Busenur Çakmak

1. Why did you choose to go back to school for an MBA? 

“As a consultant, I knew about businesses, but leadership is important for new roles. It was a big step to go back to school to meet people and learn from different perspectives and backgrounds. With an MBA, I can focus on leadership skills, and how to be a team player and manage a team. RSM’s curriculum, alumni and diversity impressed me, and people in Europe are really diverse.”

2. How is the MBA preparing you to do business in a world in motion?

“RSM’s high-level courses give us new perspectives in every domain of business, from supply chain management to finance, and sustainability to personal leadership development. We don’t just focus on building a process plan, but on how we can make business more sustainable. We make connections between business and sustainability. These broad perspectives make us resilient in addressing those types of issues.”

3. How would you describe your RSM MBA experience so far?

“The highlight is the people around me. We’re highly international. It’s really unique to experience this. We are learning from each other’s experiences. It was a huge change for me to become a student again instead of my life revolving around my work. Now, I have the time to reflect on myself which is highly valuable. Going to campus every day is helping me learn new things. I see this as a gap year from my work life to see what I want to do next. It’s very transformative.”

4. What has been the most challenging assignment or course so far?

“The finance courses! I had some knowledge but wasn’t very capable of sophisticated calculations or quickly interpreting financial reports. I learned how to get insights into how a company performs. It’s challenging, also because you learn a lot of new stuff in the courses, and it’s fast-paced. It’s also helpful that some classmates have a finance background and are very willing to share their knowledge too.”

5. In what way has the Personal Leadership Development programme (PLD) affected you?

“PLD equips you with skills to help you become a better team player and manager by leveraging some tools such as 360-degree survey assessed by you and your previous colleagues. I’m able to incorporate this in my teamwork right away. You’re being forced to reflect and become a better version of yourself – as a person and in business.”

6. How are you planning to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals through business?

“As business consultants, it’s our responsibility to incorporate sustainability in our projects so companies can move forward in a more responsible way. I also want to focus on gender equality, and spread this wherever I go. I want more senior leadership as a woman, and no more wage gap between women and men. I believe that when you incorporate the SDGs in business, that business performance will increase too.”

7. How have you utilised the alumni network and the career development centre so far?  

“RSM emphasizes the power of networking. Everyone in our class connects with alumni. The career centre also gives us tools for our career. We can design a career journey by working with a career coach, and joining career events. It really helps to understand the Dutch market better. The alumni events and career events can be eye-opening.”

8. What advice could you give to people who are considering doing an MBA?

“It’s important to set your expectations and understand which school fits your aspirations most. An MBA is a transformative journey. Do some research to see what aligns with your values and goals in life.”

9. What does the future hold for you?

“I was focused on working in Europe, specifically the Netherlands, as a consultant. I enjoy the Netherlands: the people and the work culture. I’m now also exploring different industries and roles to find a job that satisfies me most. As long as I can make an impact on the business.”