A sneak peek in the life of full-time MBA alumnus Joseph Micheli

Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
After spending several years in technical roles, I began to notice a knowledge gap, especially around how businesses make budgeting decisions, secure funding, and manage internal politics to push forward new initiatives. I realised that in order to truly grow and contribute strategically, I needed to better understand the business side of operations. Pursuing an MBA felt like the logical next step to broaden my perspective and enhance my ability to work cross-functionally across departments.

Why did you decide to pursue a full-time MBA at Maastricht School of Management?
I was drawn to Maastricht School of Management because of its international, on-site nature and the affordability compared to similar programmes in the U.S. or U.K. A colleague in Germany had recommended MSM to me, highlighting its strong curriculum and diverse student body.

I was excited about the opportunity to learn in a global environment surrounded by professionals from different cultures and backgrounds.

Looking back on my time at MSM
My time at MSM was truly transformative. I was, on average, 7–8 years older than many of my peers in the programme, which gave me a unique vantage point to reflect on both personal and professional growth. It was a deeply enriching experience, full of learning, challenge, and inspiration. Despite the unexpected disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme adapted in ways that showed creativity and resilience, both qualities I took with me.

What are some of your fondest memories from your time at MSM?
One of my most memorable experiences was our Leadership and Organizational Behaviour course with Dr. Stephanie Jones. While this class was originally meant to be taught in person, it was transformed into a fully online experience during the early days of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Despite the isolation and uncertainty we all felt, Dr. Jones introduced an incredibly creative approach, using The Lord of the Rings trilogy as a metaphor for leadership styles and crisis management. We analysed how different leaders handled adversity and how they united towards a common goal. The course offered not just academic value, but also emotional and psychological support during a very difficult time.

A little bit more about my professional journey…
After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, I began my career at Siemens in Germany, working in the Rail Automation division. Over time, I progressed into a leadership role, managing a cross-functional team that developed software solutions for railroad clients. I was responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring we delivered on time and within budget, and aligning our efforts with the overall strategy of the division. I remained in that role until 2022.

In mid-2022, I transitioned to Delta Air Lines, where I currently serve as a Technical Product Engineer. This role has shifted me into the world of technical product management. I act as the interface between business stakeholders and the IT development teams. My work involves partnering with business leaders to define product visions, shaping roadmaps, and guiding development from conception through delivery. I enjoy connecting strategic ideas with technical execution to bring impactful digital tools to life for our Schedules and Network Planning teams.

How do you feel your MBA at MSM has helped you prepare for your career?
My MBA at MSM gave me the business lens I had been missing. It transformed me into a more well-rounded professional with the ability to think beyond just the technical aspects of a project. I developed skills in financial analysis, budgeting, and strategic planning, all of which help me evaluate the feasibility and business impact of new ideas. Additionally, MSM placed a strong emphasis on communication and presentation, which now enables me to distill complex concepts quickly and share them effectively with stakeholders.

The Full-time MBA taught me how to work efficiently in multi-cultural teams and to lead with awareness in global settings, skills I use every day at Delta.

Are there any specific skills or lessons learned during your time as a student that you find particularly valuable in your professional or personal life?
Several skills from MSM continue to serve me today. One is the ability to prepare structured presentations quickly and clearly, a skill that’s essential in a fast-paced business environment. Another is analytical thinking: being able to absorb complex information quickly, synthesize it, and draw actionable conclusions. I also gained a strong foundation in understanding how company finances work which helps me connect technical work to financial outcomes. But perhaps most importantly, I learned how to collaborate in multi-cultural, diverse teams, which is invaluable in a global company like Delta.

Are you still benefiting from the MSM MBA in your current day-to-day work and life? If so, how?
Absolutely. The MBA provided a framework for approaching problems holistically. I often find myself applying lessons from MSM when balancing product decisions, weighing technical feasibility, customer value, and business impact. I also continue to use the interpersonal and leadership skills developed at MSM, especially when navigating team dynamics and stakeholder alignment.

Whether I’m developing a roadmap, analyzing a business case, or facilitating cross-departmental discussions, the insights and mindset I gained at MSM continue to guide my work.

My goal for the future…
In the future, I aspire to move into a senior leadership role in aviation, specifically one that continues to bridge the gap between business and technology. I’m passionate about creating meaningful digital products that support large-scale operations, and I want to lead organizations where IT strategy directly contributes to customer value and operational excellence. My long-term goal is to shape the future of aviation through innovative, tech-driven solutions.

How did you experience studying abroad?
Although I had already lived abroad in Germany, studying in Maastricht was a distinctly unique experience. The city is incredibly international, a truly multicultural environment with people from all over the world and countless languages spoken on the streets. It’s the birthplace of the European Union, and you can feel the global perspective it fosters. I loved how bike-friendly and well-connected the city was via public transit. While Dutch was a challenge, it wasn’t a barrier, as nearly everyone spoke English fluently. Still, I made it a point to take evening classes in Dutch to immerse myself and show respect for the local culture.

My advice to current and future MBA students
Do what you love — that is the most important thing. The MBA journey will open many doors and present you with countless options, but at the end of the day, pursuing something you’re truly passionate about will always lead to more meaningful and fulfilling outcomes, both personally and professionally.

I am incredibly grateful for the MSM experience. Even during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme and its community adapted with resilience and creativity. The diversity, academic rigor, and human connection I found there will stay with me for a lifetime. It’s a place where people from all backgrounds come together to grow and I’m proud to be part of that global network.

I also believe in giving back, both professionally and personally. Since joining Delta, I’ve proudly served as a JetDrag captain to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and have volunteered in our airports during busy travel seasons. Whether it’s through mentorship, community service, or cross-functional collaboration, I’m always looking for ways to support others and be part of something larger than myself.

Do you also want to join the full-time MBA and develop your management skills in a diverse, international and multicultural environment? Click here for more information about the programme, the curriculum, the available scholarships and the admission requirements. You can also chat with current students and alumni and get first-hand insights in how they have experienced the programme. The next intake will start in September 2026. Or get in touch with Inka Diddens at inka.diddens@maastrichtuniversity.nl if you have any further questions.

*The content of this blog reflects the personal experiences of the alumnus and is not affiliated with Delta Air Lines.