Franziska, how did you manage to balance work, studies and family? And what role did the part-time format of our MBA program and the GBS community play in this balancing act?

Time management, proper planning, and a healthy support system are essential while dealing with work, studies and family. Mapping out the week with different blocks for work, family and studies kept me, my colleagues and family organized and accountable because all involved knew when I would be there for them. Also, supportive friends and family members can really make a difference. I let my close ones know about my schedule and where I would need support from them. The part time MBA program with bi-weekly block lectures was perfectly fitting to my setup.

When a situation came up where you needed to be fully present for your family, did you feel that you were able to voice that need to your classmates and/or professors? And if so, what was their reaction like?

Anyone who has children knows that unforeseen things happen almost every week. The right communication is very important here. My classmates and professors were always very understanding. If I had to stay at home, I was taken to class online by my co-students, if the child took longer to fall asleep in the evening, my co-students were understanding, and we postponed preparations for team assignments for half an hour or they started without me, and I joined them later. Luckily, I never missed a deadline to hand in any assignment, however, from my experience, there would have been a solution for that as well. 

What were the biggest challenges during your MBA journey and what the biggest rewards?

One of the biggest challenges was to cope with the feeling of not being able to satisfy anything or anyone. Sick child, exam around the corner and an important presentation at work means pure stress. This is exactly where the greatest achievement comes in. Especially in difficult phases, it has become clear how well I function as a team with my husband and how much I can rely on him. True to the motto: if we can do this, we can do anything.

What were you most worried about when it came to becoming a parent and getting your MBA?

I got the message to become a mum in my first semester. Of course, I was overly happy about the news but at the same time also a bit overwhelmed. My first thought regarding my studies was “Do I need to stop?” “is this possible”?! I had a lot of conversations with my partner, and we concluded that I will continue and see how it goes, always having in mind that I could pause and restart later again.

What support should be given to working mums who are also considering business school?

First and foremost, of course, childcare - whether provided by family, friends, or a daycare center (KiTa). You just need to know that your child is well taken care of so that you have the capacity to fully concentrate on your studies or work. In addition, certain flexibility on the employer’s part in terms of working hours helps, of course.

Do you have any words of advice for parents or parents-to-be who are thinking about business school in addition to work and parenthood?

Sure, if you're a parent or parent-to-be who's considering business school in addition to work and parenthood, it's important to plan and prioritize your time effectively. Dedicate specific times each week to studying, and prioritize self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones to maintain your physical and mental health. Finally, lean on your support network, including your partner, family, and friends, for help and encouragement when you need it. Never shy away to ask for help ????