How to Balance Work and Studies: Korbinian’s Academic Journey at HHL

Balancing a career and a part-time MBA  is no small feat. It requires dedication, strong time management, and the ability to juggle professional responsibilities with academic commitments. At HHL, many students choose the part-time program to advance their careers without putting them on hold. Korbinian is one of them. We had the opportunity to talk to him about his journey at HHL, why he chose the part-time MBA over a full-time program, and how he successfully manages his workload while still making the most of student life. From structured classes to time management strategies, he reveals how studying alongside work enhanced his professional growth.

Choosing HHL: Full-Time or Part-Time MBA?

How did you come to study at HHL? Did you ever question doing a full-time program instead?
Well, I got to know some HHL students and alumni, and that really piqued my interest in the school – that’s why I decided to apply. Initially, I had planned to pursue a full-time program and do a career program. However, I really enjoyed my job and seeing the career development and progress that came with it while studying.

What to Expect from the Part-Time MBA Program

How does the part-time program look like, and what’s the setup in terms of location?
The part-time program involves weekend courses in Leipzig every five weeks. We typically start on Friday at 4 PM with research and updates, and then there are courses on Saturday. It does demand some support from companies, as they need to give some time for studying and travel. However, in the end, it’s a win-win for both parties.

What did you like most about your studies?
I really like the community here. There’s a nice exchange of ideas – everyone has rich practical experiences according to their study and working backgrounds. Group work is perfect for gaining knowledge that you can immediately apply to your job. For instance, I learned about HR models and could implement them directly while leading my team.

Time Management: Balancing Work, Study, and Life

How do you find balance in combining work and studying?
Some weeks can be tough timewise, especially when I spend around 50 hours at my job and prepare presentations for my studies. At times, I’ve had to make choices between studying, partying, or getting some rest. However, even when we’re in Leipzig for classes, we make sure to find time for a nice meal at a restaurant, keeping a balance between work and life.

How do you prepare for and follow up on your courses?
I usually start reviewing the course materials 2-3 weeks in advance, as some require significant preparation. For post-course work, I review all deadlines and prioritize the courses based on when they need to be submitted. I prefer to work on one course at a time. Transitioning between work and university is already challenging, and if I’m working on three assignments simultaneously, it can be quite distracting.