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From Chemistry to Leadership: My Executive MBA Journey

Executive MBA student Diana Khlan shares her inspiring journey from studying chemistry at TU Wien to advancing her career with an Executive MBA.

Diana Khlan

With the ever-evolving challenges of today’s world—spanning environmental, political, and technological changes—it became clear to me that advancing my education was essential to staying ahead in my career. This realization led me to join the Executive MBA Advanced Technologies & Global Leadership program at TU Wien, specializing in Deep Tech in collaboration with Caltech.

 

A Strong Foundation at TU Wien

Choosing TU Wien was a natural decision for me, as it is where I completed my Master of Science in Technical Chemistry under the guidance of Prof. Gärtner. My educational journey began at TU Wien after working at the Austrian Center of Tribology (AC2T) in Wiener Neustadt, where I gained valuable experience as a chemist in synthesis. The opportunity to continue working while pursuing my master's degree was made possible by AC2T, for which I am truly grateful.

Gaining Expertise at Infineon Technologies

Following the successful completion of my master's, I moved to Villach to join Infineon Technologies, opens an external URL in a new window as a Quality Engineer in Production. This role allowed me to gain experience in chip production units, enhance my problem-solving skills through methodologies such as Six Sigma and Lean, and develop expertise in change management from a quality perspective. Recognizing my strong communication skills as a key asset, I transitioned to project management and product development at Infineon. Here, I thrived in a structured environment, excelled as a team player, and saw the culmination of my efforts in the final products of Infineon.

The Next Step: Executive MBA in Advanced Technologies

However, I firmly believe that there is no further development possible without continuous education. Therefore, as already mentioned, I started the MBA program in October 2024 with a trip to the masterclass at Caltech. It was an incredibly exciting experience for me, as I learned about and explored new technologies and possibilities such as AI, robotics, and cloud integrations. I am very grateful to TU Wien and Industriemagazin, opens an external URL in a new window Österreich for recognizing my potential and awarding me a generous scholarship. I am excited about the bright future that this opportunity will bring and look forward to further growth and success in my career.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re considering advancing your career through innovative education, explore the opportunities at TU Wien and discover how you can shape your future in leadership and technology. 

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