A self-employed audio engineer with no overview of his options, then the decision for a part-time online MBA in Data Management and Digital Marketing.
The studying itself didn't really weigh on me. For me it was more the question of how things should continue afterwards. At first I was unsure whether I even wanted to do another degree. At the same time it was important to me to keep studying part-time and online so I could continue my self-employment as an audio engineer. Back then I simply had no overview of what options even exist and which programmes would make sense for my situation.
The decisive point was when I realised that I did want to continue, but had no idea which path was the right one. I had first looked around for master's programmes myself, but found nothing that really appealed to me. Since Lars also teaches at my university and I therefore already knew him, I remembered him and arranged a consultation. In the conversation we first looked very generally at what options exist at all and which ones might fit my current professional situation. That was also the first time the topic of an MBA came up, which I had not dealt with at all before.
The most important thing for me was getting an overview first. Before the consultation I honestly hardly knew what options exist today or what the differences between the individual degrees are. For example, I previously didn't know the difference between a classic master's and an MBA at all. Together we went through different universities, study models and contents and looked at what fits my situation best in terms of subject, career and organisation. It was especially helpful for me that we looked very concretely at which contents could really be useful for my self-employment. Lars sent me various documents and module overviews so I could look at everything in peace. That allowed me in the end to make a decision that really fits my long-term goals.
The biggest change for me was that I now have a clear plan for my future. Before, I had no idea at all what options I had after the bachelor or which study path would make sense. Through the consultation I now have a clear direction and will soon start my MBA in Data Management and Digital Marketing part-time and online, so I can continue to work self-employed. I also now have a much better understanding of which degrees, study models and specialisations even exist and which of them really fit my personal situation.
I would say, just get an overview first and talk to someone who really knows the field. That is exactly what helped me personally the most. Especially when you are self-employed or don't follow a classic career path, you often have no idea what options even exist. The consultation helped me to better assess my situation and to find out which path makes sense for me in the long term. In the meantime I have even recommended to an acquaintance from the audio field that he get advised too, because I noticed how helpful it can be when someone goes through the different options with you in a structured way.
The information on this page is general in nature and based on my advisory practice (last updated 13.05.2026). It does not replace an official credit transfer or recognition decision by the respective university and is not legal advice. Specific decisions are made by universities, the ZAB (Germany), the BMBWF (Austria), or the SBFI (Switzerland). I clarify binding next steps with you in the initial consultation.
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