LJUBLJANA MBA Alumni Martina Ring Bartol shared insights into why she selected the program and the significant impact it has had on her career trajectory.
What inspired you to pursue an MBA?
Doing the MBA felt like a natural step in my career and I felt drawn to the idea of having it. My expectation was It would expand my knowledge and I would make good friends. I was in awe of just how much knowledge, experience and connections it would bring ultimately.
How has earning an MBA transformed your career and personal growth, and what advice would you give to other women considering this path?
For a long time during my career I suffered from impostor syndrome.
Felt like I didn’t fully deserve my position or that there were so many people more qualified than me. I still believe there are a lot of qualified people out there, but I now know I have earned my place. I have worked for it and the MBA gave me the confidence to say and mean that.
My advice for women BC (before children) is to not even think about it for too long. Try to get somebody else to pay for it, though. If you can’t, it’s still a good investment in yourself. Think of yourself as a Birkin, you will only increase in value.
For women AC (after children) the advice would be: get your ducks in a row, create a plan with a clear timeline and get your partner on board. And even though it’s an important dialogue between you two, it’s ultimately your choice. If you want it, go for it.
What key lessons or experiences from your MBA journey do you believe can empower more women to step into leadership roles?
Seeing all the female professors who are experts in their field, have successful businesses and are mothers at the same time is just incredible. Being close to these wonderful role models who have successfully “done it all” gives others the confidence to do the same.
Can you share a moment during your MBA journey that was particularly transformative or empowering for you as a woman in business?
Sherly Sandberg would say: “Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder.”
On a ladder you can only climb up or down, get on or off, in a jungle gym you can hop from one thing to the other and even to the top.
Seeing so many of my classmates not only change jobs during the two years, but also change their entire careers was very empowering and beneficial. I consider myself very lucky to understand this lesson and I use it not only for my career but also for life.