The programme is based on an excellent mix of independent studies, theoretical modules, readings, and papers that enable you to apply what you have learned on yourself and your environment.   
Jens Osterwald

Jens Osterwald

jens
Nationality/Passport: German Year of graduation: 2023 Current Role: Managing Director Crane Worldwide Logistics Germany

Can you tell us a little more about your personal and professional career journey so far? How did you get to where you are today?

After graduation from high school, I decided to start in logistics as I always wanted to live abroad for a couple of years - a dream that came true in 2010 when my former company dispatched me to South Korea where I stayed for 12 years.

During that time, I worked for two different companies in various positions while climbing up the career ladder, improving my logistics skills as well as completing an MBA programme at Sejong University.

Since I felt like I needed a fresh challenge after 12 years I decided to move back to Germany to start a new, old life here.  

So, what made you decide to pursue the EMC, and why did you choose INSEAD?

INSEAD drew my attention for the first time when I was looking for a suitable MBA programme in 2012. Since I was in the early stage of my career, and thus rather looking for a part-time programme that I could do besides my job I decided to go for the Sejong MBA in Korea.

However, being impressed by INSEAD I made my decision that I would like to study there sooner or later. A few years later while looking for a new academic challenge outside logistics mid of 2020 I came across the EMC on the INSEAD webpage which had been recommended to me earlier.

To be honest, in the beginning I was not entirely convinced that this is the right programme for me but the longer I thought it over the more confident I got about my decision.

As logistics is all about the people, the EMC programme has great value for me helping me to understand myself, my colleagues and group dynamics better to become not only a better manager but also to improve as a person.  

If you were to describe your experience so far on the programme, what would it be? How would you describe your classmates, the courses, the professors?

Well, it was impressive to me how quickly the programme directors made the group grow together even though the first two modules were mostly taught online or as a hybrid format.

The way the programme is laid out enables the students to discover their true selves individually but also within small trust groups making the first three modules an incredibly emotional journey of self-discovery.

The programme is based on an excellent mix of independent studies, theoretical modules, readings, and papers that enable you to apply what you have learned on yourself and your environment.      

Has the EMC helped you in your career so far?  

It hasn't helped me in terms of career advancement yet, but it has helped me a lot in the way I understand myself and my colleagues and how we collaborate with each other, which will - sooner or later - have some impact on my career as well.   

Do you foresee the EMC changing your perspectives or outlook towards life?

I think it had impact already and for sure will have increase over the course of the programme. 

What advice would you give to someone who might be interested in pursuing an INSEAD Masters programme?

Based on what I have experienced so far I would recommend the programme to anyone who is willing to honestly self-reflect in order to understand and improve oneself as well as all social interactions.