional journalism background, combined with a triple-accredited MBA, makes him stand out from the crowd.
Why did you decide to pursue the Copenhagen MBA?
To be honest, it was a quite pragmatic decision. At that point, my son was one-and-a-half years old. I couldn’t just tell my family, ‘I’m going to London, Paris or Barcelona, see you in two years!’
Of course, I was very lucky then that, with the Copenhagen MBA, I had the opportunity to apply for a program with a strong reputation and a focus on leadership and sustainability in the city where I was already based. With it, I could balance everything much more easily with my family.
What stands out from your MBA experience?
The people, all these individuals with their different backgrounds and nationalities, taught me a lot. In the learning groups, where we worked on cases and papers, all different perspectives came together and formed something that was bigger than the sum of its parts.
Also, the Leadership Discovery Process was an absolute highlight as it helped me develop as a person—something I considered as least as important as learning the course content.
How did your journalism background benefit your experience?
I think in general, having a journalism background, makes you a generalist. That helped me a lot throughout the MBA, because I was interested in everything, every subject, which made it a lot easier to put energy and effort into the program.
Having a journalism background also helps me to sum up and explain difficult matters in a language everyone can understand. I call it human language as opposed to corporate language, which can be quite annoying at times!
How did the job at Implement Consulting Group come about?
Implement was facilitating the Leadership Discovering Process, which was a focal module of the Copenhagen MBA program. I got in touch with a couple of consultants, and the rest was networking. It’s all about networking, especially in Denmark and when you want to completely change your career as I wanted to.
I was quite lucky that Implement planned to start a new team for Change Communication after I graduated. I visited them a couple of times to learn more about the company and their culture. And, because they already knew me, they told me about this already way before it was official.
Of course, my journalism background helps me a lot within the field of Change Communication. When a company tells its employees, we are doing this or that project to increase efficiency and decrease internal complexity, then I think: So, what? What does that really mean? For the organization? For the people? Breaking down smart sentences into meaningful messages everyone can relate to is something large corporations often neglect.
Would you be where you are today without the Copenhagen MBA?
Absolutely not. Without the MBA, I would never have been given the opportunity to start a consultancy career at the age of 36. That is of course also thanks to Implement. They have a different hiring policy than most of the other consultancy firms.
The MBA also made me realize strengths and preferences that I wasn’t aware of before. Let’s take corporate finance for example. I absolutely loved it and I was also quite good at it. But most importantly, I profited from the program personally. It taught me to believe more in my strengths. It showed me that I have something to give. You could even say, it increased my self-confidence.
Student Reviews
Copenhagen Business School (CBS)
CBS: efficient international network
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
CBS: efficient international network
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
