Meet German Guillem '24 MBA

Meet Germán Guillem '24 MBA. Currently marketing manager at Rovensa Next, he credits enhancing his leadership and strategic thinking skills to his online education at the Eller College of Management.

Hometown:

I grew up in Valencia, Spain, a Mediterranean city known for its rich culture and history. Currently, I reside in Miami, which has been an exciting and dynamic place to live and work.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

I attended Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, in Spain, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering.

Where are you currently working?

I am currently working as the Marketing Manager for Rovensa Next, a company dedicated to manufacturing biosolutions for sustainable agriculture.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career?

The achievement I am most proud of is being able to start from the very bottom of an agricultural organization and grow within the company by continuously facing new challenges and expanding my comfort zone in various markets and regions. I haven't done the same job for more than two years, which was a deliberate choice to keep myself engaged and continuously learning. This approach has allowed me to develop a diverse skill set and adapt to different cultural and market demands.

Why did you choose Eller’s online MBA program?

I chose Eller’s online MBA program because the University of Arizona has a great reputation in the agricultural industry. I received many recommendations from my industry colleagues who spoke highly of the program's quality and relevance to our field.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program?

My favorite part of the online MBA program was the flexibility it provided, allowing me to balance my work, studies, and personal commitments effectively. Additionally, the ability to interact with a diverse group of professionals from various industries and backgrounds facilitated rich discussions and collaboration, enhancing my learning experience. The online format also fostered greater self-discipline and time management skills, which are essential for personal and professional growth.

Even though the program was online, it was also important for me to get to know the campus and UofA in person, so I traveled to Tucson, met with some of the Eller professors, and even attended a football game! This experience motivated me for the online program and I recommend it to all online students. It somehow helped me structure in my mind the challenge and motivated me to keep going.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student?

The online MBA experience was more flexible and allowed me to balance work, study, and personal commitments more effectively. While the in-classroom experience was more structured, the online format fostered greater self-discipline and time management skills.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program?

In an online MBA, what you get in terms of knowledge, skills, and learning depends much more on the student than in an in-person class. An online MBA requires a lot more discipline, and getting the most from the resources that the University offers is mostly linked to the proactivity and willingness to learn from the student. My advice would be: "Squeeze every resource to acquire as much knowledge as possible and try to apply it to the professional world as soon as possible. By repeating and putting it into practice, it will become a habit, and you will start using all those new resources unconsciously."

How has your online education helped you in your current job?

The online education has significantly enhanced my strategic thinking and leadership skills. The knowledge and insights gained from the MBA program have enabled me to implement more effective marketing strategies, drive sustainable growth at Rovensa Next, and make all my projects and processes more efficient.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation?

Yes, I earned a promotion to Marketing Manager about four months before the end of the MBA program. The skills and knowledge I acquired were instrumental in demonstrating my capability for the role.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program?

I pursued an online MBA program because it allowed me to continue working full-time while advancing my education. The flexibility of the online format was crucial in balancing my professional and academic commitments.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA:

On average, I spent about 15-20 hours per week on my online MBA studies. This included attending virtual classes, completing assignments, and participating in group discussions.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal?

My ultimate long-term professional goal is to be prepared and capable of effectively leading any opportunity that I am passionate about, whether it is within an organization or by initiating my own project. To achieve this, it is essential to have the right knowledge and criteria for making well-founded decisions related to processes and people. I am committed to continuous learning and professional development to ensure I am always equipped to lead successfully.