Finding the perfect fit

“In my mind, I knew I wanted to do an MBA,” Walter says. “I saw it as a door to new opportunities. And I had always dreamed of studying abroad, so I started looking at programmes in the USA and Europe. I looked at the top 100 MBAs and found Vlerick – and when I explored the programme content and international aspect everything made sense. It was a perfect fit.”

Once he started the MBA, Walter found that not only was Vlerick a perfect fit, but Belgium was too. “The beauty of Brussels is the international feel and mix of cultures,” he says. “I love meeting people from different backgrounds – and it’s easy to make conversation because everyone is open and trying to fit into a new environment. Once you get to know Belgium, you really like it.”

Learning from others

This diversity extended to Walter’s fellow MBA participants too. He says: “My group was amazing, with a great mix of internationals and Belgians. It’s important to study with people who have local knowledge of the market if you’re in Belgium – you want to learn how they do things because it’s the first place you’re going to look for a job. It was rewarding to have a mix of experience levels too. Someone with a fresh pair of eyes approaches a challenge differently from someone with lots of experience. You can learn a lot from this.

“The MBA class really is like a family. Even though we spent a lot of time together during the programme, I didn’t think we’d still be in touch three years later. But we have monthly zooms and last time we got together in person, people came from all over the world”.

Living and learning business

Walter knew his MBA would take his knowledge to new heights – but he also wanted to learn how to implement this knowledge in the workplace. And there were plenty of opportunities to do this at Vlerick.

“The courses have a big practical element,” he says. “For example, the corporate strategy class was amazing – you got to develop a strategy for a company and present it to the owners. But the biggest area where you put theory into practice is the knowledge-in-action project.”

When Walter started his MBA, he wasn’t interested in working for a big company – but this mindset shifted during the programme. So when the time came to start his project, he really wanted to go to Anheuser-Busch InBev.

“I wanted that big corporate experience,” he says. “And I really got that on this project. The people we worked with were really engaged, they gave us constructive feedback and really helped make us feel part of the team – and this pushed our work to the next level. When you work on a project like this, it really helps you understand a company’s culture and if it’s the right place for you.”

Taking the leap towards his dream role

AB InBev turned out to be the right place for Walter. He started to pursue a career there during the project.

“Vlerick gives you opportunities to get what you want – but it’s up to you to make it happen,” he says. “I identified a specific role I wanted, then reached out to a Vlerick alumnus who connected me with the hiring manager. We had a conversation that became an interview – and after I graduated, I got a job working in innovation.

“The knowledge-in-action project was a great introduction to AB InBev and such a valuable way to get an inside perspective. I was lucky to get onto the project, but I definitely made the most of it.”

Working at a higher level

Walter believes the value of the MBA is in the level of quality it instils in people. He says: “Vlerick took my skills to a new level and this translates into how I work now. From a knowledge perspective, my favourite course was corporate strategy – learning to see the big picture and think ahead. These are all things I do in my current role. An MBA is about being above the average.”

Making a home in Belgium

“I was 26 when I came to Brussels and to Vlerick. It was the right time to take a risk. Sometimes, you have to go big or go home – and I decided to go big with Vlerick. It turned out to be the right move.”

Walter Moran graduated in 2018.

Full-time MBA

Our triple-accredited, 10-month, full-time MBA will change your life and accelerate your career path. Your journey will be hands-on and impactful – living and learning the skills, approaches and connections to become the agile leader top organisations need. 

Learn more