Patrick Deubach

ESMT Berlin

“I innovate technology and develop products that meaningfully improve people’s lives through practical, sustainable solutions.”

Age: 28

Hometown: Erfurt, Germany

Fun fact about yourself: I love to cycle 24h non-stop, and I like it for real.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Dipl. Ing Mechanical Engineering at TU Dresden, Dresden

Where are you currently working? I am working as a Software Project Lead for electric drivetrains in commercial vehicles at ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a global technology leader in driveline and chassis technology. My role bridges engineering and innovation to help shape the future of sustainable mobility.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am most proud of launching multiple driveline products across diverse global markets for different customers simultaneously. Coordinating such complex, multi-stakeholder projects required not only technical precision, but also cultural sensitivity, agile leadership, and strategic alignment, making it a significant milestone in my career.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose ESMT’s Global Online MBA program because of the great fit in terms of quality, reputation, and curriculum. A particularly impressive open-door event, combined with having friends and colleagues in Berlin, solidified my decision.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite part of the online MBA program was meeting people from all over the world with diverse backgrounds, even if it was mostly online. I especially enjoyed the in-person events at the school, which greatly helped me expand both my horizons and my professional network.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? As an undergraduate student, I could fully focus on studying and enjoying my free time. In contrast, pursuing the online MBA required me to juggle full-time work, family commitments, and coursework simultaneously. This experience taught me ruthless prioritization, effective time management, and the importance of maintaining both mental and physical resilience.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? My best advice is to start with a clear “why”—understand your motivation from the outset. Align the program with your career path and personal life right from the beginning. Treat the MBA like a living strategy: reassess your approach regularly and adapt as needed. Success lies in treating the MBA not as a side project but as a fully integrated part of your life.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? The online education has given me the business acumen to complement my technical expertise. I am now better able to understand the strategic drivers behind decisions, communicate more effectively across disciplines, and deliver greater value by aligning technical solutions with broader business goals.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? I did not receive a formal promotion—yet—but I have experienced a significant increase in recognition and responsibility. ESMT’s online MBA program equipped me with the tools and credibility to contribute more strategically, allowing me to deliver tangible value through new insights, frameworks, and an expanded professional network.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? I pursued an online MBA because it was the most pragmatic choice. Relocation was not an option for me, and both time and financial considerations made the online format the most viable path. It offered the flexibility I needed without compromising on quality or engagement.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? One standout feature was the integration of a custom AI assistant, trained on program materials, which supported us in navigating coursework and enhancing our research efforts. The program placed a strong emphasis on the responsible use of AI, particularly in areas like data visualization, ideation, and background research, while ensuring that exams remained strictly human-driven. I gained a clear understanding of AI’s strengths and limitations. AI proved to be excellent for accelerating tasks such as research, brainstorming, and content generation, but it also requires critical oversight. This experience helped me develop a strategic sense for when and how to use AI effectively in real-world applications.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: I dedicated approximately 20 hours per week to the online MBA program, even during vacation periods.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate long-term professional goal is to empower people through technology—not just by building smarter systems, but by ensuring that they are applied practically, ethically, and sustainably. I aspire to act as a bridge between innovation and real-world impact, making complex transformations accessible and meaningful.

DON’T MISS: BEST & BRIGHTEST ONLINE MBAS: CLASS OF 2025