New fields in corporate culture and leadership, driven by the New Work approach, have developed rapidly in recent years. Our Head of People & Culture, Nora Kammerl-Frank, leveraged her strong interest in this area and expanded her expertise by completing an MBA program. She graduated at the end of 2024, and we are incredibly proud to congratulate her on this remarkable achievement, accomplished while managing both her job and family. Why did she choose to pursue this additional degree, what was important to her, and how did she manage it? Nora shares all this in an interview.
First of all: Hats off, Nora! What an incredible achievement to balance this with your busy daily life! Could you tell us a bit more about your MBA program – what was it about and how did it go?
Nora Kammerl-Frank: I chose to pursue an MBA program offered by Quadriga University in Berlin. The specialization “Leadership, People & Organization” focuses on strategic personnel and organizational development, putting people at the center. Students learn to design transformation processes in companies, addressing the personal development of individual employees, the navigation of individual and team performance, and new organizational models.
The part-time program is interdisciplinary, combining strategic and operational expertise with leadership and business skills. The standard duration is 1.5 years, and the seminars/lectures mostly take place on weekends or evenings.

What motivated you to further your education in this particular field?
Nora Kammerl-Frank: It had been around 15 years since I graduated, having studied Media and Communication Management with a focus on Advertising at the Duale Hochschule in Ravensburg. Afterward, I worked for over a decade as an account manager in a traditional advertising agency.
During that time, a new marketing field gained importance: employer branding. Many industries faced increased competition for qualified professionals, while employees’ priorities shifted. Younger generations, in particular, value aspects like corporate culture, development opportunities, and sustainability. A strong, credible, and attractive employer brand addresses these values, helping companies stand out, attract talented employees, and inspire them.
I found this field so fascinating that in 2020, I completed training as an Employer Brand Manager and developed a passion for HR. I was able to apply this passion at my previous employer and even more so now at WARGITSCH Transformation Engineers. It was important for me to gain a solid academic foundation in addition to practical experience – one that reflects the latest knowledge and trends. I firmly believe that in these fast-paced times, aligning personnel and organizational development with a company’s overall strategy is vital for its survival. And that’s exactly what I learned during my studies.

You’ve surely been able to apply some of the skills and knowledge you gained in your role as Head of People & Culture. Could you share some examples?
Nora Kammerl-Frank: Yes, I’ve already been able to put several concepts from my studies into practice – for example, in developing a new compensation and benefits strategy, in our internal competency and performance management, and I have many more ideas lined up for 2025. Some of these ideas were developed during my master’s thesis, which I was able to write practically on the topic “Personnel Development 2025: A Guide for the WARGITSCH Transformation Engineers.”
Besides the knowledge and skills gained during the program, the exchange with lecturers and fellow students was incredibly valuable. The experiences shared within this network are immensely helpful, and I’m confident I’ll stay in touch with many of them.
What challenges did you face during your part-time MBA studies, and how did you overcome them?
Nora Kammerl-Frank: The biggest challenges were definitely time and money! Financially, the partial scholarship from Quadriga and support from WARGITSCH Transformation Engineers helped – I was able to fully invest my continuing education budget into the program. Flexible working hours at WARGITSCH also made things easier, but in the end, the program still required a lot of extra hours. I had to forego attending the seminars and lectures in Berlin in person and completed the entire program remotely. On study weekends and evenings, my husband took care of our children, which was the only way I could manage the program.
What advice would you give to colleagues interested in pursuing part-time studies?
Nora Kammerl-Frank: I recommend thoroughly researching the available fields of study, degrees, and universities. The options are diverse and often overwhelming. Before deciding on my program and university, I looked at the resumes of alumni and even reached out to some of them to ask about their experiences.
It’s also crucial to understand the commitment you’re taking on – part-time study is demanding and not something that can be done casually. Despite this, my advice is to go for it! We live in a time of rapid change and innovation. New technologies are being developed, disruptive business models are emerging, and fresh ideas are constantly being introduced. Lifelong learning is no longer a luxury but a necessity to keep up with the fast pace of change.

How do you feel now that you’ve earned your degree?
Nora Kammerl-Frank: Relieved and a little proud! The past two years have been a rollercoaster that often pushed me to my limits. Looking back, I sometimes wonder how I managed it all.
One guiding principle we live by at the Transformation Engineers is: “Remember why you started, stay committed.” This motto was an important anchor for me during my studies. It helped me stay focused and keep my goal in sight.
Overall, I’m grateful for the experiences and knowledge I gained through the program. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned and to grow together with the company and my colleagues. #growtogether