Commuting from Budapest to Berlin for the Part-time MBA

Part-time MBA student Funmi Odunowo could have gone to business school in Hungary. After all, her cybersecurity job and personal network are in Budapest. Yet, Funmi was seeking a more unusual path – and her curiosity brought her to ESMT Berlin.

In this blog, Funmi, Class of 2026, outlines what it is like to commute from Budapest to Berlin twice per module for the Part-time MBA in-person residencies. She explains how she operates the shuffle between work, school, and travel, and why coming to campus is always worth the trip.

And she explains why building her business knowledge amongst strangers who have become friends has become an ongoing source of joy, worth every minute spent juggling a schedule.

Hi Funmi, could you please introduce yourself? 

Hi, my name is Oluwafunmilayo Odunowo. You can call me Funmi. I’m a Nigerian, living in Hungary since 2017. Right now, I work as a Cybersecurity Investigator in Budapest, whilst studying as a Part-time MBA student at ESMT.  

Beyond these, I’m a Christian who enjoys sharing about my faith whenever I get the opportunity to. For me, my faith shapes who I am and becoming; as a person, an employee, and a leader.

You have a background in electrical engineering and cybersecurity. What prompted you to expand your scope and get an MBA?

Well, I wanted to learn corporate language to easily translate IT knowledge/ speech for business. Concurrently, I also sought to gain knowledge for my business ideas still in the incubator.

Why did you choose a part-time MBA program, and why ESMT?

“Without wanting to go down the conventional path, or leave my community and job in Budapest, I opted for the Part-time MBA program.”

I’d start with why I chose ESMT. 

Accessibility – I wanted a city within easy reach of Budapest; this led me to Berlin. 

Unusual – ESMT’s catchphrase was unusual to say the least. “Business as unusual’. I was willing to try the unusual path, which led me to apply to ESMT. 

Without wanting to go down the conventional path, or leave my community and job in Budapest, I opted for the Part-time MBA program. 

Now, I get to travel, have fun at the residencies, and still have my 9-5, easy peasy.

You live in Hungary: why did you choose an MBA program in Germany?

The international experience. Having studied in Hungary for my BSc in Electrical Engineering, I wanted a different education system and an international community. Budapest is as international as it comes, but exploring a new country and understanding its system piqued my curiosity, so I took the opportunity.  

You are now halfway through the Part-time MBA. What has it been like to commute from Budapest to Berlin for the in-person residencies?

Tough yet enjoyable. As a travel lover, I’ve never hesitated to hop on a plane and explore a new city. However, the commute to Berlin is quite frequent and requires a lot of logistics. 

Beyond that, every time I get to Berlin, I enjoy commuting to ESMT because I know I’ll have a great time.

What has been your favorite thing about coming to the ESMT campus?

“There’s such a kindness that can be banked whenever I’m on campus”

The people. There’s such a kindness that can be banked whenever I’m on campus.  I really enjoy being there. I also enjoy the architecture of the building; it’s a beautiful sight for sore eyes.

Yes, and yes. Beyond meeting the professors, I find the residencies are majorly for socializing. Apart from the lunch break catch-up, the cohort typically organizes events after classes. It provides room to bond and get up to speed with different folks. 

What is your ESMT networking experience like? Is it just within your cohort, or do you have a chance to connect with other students or faculty?

It’s been difficult networking with other cohorts since most events are organized outside of the residencies. However, there’s been some opportunity to network with other students during some of our residencies where I’ve met some dear friends.

Within my cohort, networking is so much easier since we get to interact during the residencies and within our study groups. So, you’re never really alone.

You balance work, MBA study, and an international commute. Do you have any time management tips? Do you follow a schedule each week?

“Define your priorities and remind yourself to have fun amidst it all.”

Honestly, there’s no time management tip I’ll say I’ve mastered. The only item I’d share is to define your priorities and remind yourself to have fun amidst it all.

Almost one year in, my schedule is somewhat simple – study after work, and on Saturdays. Sundays are my fun days – no study, no assignments, lots of rest and spending time with my community. This helps me prepare for the week of studying and working, while staying balanced.

What is it like to study partially online? Does the online platform make the process smoother? 

Studying online requires a lot of discipline. Failure to be disciplined means missing out on deadlines and course content. The online platform has been helpful; the course work is segmented into weeks, so you can plan the amount of time needed. Beyond these, you can also join the Teaching Assistant weekly sessions if you do need any help or ask your study group for help.

What are the in-person modules like? Do they give you a chance to expand on the topics you learned online, or are they separate units?

The in-person modules typically build on the topics learnt online. So far, the in-person residencies have been scheduled between the course, allowing for practical expansion and questions.  

What has been your favorite Part-time MBA memory so far and what are you most looking forward to?

“I typically enjoy the catchups when we meet on campus, the events after class, and certainly the joy of going from strangers to friends and folks you can trust.”

Well, I wouldn’t say I have a single favorite memory, but I’ve always enjoyed the joy the Berlin residencies bring. I typically enjoy the catchups when we meet on campus, the events after class, and certainly the joy of going from strangers to friends and folks you can trust.

I’m excited about our International Field Seminar trip to Korea in 2027. I anticipate the shared memories and bonding time it’ll bring.

Do you have any advice for students considering joining the Part-time MBA – especially those who don’t live in Berlin?

“Build your support system and carry them along as you progress through the program.”

Just do it. I wasn’t necessarily sure how I’d manage the commute, study and work, but I found allies and a support system I could rely on. Build your support system and carry them along as you progress through the program. Help them understand what priority is right now and what can be done later. Treat your residencies in Berlin as a getaway and enjoy the process. 

Before you know it, the program will wind up, and you’d have met the best people and formed connections that’ll carry you through life; All while gaining useful knowledge to further your career.

Thank you, Funmi !

Funmi Odunowo works in a cybersecurity role at ExxonMobil. If you would like to enjoy more of her insights on work, commuting internationally, and balancing an MBA with a busy schedule, you can follow her on LinkedIn.