An Inspiring Journey of Balancing Work, Studies, and Parenthood
Annelen Schär
Head of Customer Journey Management and Digital Sales in Region Europe at Mercedes-Benz
The pursuit of higher education is often a transformative and challenging journey. For Annelen Schär, a German national and the Head of Customer Journey Management and Digital Sales in Region Europe at Mercedes-Benz, the decision to join the Global Doctorate of Business Administration (GDBA) program has been a remarkable chapter in her life. In this interview, we delve into her motivations for joining the program, her experiences, and her remarkable ability to balance her studies with the joys of motherhood.
Annelen Schär is a dynamic individual hailing from Germany. Her current role at Mercedes-Benz as the Head of Customer Journey Management and Digital Sales in Region Europe demonstrates her passion for business and customer satisfaction. Before embarking on her GDBA journey, Annelen was already making waves in the corporate world.
Motivation to Join the GDBA Program
Annelen's motivation to join the GDBA program was rooted in her desire for a hands-on approach to a doctorate. "I've always dreamed of pursuing a doctorate with a hands-on approach. That's why I chose the GDBA - it allows me to continue working, offers a structured and supportive program, and provides an international perspective, all within a manageable timeframe." This desire to blend academia with practical experience was a driving force behind her decision.
The Power of Collaboration
Annelen believes that the collaboration between emlyon and Durham University is a perfect fit for her. She explains, "This program is the perfect mix for me because I did most of my studying in France, so it feels like a natural next step but also broadens my academic journey. The fact that both institutions have three major accreditations (EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA) also played a big role in why I chose this program." The blend of French and British academic excellence has enriched her educational journey.
The highlight of Annelen's Global DBA journey was the first module at Durham. She describes it as a thrilling entry into the academic world, where she had the opportunity to meet high-quality peers and engage in discussions with professors about current research, all while incorporating her own practical experiences. It was a fantastic beginning to her personal GDBA journey.
Balancing Work, Studies, and Parenthood
Annelen's journey in the GDBA program took an extraordinary turn when she had a baby during her studies. She testifies “It's definitely challenging, but my amazing husband has been a huge help, and he's the main reason I can work full-time while doing the Global DBA. I'm really proud that I was able to continue the program as planned, without any delays, even though I had my baby during the second module.”
The Significance of International Exposure and Expectations from the Program
Annelen has a deep love for travel and meeting people from different backgrounds. “I love to travel, so getting to visit various places and countries means a lot to me. It's wonderful meeting new people from different countries and backgrounds, and our small cohort has become really close.”
Her goal from the program is to give guest lectures at universities. Drawing from her own experience as a student in France, she found practitioner insights invaluable and hopes to provide the same for others in the future.
Research Focus: Effective Customer Journey Management
Annelen provides a glimpse into her research topic, which revolves around establishing effective customer journey management within organizations. Given her current role in this field, she hopes that her research results will not only benefit her organization, Mercedes-Benz but also offer valuable insights to others seeking to enhance their customer journey management strategies.
"I'm looking to explore methods for establishing effective customer journey management within an organization. Since I'm currently working in this field, I hope that the results of my planned research will be helpful for my organization and others as well."
Conclusion: An Inspiring Journey of Growth and Learning
Annelen Schär's journey in the Global DBA program is a testament to her dedication, ambition, and the unwavering support she receives from her family. Her ability to balance work, studies, and parenthood is an inspiration, and her research aims to contribute to the business world. As she continues her academic and professional journey, it's clear that she will make a significant impact in her field.