Lukas Lukoschek (MEng, Imperial College London), Harvard Business School
Before starting his MBA at Harvard, Lukas worked as an Engineer and Entrepreneur in the Energy Industry. Lukas studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College London. During his studies, Lukas worked on the distribution network and renewable integration at E.On and Western Power Distribution. While finishing his studies, Lukas co-founded, MesPower, a solar mini-grid company focused on bringing electricity to the unelectrified communities in developing countries. His company installed and still operates mini-grids in Asia and East Africa. Lukas moved from London to Kigali, Rwanda, where he managed the rollout and operations of the mini-grid company for the past three years.
When did you start thinking about doing an MBA?
When I managed my solar mini-grid business, I realised that I addressed all decisions with an engineering mindset. This mindset often led me to focus on the wrong aspects of the business. That’s when the idea of an MBA was kindled.
What do you hope to achieve through your MBA experience?
The MBA will equip me with the knowhow to be a better manager, give me time to find a new global challenge I can dedicate my life to, and grant me access to a powerful network of future business partners.
How will you use your MBA to further your career?
I am passionate about technologies solving global challenges. After my MBA I intend to use my newly acquired business acumen and network to tackle a global problem by scaling a technological solution.
What are your hopes/expectations of being part of the SMF network after business school?
The SMF network will be a valuable platform of passionate engineers and business leaders that I hope to become an active part of; I expect to form valuable relationships through the SMF network; I hope to inspire the next generation of engineers to become movers and shakers in our society.
How do you hope to support SMF after you graduate from business school?
Just as I received mentorship as a young engineer, I hope to give back by becoming a mentor to young engineers myself. Furthermore, I hope to become a donor who helps to sustain the SMF program once I graduate.
How did you learn about the SMF scholarship?
Harvard Business School suggested its European students look at the SMF. After I learned about SMF, I contacted a former university friend and SMF fellow who kindly answered all my questions and recommended me to apply.
What tip would you give to someone seeking financial support to do an MBA?
It turns out that there are a lot of financial aid options available. To increase your success chances don’t just apply to a few but instead, apply to all support options for which you are eligible. The universities themselves typically also do have a limited budget for financial support available even if it’s not advertised. Once accepted to a program, there is nothing to lose asking the university for financial aid.
