Alumni Spotlight: Ibrahim Mbithi

Ibrahim Mbithi, an MBA graduate in International Business from Schiller International University (2008–2009), embodies the essence of global education and cross-cultural experience. During his studies across Schiller’s campuses in Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Florida, Ibrahim was drawn to the university’s international reach, diverse student body, and personalized learning environment. Now based in Heidelberg and working as Global Solution Owner & Lead Digital Commerce at MANN+HUMMEL, he credits Schiller for shaping his global perspective and opening doors to a dynamic international career.

Can you share some of your fondest memories from your time at Schiller International University?

My time at the Heidelberg and Strasbourg campuses was truly memorable. For a semester, I worked part-time as a student assistant in the bursar’s office, library and also helped set up software in the computer rooms. Three classes stand out in my memory: Small Business Management, Managerial Finance and Accounting, Information Technology Applications in Business and Multinational Business Management. These courses were intellectually stimulating and practical in my opinion. For my MBA thesis, I explored portfolio construction using mutual funds and ETFs from Vanguard, a project that combined my interests in finance and investing. I also did a practical internship at an eCommerce startup in Munich. I was actively involved in the business travel club, organizing trips to various companies and cities which was a fantastic way to bond with classmates, experience new cultures and learn from experienced professionals. It was also a great opportunity to improve my German language skills.

How would you describe the spirit and culture of Schiller during your years on campus?

Schiller’s culture was international and intellectually stimulating. The campus environment was supportive defined by community spirit, collaboration and teamwork. My MBA class attracted students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, industries and experiences which I found enriching. I vividly remember forming a study group to prepare for final examinations and working on a business case project with students from Poland, China, France, Germany, and the USA. I had a student job on campus and remotely worked as a freelancer for an Australian company during my studies to pay for living and tuition fees. These experiences taught me the value of multitasking, listening to diverse perspectives and effective teamwork for professional and personal growth.

Are there any qualities of the Schiller education that you believe continue to benefit students today?

Key qualities of Schiller education that remain relevant today include critical thinking and problem solving. The university also attracts students from diverse backgrounds and cultures which offers an opportunity to learn global communication and experience an international setting. Schiller’s MBA program approach to experiential learning which blends theory with hands-on projects, case studies and industry professionals as instructors, remains incredibly relevant today. My advice to students is to stay curious, embrace challenging projects, and have deep interactions with both professors and peers.

How has your education at Schiller played a role in your life since graduation?

My MBA education laid the foundation for my professional career. Since graduating, I’ve founded a startup company in advertising and cloud computing space, invested in domains, securities and held various roles in global companies across industries like management consulting, consumer goods, healthcare, financial services and automotive. For over a decade now, I’ve worked in digital commerce, marketing and analytics which are fields which fascinate me due to constant evolution and multidisciplinary nature. I must admit that I do not know everything which is why I am always seeking to close knowledge gaps and stay up to date through reading, industry certifications and exchanges with trusted advisors who are better than me. My passion for lifelong learning has proven useful during career transitions.

What do you consider to be the most valuable aspect of your Schiller experience?

Schiller education gave me a global perspective, ability to work across cultures and to come up with solutions to problems.

When I graduated in 2009 it was during the financial crisis and many financial services and other companies were not hiring graduates. So the ability to be resourceful and always having a plan B, continuously learning and being flexible in the face of uncertainty was key in navigating that period. I started my career as an entrepreneur in own startup I founded from scratch which I later exited and joined corporates with equal share of successes and some failures along the way. This has taught me resilience and independence.

Working effectively in multicultural teams and not giving up when projects fail stand out as valuable aspects of my Schiller experience.

At your current position at MANN+HUMMEL, which skills learned or honed at Schiller keep being of use to you?

As a Global Solution Owner and Lead Digital Commerce in the customer experience department, I operate at the intersection of markets, business, and technology. Our team is international and enabling the entire company in digital transformation. I apply skills honed at Schiller such as critical thinking and problem solving when building digital solutions which I first explored as a Google AdSense publisher while at Schiller. My IT, data science and marketing courses sharpened my quantitative abilities, which are crucial in my results-driven role. Leading cross-functional projects and teams with real customer impact is something I find deeply rewarding in my job.

If you could go back to your college student years, is there anything you would do different?

Honestly, I have few regrets except perhaps not investing heavily in the “Magnificent 7” stocks (Meta, Google, Facebook, Apple, Amazon etc.) during the 2008 financial crisis when prices dipped as I was deep into technology trends. If I could go back, I’d be bolder with my small investments and embrace a higher risk appetite.

What advice would you give to current students to help them make the most of their Schiller experience?

Be proactive in building your network, especially with peers, alumni and beyond who can offer mentorship and open doors to internship opportunities. Develop a growth mindset, which is the idea that through hard work, effort and failure you can learn and improve yourself. Above all, stay curious, embrace lifelong learning, believe in yourself and give your best effort in everything you do. Volunteer to lead initiatives and extracurricular activities on campus and keep your career options open. Last but not least learn foreign languages as English alone is not enough.