Philipp Staggat (BEng, Beuth Hochschule für Technik Berlin) London Business Schoool
Before starting his MBA at LBS, Philipp’s interest and specialisation in turbomachinery led him to Siemens AG. While working as a Lead Commissioning Engineer for heavy-duty Gas turbines and Generators, Philipp oversaw up to 400+MW equipment in projects across the globe including the UK. Within four years, he worked in 22 power stations in 14 countries on four continents. In the next role, he managed the construction project of Siemens’ test power plant in Berlin. Additionally, prior to attending LBS, Philipp led various strategic initiatives for the Turbine service department of the regions Europe, Asia, and Africa. The MBA enables him to complement his technical skills with deeper business knowledge, build lifelong relationships, and shape his idea of starting-up a Green Tech company.
What do you hope to achieve through your MBA experience?
My engineering degree and professional experience as a commissioning engineer equipped me with a deeper technical understanding of complex power plant projects. Though, while working as a Project Manager in Strategy I realised more specialised business knowledge would have increased the quality of my work even more. Additionally, I hope that the MBA will provide me with an excellent global network and give me the chance to take the next step in my career progression.
How will you use your MBA to further your career?
During the MBA I plan to further develop my business idea in the green tech sector and in an optimal case that will lead to founding and scaling up the company. Also, I can imagine at a certain point working in strategy and general management for an engineering-related multinational. The network and experience I gain at London Business School will help me to have a profound impact on the way the world does business and the way business impacts the world.
What are your expectations of being part of the SMF network after business school?
As a part of the Sainsbury Management Fellows community, I aim to develop a vast and diverse network in the UK. Also, by actively participating in the wide variety of events and lectures available, I look forward to continuously learning from other engineers, sharing the same fascination with technology.
How do you hope to support SMF after you graduate from business school?
I would love to use the infrastructure to motivate young people to become engineers and tell them my personal message: coming from a strong technical background, you still have the chance to complement your engineering skills with business knowledge, by studying an MBA at one of the best business schools in the world. As an engineer, everything is possible!
How did you learn about the SMF scholarship?
With the excellent support of London Business Schools Degree Education and Career Centre, the scheme was specifically recommended to me. In addition to the substantial online information, I contacted a previous Fellow, who praised the excellent support of the fellowship.
What difference has the scholarship made to you?
The scholarship provides me with a potentially life-changing opportunity of going forward with my business idea during the summer break, instead of pursuing an internship due to financial reasons. Secondly, in order to enhance the quality of my study, I can use the usual two-year exit point of London Business School’s MBA, rather than pushing for the 15-months exit.
What tip would you give someone seeking financial support to do an MBA?
Studying an MBA is a long-term decision and a long-term process. Rather than waiting for the last application rounds, I would recommend that you apply for the best business schools as early as possible. It will give you the chance to carefully evaluate all opportunities and secure financial support at an early stage. Again, an MBA is a long-term decision, and I strongly recommend you use the salary of your current job to gain private savings, which will increase your monetary flexibility by still being financially independent.
To apply for an SMF MBA scholarship, visit our applications page.
