Full-time MBA career spotlight: Bogotá to Berlin, and a role as a healthtech operations project manager

The ESMT Berlin Full-time MBA (FTMBA) is a hub for diverse, international talent. This results in graduates who forge career paths into diverse and international fields. For Maria Londono, FTMBA Class of 2024, her career path so far has led her from Colombia to Germany, and into a role in the AI healthtech space as an operations project manager. 

In this interview, Maria shares insights from both her MBA studies and her career journey so far. She takes us through her tips for international students in Berlin, gives us an insider’s view of her Responsible Leader’s Fellowship in Indonesia, and explains how she is leveraging what she learned at ESMT in her current healthtech role.

Read on for the full inspiring story:

Hi Maria, please introduce yourself 

Hi, I’m Maria Londono. I’m originally from Colombia and have always been curious about the world, which has taken me to live in four different countries so far. I moved to Berlin three years ago for my MBA, and after that experience, I decided to stay longer.

I currently work as an Operations Project Manager at StratifAI, a healthtech startup, where I enjoy collaborating with people from different backgrounds and turning ideas into real impact.

You graduated with your MBA in 2024. Congratulations! Why did you decide that a Full-time MBA was the right path for you? 

 “I wanted to challenge myself and push my career and personal life to a new level.”

I decided to pursue an MBA because it felt like the right step to grow both professionally and personally. I wanted to gain international experience, meet and learn from people with different perspectives, and broaden my understanding of business beyond my previous experience. Mostly, I wanted to challenge myself and push my career and personal life to a new level. 

What made you choose ESMT? 

One of my colleagues in Colombia, whom I greatly admire, was a former ESMT Executive MBA (EMBA) student and recommended the school to me. I then started learning more about the opportunities ESMT offers and was especially drawn to its location in a dynamic city like Berlin, its relatively small cohort size, the more personalized experience compared to other institutions, and the Responsible Leadership Fellowship program. 

Can you please share some of your favorite memories from the Full-time MBA program?  

I have several favorite moments, but what stands out most are the times we shared as a cohort. One highlight was going to the MBA Tournament (MBAT) at HEC Paris. Traveling together, having fun, and competing side by side created a really strong sense of connection. 

Another memorable experience was our trip to Munich organized by the Career Development Center. Beyond the academic visits, it was a great chance to keep connecting with friends while also experiencing more of German culture, which made the trip even more meaningful.  

What was your wider student experience like? Did you join any clubs and how did they help shape your time at ESMT? 

I was an active member of the Marketing Club and the Women in Leadership Club, both of which greatly enriched my experience at ESMT. Through these clubs, we organized events and hosted speakers on highly relevant topics, such as Marketing in the Age of AI. Being involved allowed me to further develop my skills, learn beyond the classroom, and combine my personal interests with a meaningful contribution to the student community.  

You received a Responsible Student Fellowship after completing the program. Could you tell us how that opportunity happened and what the experience was like?

“Without a doubt, I can say it has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.”

From the moment I learned about the ESMT program, I was very interested in the Responsible Leadership Fellowship (RLF). Without a doubt, I can say it has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

The RLF is a voluntary opportunity that all Master's and MBA students can apply for. And for me, applying was an easy decision. I have always been passionate about learning from other cultures and exploring the diversity of the world, which led me to choose one of the places farthest from home: Indonesia. 
 
There, I worked as a strategic consultant for the INDIKA Foundation, an organization focused on peacebuilding education for Indonesian youth. I collaborated closely with the Managing Director and the Board to define the organization’s strategic roadmap through 2030. Beyond the professional experience, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the Indonesian culture, learn some words in Bahasa, and travel across the beautiful country.  

Why did you decide to study in Europe? Was there anything that drew you to Germany in particular?

I chose Germany, and especially Berlin, because it felt like the right balance for me. I could study in English while challenging myself to learn a new language, and at the same time live in a truly international city. I was looking for a place that felt open, diverse, and culturally rich.  
 
I had already worked for a German company in Colombia, so I was somehow familiar with the work culture and values, which made the move feel more natural and helped me adapt more quickly.

How was the transition from Bogotá, Colombia to Berlin? What have you enjoyed the most about your new city?

“Berlin feels like a city where everyone can find their place.”

I will not say the transition was easy at first. I arrived in Berlin on a Sunday in early January, and my first culture shock was realizing that almost everything was closed. On top of that, the temperature was below zero, something I definitely wasn’t used to.  
 
Over time, though, building a study routine, making new friends, and slowly discovering the city helped me feel more at home. I believe the key is never losing the ability to be surprised. Even something as simple as walking through the streets or taking the subway can be inspiring, hearing different languages, noticing different styles, and passing buildings that reflect important moments in history. Because of this constant sense of discovery, Berlin feels like a city where everyone can find their place.

What is your advice for any Latin American students thinking about getting an MBA in Germany?

I would say the first thing is to be open-minded and ready to embrace a new culture, both in daily life and in the classroom. Germany can be very different from Latin American culture, from the way people organize their time to how they communicate, but that difference is also what makes the experience so enriching.

My advice would be to explore the city you’ll live in, try to connect with people from all over the world, and take every opportunity to learn outside the classroom. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself whether it’s learning the language, joining clubs, stepping out of your comfort zone. For me, being curious and open to new experiences has made all the difference in feeling at home and getting the most out of my MBA.

Did you decide to stay in Berlin after graduation? How did you make that decision?

Yes, I decided to stay in Berlin after graduation because I felt that my cycle here wasn’t over yet. I still had so much I wanted to explore, both personally and professionally, and I felt there were more opportunities to grow and contribute. Staying here just felt like the right next step in my journey.

What is your current role and how did you discover this opportunity?

I’m currently working as an Operations Project Manager at a healthtech startup. I lead cross-functional initiatives from idea to execution and focus on improving processes and ways of working.

I found this opportunity on LinkedIn while I was looking to explore the startup world, particularly at the intersection of healthcare and AI. It felt like a very good fit to combine my experience in strategy and marketing with hands-on work in an innovative environment.

How are you leveraging what you learned in the MBA?

“The program strengthened my strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, which I use every day”

I’m leveraging my MBA in several ways. The program strengthened my strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, which I use every day. It also gave me a broader perspective on business, helping me connect ideas across different functions and understand the bigger picture.

One of the most valuable aspects has been learning to work in diverse teams. In my current company, we have more than 13 nationalities, which reminds me a lot of the diversity in my MBA cohort, something I wasn’t used to when working in Colombia. Experiencing and appreciating different perspectives has made me a more collaborative and adaptable team member.

How do you think an MBA could be useful for someone wanting to work in the medical AI space?

An MBA is very useful in the medical AI space because it teaches you how to connect technology with real-world healthcare challenges. It helps you understand business strategy, regulations, and how to bring innovations to market, while also giving you the skills to work effectively in diverse, interdisciplinary teams, something that’s essential when engineers, doctors, and business professionals need to collaborate to create solutions that truly impact patients.

Finally, do you have any tips for someone thinking about applying to ESMT?

My main tip would be to be very clear about what you want to get out of the program and to be open to experiences that challenge you. ESMT and the city offer a lot more than just academic learning; they are also about building a diverse network, exploring new perspectives, and challenging yourself in ways you might not expect.  
 
I would also recommend connecting with current students or alumni early, if possible. Hearing their stories and insights can help you understand the culture, the opportunities. Finally, approach the application authentically, show your curiosity and your drive.

Thank you, Maria!

Interested in hearing more from Maria? You can see more of her thoughtful insights on LinkedIn