Why You Should Invest in Higher Education

Choosing a business school education in times of crisis

With the world in turmoil, countries on lock-down and personal and professional goals being put to a test, you might be feeling a little disoriented. Is this the right time to be making big, life defining decisions?

We believe that there are many reasons why you should consider investing in higher education right now. As an established business school, we’ve seen quite a few crises come and go and would like to share our experience and professional opinion with you.

Gain management skills and digital knowledge

Especially now you should invest in knowledge to broaden your competencies, thereby securing a competitive advantage over other candidates in the job market of the future. Right now, everyone is being catapulted into the digital age. People with distinctive management skills combined with digital knowledge already had an advantage before the coronavirus outbreak.

The Handelsblatt recently reported: Only every sixth company has a Chief Digital Officer (CDO) on its board. It is quite obvious that competition in the job market will increase significantly. Those showing more fundamentally sound knowledge than others and proving social competence on top of that will rank among the winners.

Business school students not only acquire knowledge but also go through this social field test in various settings:

Offering sustainable solutions in a connected world

Business schools mainly attract people with a preference for strategic thinking and develop these skills in class, enabling their students to play out different scenarios and make effective decisions by using a specific set of tools to analyze facts, figures, and details.

Being the future leaders of the economy and society, it is business school graduates who can offer sustainable solutions in a globally connected world which are not only well thought out but also meet high ethical standards because business ethics is another vital component of the syllabus — at least at HHL.

As the students also learn about digital competence and leadership skills, they will be able to keep the company or society going virtually, if necessary, and provide vision, optimism, and a common goal to unsettled staff.

Opportunity for experiential learning

In addition to the aspects mentioned before, it is not just the program content but also the special framework that business school students are exposed to.

The students are given the opportunity for experiential learning, e.g., in the form of group assignments in class and, at HHL, especially through the student consulting projects. Students work directly with our corporate partners to develop sustainable solutions for top-level companies dealing with current, sometimes even explosive, problems.

Global network and international classmates

The exchange with students and alumni forms a network that spans worldwide. After all, it is the global aspect of the crisis which causes these enormous effects not only in the spread of the virus but also, for instance, on supply chains.

Business schools often have a highly international student body with people from all parts of the world. HHL currently has students from 60+ nations. Through their personal exchanges, which also take place online at the moment, they are learning now more than ever how to assess the effects of social framework conditions, healthcare systems, and the economy. In addition, students are being taught virtual teamwork rooted in real life.

Open-door and supportive environment

At HHL we have short distances and an active open-door policy, a high level of customer orientation as well as direct communication. As little bureaucracy as necessary and flexible solutions for various problems wherever possible.

A certain degree of exclusiveness and, as a consequence, access to the top tier. This exclusiveness is guaranteed by a complex and individual selection process which not only focuses on the applicants’ grades so far or even their origin but also on their professional and social competence.

Individual-centered approach

Most of all, we really care about each student. Personal proximity and approachability are very important to us. After switching to online classes, we quickly set up an HHL living room on Microsoft Teams for all students. This virtual room allows everyone to stay connected – even play games or exchange videos and recipes.

At HHL we focus on values which are centered around respectability, competence, sustainability as well as an incomparable community spirit! This spirit was built sustainably and is reflected in our alumni even many years after their graduation. The network, while constantly growing, remains personal and supports many HHLers throughout their lives. We also follow the personal and private development of our graduates with the greatest interest even years after graduation!

Investing in your future

Investing in higher education will give you the knowledge and skills to stand out among other competitors. Moreover, you will be prepared to lead during times of uncertainty and understand the importance of long-term strategies as well as the necessity to remain flexible.

Ready to take the leap and invest in your future? We are here for you. Check out our full- and part-time MBA and full– and part-time Master in Management, as well as our Executive Education programs and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.