The Aston online MBA is a global programme for ambitious, working professionals with several years of managerial experience. One of those working professionals is Lucas Leppin, 27, from Hamburg, Germany.

Below Lucas shares some thoughts on what it’s like to pursue an MBA entirely online:

Can you talk a little bit about yourself and your background?

My name is Lucas Leppin (27) and I am a native German who lives in Hamburg. I am fluent in four languages (German, English, Spanish, French) and I studied my bachelor degree in Business Administration (graduation in 2014) in three countries:

• Germany (Leuphana Universität)
• USA (University of Texas at Arlington)
• Spain (Universidad de Salamanca)

I received an Athletic Scholarship in the USA playing for the University of Texas at Arlington as a student-athlete in the NCAA Division I men's tennis team. Currently I’m working for a german company which operates in the field of food and feed ingredients (Regional Sales Manager Middle East).

What prompted you to pursue an online MBA? Specifically, why was online appealing to you?

The reason I was looking for an online MBA is that I really love the job I have and I did not want to quit it in order to study an MBA or Master full-time. I am also not a big fan of evening classes as I am working a lot during the week. Therefore the online MBA provides a great chance to keep my job while allowing me to study with the maximum degree of flexibility.

What has the experience been like? Was it what you thought it would be like and has it met your expectations?

The online MBA is a challenging programme, however successfully manageable if one is able to dedicate time and effort into it. The Aston Online MBA actually has surpassed my expectations in a positive way, as I did not expect the modules to be so perfectly structured within blackboard. I did not expect to get so much guidance on a daily basis from the student advisors and module leaders.

If you were giving someone who was considering an online course advice, what would it be?

I would encourage everybody who is considering an online MBA to do it! My main advice would be to carefully structure in advance when and how much time should be dedicated to studies. Working out a weekly study plan is very helpful to successfully complete the modules.

Would you recommend the Aston programme and if so what aspects of the course do you find appealing?

Yes, I would recommend the Aston Online MBA. I would recommend it because of the good structure of the modules and the constant support from the student advisors. I think it is very important that when embarking on a challenging journey to study an online MBA next to the regular job that one has, it is important to know that there is always someone who can help you.

Is there anything you’d like to add or anything you’d like to talk about that we did not touch on?

Another reason why I choose Aston to study an MBA is the great international reputation of the programme and the triple crown accreditation.

Aston online MBA graduates have the ability to think like a leader, make decisions and execute in the real-world. They put into practice the key concepts gained during the programme and become highly proficient, engaged leaders. The online MBA can be a catalyst for lasting professional success and new opportunities.