Matthew Mattathu: A Profile of a Gisma Alumni
Background
Mathew Mattathu studied the MBA at Gisma in Hannover between 2006 and 2007, when the programme was awarded by Purdue University, and has since gone on to have a very successful career at Rolls Royce Deutschland. He shared his thoughts on his time at Gisma, and his journey since graduating.
Born and raised in Kuwait but with Indian roots, Mathew comes from an engineering background, specialising in the turbine industry, and has worked in many countries including Kuwait, India and Germany. However, he has had a diverse work history, including spending some time working in the music industry as a project manager.
Gisma
One aspect of the MBA programme that attracted Mathew was the ability to complete his qualification in one year, allowing him to continue with his career quickly in a country well aligned with his engineering background. Additionally, the MBA programme prepared students well for future employment and stands out on a CV. Many graduates from Mathew’s programme have progressed onto successful careers within Germany and at international companies such as Boston Consulting Group.
Mathew also liked the level of diversity on the MBA programme. Gisma attracts students from around the globe as well as with many different academic backgrounds. This made for interesting collaboration, especially on group projects, where Mathew was able to develop his skills as a diplomatic project leader.
Life in Germany
Mathew believes that Germany is a great place to study, live and work. Therefore, since finishing his MBA, Mathew has worked hard to learn German, has become a German citizen, and now lives with his family in Berlin. He currently works for Rolls Royce in Brandenburg, just outside Berlin, as a programme manager. Rolls Royce is a company he believes will continue to innovate and diversify to navigate the adverse effects the pandemic has had on the global economy.
There have been some changes at Gisma since Mathew was a student. Firstly, the MBA programme is now offered in partnership with Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM), a triple-accredited business school. The programme has been ranked among the world’s top 100 Global MBAs. Our GEM MBA graduates can also expect to be on an average starting salary of €61,000 per annum. In addition, Gisma now offers free beginner German lessons with the option to progress onto a full German language programme later on at a partner Gisma Language School.
Mathew’s advice to future business school graduates is: ‘Be realistic about the opportunities available and make sure you upskill yourself as much as you can to reach your ambitions.
