This is part of #EberlysGotTalent, a series from the IUP Eberly College of Business and Information Technology that focuses on students who are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities.
Today, we feature Michael Rambow, an MBA student from Wesel, Germany. Michael began visiting the United States back in 2008 when he a young teenager. The university that Michael attended during his undergraduate program has a cooperative program with IUP, which is how he first learned of IUP. Michael attributes IUP's large international exchange program and close proximity to Pittsburgh as two major reasons for choosing to attend IUP.
Studying in a foreign nation provides plenty of learning opportunities outside of those found in the program. Michael has the chance to learn and experience a completely different culture, which very well may prove useful in today's international business environment. "I always wanted to study in the USA to experience their academics system as well as the complete lifestyle. Furthermore, I wanted to improve my English to be prepared for all the challenges of today's international work environment."
Michael has said that the academic structures of the US and Germany are very different. There are very little fees and tuition costs to pay in Germany when pursuing a bachelor's degree, which is not the case here in the US. He does, however, state that he prefers the way classes are taught here in the US "I would describe the MBA program as a professional and still entertaining style of studying. The interaction in the classes and the projects are more similar to a real work experience, than the study of theories would be." Michael has had a smooth integration into the Eberly College thus far and is excited for the remainder of the MBA program.
In his spare time, Michael studies the craft of mixed martial arts. This is his first experience with MMA, beginning his training in the fall 2019 semester. "It also gives me confidence in the classroom and a more balanced life. The confidence and balance come from the meditating aspect of martial arts." On top of training in MMA, Michael ensures that he sets aside time for daily physical exercise. "Fitness training gives me time to clear my mind and to prepare for the next day."
Michael likes that MMA and fitness training provide him with the chance to meet other people who have similar interests and who will push him to reach his full potential. He has no plans on slowing down either, "[I plan] To attend two sessions of practice each week as well as going to the fitness center on a regular basis. It teaches me endurance and how to work under pressure. These two skills will help me in my regular working environment to get the best results possible.
"My values are trust, cohesion, reliability. The most important one to me is trust, because without trust there is no relationship possible. Especially in business manner you have to trust the person you work with."
Michael has plans of returning to Germany to become an analyst at a large bank or to work in corporate relations for a large organization.
About #EberlysGotTalent
The #EberlysGotTalent series features students who are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities. Associate Dean Cyndy Strittmatter is overseeing the project. "We are proud of our students who balance their academics with extracurricular activities and recognize the commitment that it takes to excel at all levels. We look forward to sharing their accomplishments with the IUP community and beyond!"
Written By Tyler Vicari