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University of Groningen Business School
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UGBS Executive masters Executive MBA Energy Transition

Why others choose this Executive MBA

Other experiences


"Academic learning and practical experience are not alternatives — they complement each other"

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"Before starting this programme, I believed that after completing my Bachelor’s degree and gaining many years of hands-on industry experience within international O&G companies, practical experience would contribute more to my career than returning to academic study. The Executive MBA on Energy Transition changed that perception. It helped me understand that academic learning and practical experience are not alternatives — they complement each other. The programme broadened nearly two decades of engineering and operational experience into a more strategic, financial and leadership-oriented perspective, while helping me challenge assumptions, see issues from different angles and, most importantly, apply that learning directly to real business challenges.

The most valuable insight for me was learning to see the energy transition as a genuinely multidisciplinary challenge. Before the programme, my perspective was naturally shaped strongly by engineering, operations, reliability and process safety. The EMBA helped me connect these foundations with energy economics, public policy, societal dynamics, business models, finance, branding, leadership and strategy execution.

The impact of following this programme was very practical from the beginning. One of the strongest features was the opportunity to connect academic frameworks directly with real business challenges within my organization.

This progression from understanding the challenge, to developing strategic options, and finally to assessing implementation has been particularly valuable. It strengthened the way I approach investment decisions, operational improvement, sustainability, stakeholder engagement and strategy execution in my professional role.

I also greatly valued the leadership coaching sessions with my industry coach, Ruud de Jongh from Shell, delivered as part of the Effective Leadership Program. These sessions brought a very practical and reflective dimension to the programme and gave me the opportunity to connect academic concepts with my own leadership challenges and development.

Just as importantly, I learned a great deal from my classmates. Their different industries, functions, cultures and professional experiences made many discussions more valuable than any single textbook or lecture could have been. For me, this peer-learning dimension was one of the strongest parts of the programme.

I would recommend this programme to experienced professionals who, like me, want to step beyond their usual area of expertise and look at energy and business challenges from a wider perspective. What I valued most was the balance: the programme connects strategy, finance, policy, society, leadership and business with an engineering understanding of how different parts of the energy system interact.

Its practical relevance is another major strength. The Integration Projects allowed me to apply academic learning directly to real organizational challenges, making the experience much more meaningful.

For me, the programme was about more than earning another qualification. It was about growth, perspective, discipline and rediscovering the value of structured learning after many years in industry.

I also appreciated the academic pathway it provides. Receiving a Master of Science degree alongside the Executive MBA makes the programme distinctive and, for those who may wish to continue academically, creates a pathway toward PhD studies.

Overall, the experience strengthened both my professional perspective and my commitment to continuous learning".

Hikmat Mammadli, Operations & Maintenance Director at TANAP, Turkey - Alumnus 2026


"Practical approach makes the learning experience extremely relevant and impactful"

Juan Tomasini

"I chose the EMBA in Energy Transition to gain a deep understanding of the dynamics reshaping the global energy landscape and to prepare myself to lead effectively in this new framework. The programme provided not only solid technical knowledge about energy transition but also valuable leadership training. I could immediately apply this to strategic projects within my company, from O&G exploration to green hydrogen developments at different scales. This practical approach made the learning experience extremely relevant and impactful for my professional role.

One of the most enriching aspects of the EMBA was the collaboration with peers from diverse companies and backgrounds. Working on team assignments and engaging in discussions during classes allowed me to learn as much from fellow students as from the lecturers themselves. These interactions broadened my perspective and helped me understand how different sectors are approaching the transition.

The quality of the faculty was exceptional; lecturers were highly experienced and well-prepared, bringing cutting-edge insights and real-world expertise to every session. Combined with the diversity of the cohort and the programme’s strong focus on practical application, this EMBA offers a unique opportunity for professionals navigating the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition. I strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to stay ahead and make a meaningful impact in this evolving sector".

Juan Tomasini, Head of Hydrogen at ANCAP, Uruguay - Alumnus 2025


"Excellent investment to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry"

Marcin Glegola

"I chose the EMBA in Energy Transition because I was already working in the oil and gas sector and felt a growing need to understand how the global shift towards sustainable energy would impact my industry. I wanted to be part of that transformation, and this programme seemed like the perfect opportunity to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge.

During the programme, I made already a significant career change, moving from oil and gas into a leadership role that directly focuses on the energy transition. This EMBA gave me the confidence to navigate this shift successfully, equipping me with the tools to make an immediate impact in my new position.

The programme provided deep insights into the energy transition, particularly in understanding how regulatory, technological, societal, and financial factors interact to drive the change. Lectures, case studies and hands-on projects equipped me with practical skills in analyzing external trends, developing strategies, and executing them effectively. Additionally, I enhanced my leadership abilities, not only through academic content and discussions, but also by working with professional coaches provided by the programme.

And finally, collaborating with fellow students, exchanging experiences and ideas, and building meaningful friendships were also some of the most rewarding aspects of this journey.

I would highly recommend this EMBA to anyone working in the energy sector or related fields. The program not only equips you with key insights about the future of energy, but also provides a solid foundation in leadership and strategic thinking. It’s an excellent investment for those looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry".

Marcin Glegola, Project Development Lead Decarbonization at RWE Generation - Alumnus 2024


"Great knowledge"

Paul van Velzen

"Choosing the Executive MBA Energy Transition is choosing for great knowledge and insights into the energy transition in a fast pace. You learn what the boundaries and endless opportunities are and how to fulfil your own role in this field. It's an interesting journey with great professionals from the sector and other participants from around the world. Choose this great opportunity to unlock the potential of the transition for your organization, your own career and above all our planet!"

Paul van Velzen, Manager Sourcing, Pricing & Intelligence · ENGIE Energie Nederland NV - Alumnus 2023


Bartlomiej Herodecki

"First of all, I wanted to continue my education and integrate my professional experience as an entrepreneur and manager with educational theory, as well as collaborate with other professionals. Secondly, I was looking for an educational institution with a recognized quality of educational services. The fact that the University of Groningen belongs to the top global universities convinced me to investigate the opportunity of pursuing an Executive MBA with this school. Finally, I believe that the specialisation of this programme (Energy Transition) is quite unique and much needed in current times. I am convinced that the set of information, skills, and abilities that I will gain, as well as the extension of my professional network, will be a valuable investment for my future career.

The two strongest points of this program are the high level of substantive knowledge conveyed and the excellent cooperation and atmosphere between students and lecturers. The selection of classes and lecturers is of a high standard and allows for obtaining knowledge at the highest global level. Although most lectures are held remotely, a warm yet substantive atmosphere has been created, which will stay with course participants for a long time.

When starting the course, I had no prior experience in the field of Energy Transition and myy knowledge was quite limited. Over the course of 2 years, I managed to grasp the basic concepts related to energy market functioning and gain knowledge about the expected directions of changes at the societal, legal, technical, and business levels. Currently, I am working on implementing the concept of microgrids into practical realities in my city. All of this is thanks to the knowledge I acquired during my studies.

Soft skills related to project management, people management, and career management are also important factors. I had the opportunity to confront my own experiences with academic theory and the experiences of other colleagues. In today's world, energy and climate issues are becoming increasingly important. It is difficult for me to imagine any field of activity that will not concern these areas.

The knowledge acquired during the course will provide participants with a solid substantive resource, which should be recognised by employers, business partners, and society at large. I wish I could do it one more time".

Bartlomiej Herodecki, Energy Consultant, Lodz, Poland - Alumnus 2023


Last modified:15 September 2026 10.28 a.m.