EDU Student Interview Series | Lukas Sieber

We would like to introduce you a new ”Student Interview Series” where we talk to our current students and graduates about highlights and experiences of their journey at EDU Effective Business School.

Our goal is to share the stories from different backgrounds to help all EDU students to get a better feel for a whole study experience.

In the first interview of this series, we talked to Lukas Sieber, a graduate of the MBA program – Coaching, Mentoring, and Leadership, who works as a software engineer and now continues to study LL.M. (Master of Laws).

Lukas Sieber: ”Microlearning built an important regular habit.”

LET’S JUST START WITH, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE EDU EFFECTIVE?

It was a coincidence of several circumstances. I sold an apartment and while waiting for a new house that was not built, I returned home and had more free time. I wanted to use this time in a meaningful way and prepare myself for a new managerial position.
One of the reasons was the experience of micro-management at work and further, insufficient care for subordinates, or maybe a lack of leadership. The above resulted in a loss of motivation or burnout of colleagues, which gradually led to their departure. Re-stabilizing the team was a lengthy and demanding process.
Based on this personal experience, I realized that there is a need to choose a better way for the manager to take care of his people, work with them and develop them.
And also that, the transition from the role of a specialist to the role of a manager means changing the mindset and combining one’s professional work with caring for colleagues. This was the main reason why I chose the MBA management study.
At that time, I came across an EDU Effective advertisement, I got acquainted with the offer and, of course, the affordable price of the program also played a role in my decision-making. Therefore, I did not hesitate to make this investment.
Another purpose was the desire to help their colleagues in their development and personal / career growth.
When I decided to study, EDU Effective was at the beginning of my journey. This means building trust with clients in the beginning.
During my studies, I wanted to see if everything goes as planned. The form of microlearning together with LinkedIn video courses was a new, pleasant experience for me.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE LEARNING?

The main advantages are the possibility to study from the comfort of home and use the time, otherwise spent traveling to the place of study, better. Time flexibility, where even a few free minutes while waiting can be used to acquire new skills. Or just the opportunity to study when it suits you, whether it’s morning or evening.

HOW SATISFIED WERE YOU WITH THE QUALITY AND CONTENT OF THE COURSE LECTURES?

As for the quality of teaching and the content of the study, I evaluate it very positively. The courses are well prepared, beneficial, and focused on practical use.
For example, I was very interested in the block comparing Management and Leadership.
After studying for an MBA, I continue my LL.M. and I was surprised by the complementarity of this combination. The MBA brought me knowledge of how to use the topics covered in practice and LL.M. gives me legal awareness and background.
At MBA and LLM studies, I appreciate short daily blocks, where you can continue your work for 15 minutes and then follow up on other blocks. And at a time when I had the time and desire to study. Thanks to that, I was able to complete even more blocks a day.
Preparation during my studies allowed me to pass the tests successfully. This is in the form of passing through completed, continuous tests, taking notes, or repeating complex material. I later prepared for the final test from the entire program for three to four hours.
I also like the fact that I could study when the available time allowed. It was important for me that I could even skip some days.

COULD YOU RATE THE QUALITY OF EBOOKS AND VIDEOS AS A RECOMMENDED PART OF THE PROGRAM?

These are relevant and high-quality materials. I watched the recommended videos and honestly, it helped me. As for Self Learning, I use it if I’m interested in some articles or videos that I receive in the form of a newsletter.

HOW DO YOU APPLY LEARNING IN REAL LIFE?

I can only evaluate the MBA study that I have completed since the LLM program. I’m just studying.
I use the acquired knowledge, especially in the field of people management. My team will continue to grow and I want to be completely prepared. So far, I am using the results of my studies to lead the first subordinate and to help recruit new colleagues to other teams, where I work with my superior. Whether in the form of video interviews or personal interviews.
A colleague led by me is a very experienced software developer. Based on the findings from the study, we jointly set up, among other things, a regular one-to-one meeting. I try to take a different approach than I have experienced in the past, where a person was thrown into the water without help and had to deal with himself without consultation and advice.
I have prepared and am implementing an adaptation process, where I try to pass on my knowledge and experience to new colleagues.
I try to set precisely defined goals, which we regularly discuss and control so that there is no surprise at the final annual evaluation and so that colleagues know exactly where they are in their fulfillment and have the opportunity to actively influence it.
I explain why it is important to complete the assigned tasks and how they fit into the overall concept of the company. In other words, I shed light on the meaning of the tasks and the importance of the person who performs them.
I look at us as partners and not that I am a leader.
Therefore, if the situation allows, I do not hesitate to delegate the ability to make decisions. I believe that such an approach brings better quality work and also a greater sense of fulfillment from the work.

HOW HAS EDU EFFECTIVE EVOLVED DURING YOUR STUDIES?

I like where EDU Effective has moved during my studies. Whether it’s connecting to the LinkedIn Learning video library, downloading materials, editing tests, or just as an institution.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND STUDYING AT EDU EFFECTIVE TO OTHER STUDENTS?

Of the above benefits of the study, definitely yes. Studying at EDU Effective will help you learn new knowledge and gain new knowledge that can be used in practical life. In addition, thanks to the micro-learning form of the program, it is possible to devote oneself to one’s work and hobbies at the same time.

FINALLY, WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO EDU EFFECTIVE STUDENTS?

Above all, adapt the study to your work type, whether you like to work or study in the morning or the evening, and include the study in your daily program accordingly.This will create an important regular habit.
What I would try to avoid, on the other hand, is to do more blocks a day (more than 2-3), as this can reduce the effectiveness and benefits of the study.
I see it as very important to test the acquired knowledge of practice so that you can experience and realize it in everyday life.
I recommend using the materials offered by the student system such as eBooks, in LinkedIn Learning to download the materials that are for each course or video, which are various tools for implementation in practice, a summary of the material, etc.
As an example, I can cite in LL.M. arranged confidentiality agreements and other materials.
Before the final test, look at the completed tests by individual modules and, if necessary, watch videos.
Personally, it worked for me to write notes that fascinated me. And write down the names of the training so that you can quickly refresh your knowledge when you need it in the future.

Thank you Lukas for the interview and for being part of our community!