I am Arslan Aftab, Senior Manager at Efficio – one of the largest procurement and supply chain consulting firms. I come from the bustling city of Lahore, Pakistan, where I lived most of my life. I completed my Bachelor’s in business administration (BBA) from the Lahore School of Economics (LSE) before moving to Germany in 2014 to study for an MBA at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.
1. Can you share your educational transition from Pakistan to Germany?
After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Pakistan, I pursued an MBA at the Frankfurt School of Finance. The following four factors drove my decision:
- A fast-tracked MBA program (mostly European universities offer that)
- A renowned university ranked within the top 100 in the region
- A robust curriculum filled with exposure to a diverse set of ideas
- Ample career opportunities post-graduation
The Frankfurt MBA filled these criteria. While the university was private, it was more expensive than normal public universities in Germany, but compared to the world-class education and offerings from other countries like the US, UK, and France, it was a great value for money.
The educational landscapes of Pakistan and Germany are quite different in terms of methods and ethos. Still, each contributed uniquely to my academic and personal development. In Pakistan, the emphasis on theoretical knowledge laid a solid foundation, while Germany introduced me to a more practical, research-driven approach that emphasized applying knowledge in real-world scenarios.
2. What were the considerations when choosing Germany for higher education?
Choosing Germany specifically was driven by the following factors:
- Location – it is in the heart of Europe with great traveling
- Language – you cannot consider Germany without having a strong desire to learn a new language which is going to enrich your career fully
- Post-graduation opportunities – Germany is a flourishing economy with great opportunities in any field you want to pursue and has a specific factor of job security and work-life balance
Additionally, Germany has a well-deserved reputation for being a leader in education, specifically in business and consulting. Studying in Germany offers unparalleled opportunities for those interested in making a mark in the consulting industry.
Apart from the classroom, Germany offers a lot more to students. It provides a gateway to cutting-edge research and industry partnerships crucial for a budding consultant. With a strong focus on practical training, Germany offers ample opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through internships. The experience of working alongside industry experts is invaluable, and it can help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their consulting careers.
3. How was your experience studying and living in Germany?
The journey from Pakistan to Germany brought about a significant transformation in me. As a student at the Frankfurt School of Finance, I was exposed to a diverse and dynamic environment that was a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and opportunities. The experience of adapting to this new academic and cultural environment was both challenging and enriching. It demanded an open-minded approach, resilience, and a willingness to learn from every interaction.
I encountered several hurdles along the way, but each one proved to be a valuable learning experience. From mastering the German language to familiarizing myself with the nuances of European business etiquette, every obstacle was a stepping stone in my journey toward my goals. The experience of navigating the cultural differences between Pakistan and Germany was particularly significant. It required me to reconcile and adapt to different sets of beliefs and values. It helped me develop a greater appreciation for diversity and cultural sensitivity.
Overall, I would rate it as one of the most important and right decisions of my life.
4. What has been your career journey in the consulting sector in Germany after completing your MBA?
The MBA program I underwent was an incredibly enriching experience that opened the doors to the world of consulting in Germany. It wasn’t just an education but a comprehensive pathway to a successful career I had always aspired to. The network that I created during my MBA has opened doors for my career steps. From my internships to my full-time roles, every step of my journey was marked by immense personal and professional growth and countless challenges. I want to emphasize the obstacles that prospective international students need to be aware of and prepared for the various challenges they will face when coming to Germany. Still, I can vouch for the fact that these challenges did help to shape me into a more resilient individual.
Climbing the corporate ladder to a managerial position brings increased complexity in projects that require me to further work on and improve my high-level skills in various areas such as strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. With time and also by making mistakes, I better understood the subtleties of cross-cultural communication, which became a crucial factor in resolving conflicts and building solid relationships with clients and team members.
However, the most important lesson that I learned was the art of leadership. As a manager of an international team, my leadership style evolved with time. Leading teams with empathy and insight, always considering each individual’s unique strengths and weaknesses, allowed me to connect with my team members on a more personal level. This allowed me to inspire my team members to perform at their best while cultivating a sense of unity and purpose. It has been a challenging but enriching experience that helped me grow personally and professionally.
5. What Are The Professional and Growth Opportunities in Germany?
During my professional career, I have worked in Germany’s consulting sector, which is highly regarded for its exceptional standards and innovative practices. This industry provided me with ample opportunities to grow and develop professionally, and I was fortunate enough to be exposed to various exciting prospects.
During my time in the consulting sector, I had the chance to work on various projects, including strategic advisory roles for startups and transformation initiatives for multinational corporations. These projects were dynamic and fast-paced, which helped accelerate my learning curve and enhance my skills in analytical thinking, strategic planning, and delivering impactful solutions under pressure.
6. Is networking and building professional relationships important in Germany?
Networking has become an essential skill in the complex world of business and consulting. In Germany, a country with a well-organized and energetic professional landscape, numerous platforms are available for connecting with industry leaders, peers, and mentors. Every interaction, whether through professional associations or industry conferences, adds to the fabric of my professional network. These connections offer valuable support, insights, and opportunities.
7. Any Insights into the German Business and Consulting Landscape?
Germany’s consulting and business environment is widely recognized for its precision, efficiency, and innovation. The country’s unique ecosystem results from a deeply ingrained commitment to quality, a strong emphasis on sustainable and ethical business practices, and its openness to global perspectives.
Germany has established itself as a leader in the consulting domain due to its thriving business culture, characterized by a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic. Its consulting firms have a reputation for delivering world-class services tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients.
Germany’s consulting industry is also known for its cutting-edge research and development initiatives, which play a significant role in shaping the industry’s future. Overall, the consulting environment in Germany is an excellent example of how a commitment to quality and innovation can drive success and set a country apart as a leader in its field.
8. What Is Your Advice for Aspiring Business and Consulting Professionals?
If you’re thinking about pursuing an MBA or a career in business and consulting in Germany, my advice is to approach it with an open mind and a resilient spirit. In Germany, academic excellence alone won’t suffice; practical experience, cultural adaptability, and critical thinking are highly valued by employers. Therefore, developing a range of skills, including language proficiency and an understanding of global business trends, is important. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of learning the German language for a successful consulting career in Germany. Although the work environment is primarily international, you must remember that most German companies’ working language is German.
9. Balancing International Assignments Can Always Be Challenging. What Has Your Experience Been So Far?
During my recent assignment to the United Arab Emirates, I worked on various projects that gave me a broader perspective on the global business environment. As my company is based in Germany, this experience was particularly insightful. I was exposed to different markets, business practices, and cultural dynamics that I had yet to encounter.
One of the key takeaways from my transition to a role in the UAE is the importance of flexibility in adapting to new situations and cultural norms. In a globalized world, navigating different business environments and communicating effectively with people from diverse backgrounds is essential. This requires language skills, cultural intelligence, and a willingness to learn and adapt.
Another important lesson I learned was the need to know the complexities of global business environments. Countries with different regulations, customs, and business practices must be considered internationally. It is essential to have a good understanding of these factors to succeed in the global marketplace.
10. Any Personal Reflections And Your Future Goals?
Reflecting on my journey from Pakistan to Germany and now the UAE, the most rewarding aspects have been the personal growth, the diverse relationships forged along the way, and the impact of my work across different cultures and business landscapes. Looking ahead, my international experiences are a compass guiding my future career goals, with a focus on contributing to global business strategies and fostering cross-cultural collaboration.
