Executive MBA Graduate

Read about Ling’s motivation and takeaways – and how she transformed her leadership approach and gained a broader business perspective while continuing her career in technology management.

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

I am a senior manager in quality at Oticon, a company at the forefront of hearing aids innovation. I hold a degree in Computer System Engineering from DTU and have over 10 years’ experience in working as a software developer.

What motivated you to do an Executive MBA – and why did you choose DTU?

“While Oticon has a strong culture and actively supports the growth of women leaders, it prompted me to reflect: Do I have competencies beyond the technical domain? Am I curious and willing to explore those areas? Do I aspire to become a better leader? Answering these questions led me to pursue an Executive MBA programme to further develop myself both personally and professionally.”

Why DTU: “I explored various Executive MBA programmes in Denmark and quickly found that DTU stands out as the most suitable choice for me, given my technical background. Since my career continues to focus on technology management rather than pure finance or marketing, DTU’s emphasis on digital innovation and its hands-on Leadership Lab make the programme particularly compelling. These elements strongly align with my professional goals.”

What surprised you the most during your studies?

“Besides the knowledge I have gained in strategy, marketing, and finance, the programme has also provided deep personal insights. As a leader, I began to understand my strengths and weaknesses along the way. I have learned not only from the coursework but also from my classmates, gaining different perspectives and experiences. Through this process, I have developed a clearer understanding of the kind of leader I am – and the kind of leader I aspire to become.”

“My improved understanding of key areas such as marketing, finance, and operations has helped me better align with what’s happening in my workplace.”

This broader perspective has enhanced my ability to manage stakeholders more effectively and contribute to more informed decision-making at work.

How has the programme influenced the way you lead today?

“The knowledge I gained in strategy, marketing, and finance has greatly enhanced my ability to collaborate with stakeholders across different functions in the workplace. I now approach tasks with a more holistic perspective, which makes cross-functional collaboration more effective. For instance, I can better understand and engage with value proposition presentations from marketing or contribute meaningful input to reorganizations within R&D.”

“The programme has provided valuable insights into my leadership style and skills, increasing my self-awareness in daily work situations.”

“It has also had a significant impact on my leadership development. I feel more confident as a leader – not only because I have grown, but also because I now have a clear vision of the kind of leader I want to become.”

What would you say to someone who is considering applying?

“If you are a lifelong learner seeking to further develop your leadership skills and broaden your knowledge – while continuing in your current role – an Executive MBA can be a valuable path.

It does require commitment and extra effort, but if you believe in your potential, the journey will be both rewarding and transformative.”

Curious what kind of leader you could become? See how the DTU Executive MBA builds confident leaders with strategic clarity.

Read more about our Executive MBA.
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