Let’s climb that mountain together: MSM welcomes new Full-time MBA and Master in Management students

From an opening keynote on the circular economy to skills workshops and alumni networking, MSM’s Introduction Weeks gave the new Full-time MBA and Master in Management students an opportunity to get to know each other, settle into Maastricht and prepare for the year ahead. Held from 21 September to 2 October 2026, the two-week programme combined academic orientation with personal and professional development.

This academic year, MSM welcomed 31 Full-time MBA students representing 15 countries, including six UI-MSM double degree students from Indonesia. The Master in Management cohort brings together 35 students from 11 countries. Together, they form an international learning community with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions.

“You will not be climbing alone”
At the Opening of the Academic Year on Monday 21 September 2026, Dr. Diederik de Boer, MSM Director, welcomed the students with a message of shared commitment: “Let’s climb that mountain together.”

Comparing the year ahead to a mountain climb, he acknowledged that students would encounter challenges as they worked towards graduation. He also emphasised that lecturers, support staff and colleagues involved in career development and extracurricular activities would be there to help them along the way.

“You will do the climbing, but we are here to guide and support you,” he told the new cohorts. His welcome highlighted that studying at MSM involves both academic learning and discovering future directions, developing professional skills and making the most of new opportunities.

Connecting sustainability with business practice
The opening ceremony also featured a keynote by Jan-Pedro Vis, Director Material Management at Renewi, entitled “Market Adoption of Circular Materials: Why Some Circular Materials Scale and Others Stall.”

Drawing on Renewi’s experience of bringing circular materials to market, his keynote focused on the business challenges that influence whether these materials succeed. A framework bringing together barriers and enabling conditions offered students a practical perspective on the relationship between sustainability, innovation and market adoption.

The topic provided a relevant starting point for students preparing to explore complex management questions throughout their programmes.

Building skills for the year ahead
Throughout the Introduction Weeks, students took part in workshops on presentation and improvisation skills, time and stress management, and inclusive leadership. A session on AI tools and policy introduced another important aspect of their academic learning environment.

Campus tours and introductions to IT and information center services helped students find their way around the Tapijnkazerne and become familiar with the resources available to them. Programme presentations and research sessions provided an early introduction to their studies and final research projects, while the Full-time MBA students also joined a kick-off session for the mentorship programme.

Career preparation was another central element. CV writing workshops, introductions to career and support services, and the “Who You Are Matters!” game encouraged students to reflect on their strengths, interests and future direction. Sessions with the Expat Centre and other local organisations helped them become more familiar with living and studying in Maastricht.

For John Gibson Gumapo, Full-time MBA student, these early connections made a meaningful difference:
“Connecting with fellow students and faculty early on helped me build a support system and prepared me mentally and academically for the rigors of the programme.”

Learning from those who have walked the path
The Student-Alumni BBQ on 25 September brought the new cohorts together with alumni for an informal evening of conversation and networking.

For John, this was a particular highlight of the Introduction Weeks:
“Hearing directly from people who have already walked this path provided invaluable tips, practical ideas, and confidence on how to successfully navigate my academic journey.”

Looking ahead, John is especially interested in the thesis, qualifying for and joining the Premium Excellence Program and networking events that can help build connections and prepare for the Dutch job market.

Starting the journey together
The Introduction Weeks concluded on 2 October with a full day of outdoor teambuilding activities. Bringing MBA and MM students together, the event provided further opportunities to develop connections and practise collaboration before moving into their studies.

With new friendships, an introduction to the support available and a foundation of practical skills, the students are ready to begin the next stage of their journey.