Executive MBA Testimonial

Read about Jonas’ motivation and takeaways – and how he managed to pursue an education while advancing his career and growing his family.

What was your professional background before joining the Executive MBA programme?

Before joining the EMBA at DTU, my professional path had already taken me across disciplines. I started out in teaching, moved into IT project management, and today, I serve as Project Director heading the Global IT PMO at NIRAS, a multidisciplinary consultancy operating across the globe.

Over the years, I’ve led major IT rollouts, infrastructure transformations, and process improvements, always with a focus on aligning technology with business strategy. But I reached a point where I knew that to lead effectively on a global scale, I needed to sharpen my perspective, not just on projects, but on business, leadership, and change.

Why did you choose DTU for your executive MBA?

I chose DTU because of its practical approach to leadership, its strong connection to engineering and technology, and the balance between strategy, innovation, and human behavior in a way that’s immediately applicable.

“One of the unexpected highlights of the programme was the opportunity to study at UC Berkeley, something I never imagined myself doing. It had always been a dream to one day set foot at a place like Berkeley and standing on that campus, engaging with top-tier faculty, brought that dream to life. It gave me a fresh, global perspective on innovation and disruption that I now bring into my everyday leadership work.

To anyone considering this programme: it’s a bold step, but a transformational one. You won’t just come out with a degree, you’ll come out as a different kind of leader.”

What surprised you the most during your studies?

“What surprised me the most was just how much the programme was about people. Yes, I gained the tools to work smarter with finance, operations, and strategic execution. But more than that, I learned how to navigate uncertainty, lead across cultures, and create alignment in fast-moving environments. These skills have become central to my work leading global IT projects that span diverse teams and business units.

A highlight of the programme was being part of Cohort 26, an incredible mix of talents, perspectives, and industries. We challenged each other, supported each other, and built a community that made even the toughest modules feel possible. Our professors pushed us to apply what we learned immediately, which made every session relevant to real-world leadership.

They say the EMBA is a “divorce education”, but in my case, the opposite happened. I got married during the programme, and now my wife and I are expecting another child. Balancing family life, a global leadership role, and this kind of intense learning journey was demanding but also deeply rewarding. And it proved that with the right support system, personal and professional growth can happen in parallel.”

How has the programme influenced the way you lead today?

“Today, I lead differently. I think at a higher altitude, not just in project timelines or budgets, but in terms of business value, long-term impact, and the people driving it all forward.”

The EMBA gave me tools, yes – but more importantly, it gave me perspective.

Are you ready to become a different kind of leader? Explore the DTU Executive MBA and take the next step in becoming the leader you want to be.

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