Video - Claus Simhart

MBA student testimonial

Video of Claus Simhart at the MBA Residential School in Brussels, 2011.

Transcription

Q1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Claus. I’m 40 years old, working for the company, Bosch, in their automotive sector in the area developing ECUs, electronically controlled units for engines. I’m Group Manager there, responsible for the customer Audi. 

Q2. Why did you choose an MBA with The Open University Business School?

I joined The Open University in November last year. So, there are different reasons for me to choose. One reason was the flexibility that The Open University offers, because of the online study. Yes, that’s important for me, because of the normal job I do, full time job, and I have to do it besides that job, so therefore the flexibility is very welcome.

Also, at The Open University, there are many different students from very different professions, also different nations. I like that, so it can enlarge your experience in interacting with them. This was a reason for me. I also was curious if this online stuff is really working, so there are different reasons for joining The Open University.

Q3. How is it going?

It’s going very well, thank you. It’s challenging because it’s besides my normal job and family and, yes, therefore it’s an extra effort. You know that before, but if it really happens, it’s challenging. 

All in all, I like it. I like the approach. I got very different information about the theory and I like that. I can really adopt it to my business, can use it, yes. Very good approach, I like it very much.

Q4. They call it distance learning. Is it really at a distance?

Well, to The Open University, there is a distance, yes, to the organisation, Open University. To the tutor, the most important person for me inside my study, there is not a big distance. There is a lot of interaction, and as I told you before, between the students, it’s different. So, to some students, there is a very short distance and to others, there’s really a very long distance, yes, so in summary, no. It’s not really.

Q5. Would you recommend it to others?

Yes, definitely. It’s a good approach and it’s a very good experience.