Master in Strategy and Digital Business (MSc)
Meet our alumni: Hendrik Gembus, Class of 2023
With a bachelor in international business and a growing passion for consulting, Hendrik Gembus joined ESCP’s Master in Strategy and Digital Business to sharpen his strategic mindset and digital expertise. After two transformative years, what stood out to him most were the industry-led courses and the opportunity to collaborate across diverse cultures and connect with the wider ESCP community.
Today Hendrik is helping drive innovation in the energy and water supply sector where he supports clients with digital transformation, AI use cases, and process optimisation — and credits the programme’s international scope, industry-driven curriculum, and collaborative spirit for shaping his journey.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Hendrik, and I’m from rural Germany. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in International Business at the Cologne Business School with a specialization in Management Consulting. From quite early on I had a strong interest in consulting, which I confirmed in an internship at a small consulting firm. Additionally, I’ve worked part-time in a civil engineering office where I developed my technical knowledge.
Tell us your thought processes when you decided to apply to the MSDB and what you felt this type of programme could add to your profile.
During my search for a master’s degree, which was during early COVID, I already knew my ideal programme should be even more international, which made the choice of ESCP very easy. Having decided on the business school (ESCP), the only tough decision was which programme?
The MSDB program stood out, as it combined strategic focus with a technical input, in the form of the programming course and also multiple courses concerning digital innovation and trends. Here I saw my opportunity to strengthen my profile with an even more digital focus and the added strategic aspects of the degree.
What are you doing now?
After graduating from ESCP, I first pursued an internship at Siemens Advanta Consulting and then went on to Fichtner Management Consulting, which is a leading consultancy for all topics related to the energy and water supply sector. Here I am able to directly apply my technical and digital skills on digitising processes and workflows in the supply sector. From digitalization strategies and development of AI use cases for our clients, we also support the newest trends in the market.
What do you enjoy about working in consulting?
To me the most fascinating aspect of consulting is how many, very different, clients face similar issues which sometimes lead to similar solutions concepts. But we need to develop deeply tailored approaches in order to achieve the best possible solution. Getting to know the client and getting to know the environment in which they work really makes consulting enjoyable. Additionally, to work on transforming a sector, which has an impact on all of our lives, means a great deal to me.
What aspect of the MSDB curriculum did you enjoy the most?
One of my best memories is related to the course “Digitalization and Society”, a course we had during the second semester in Paris, which dove deep into the aspects of the most important digital developments during the past few years and what is coming next, and how they impact our lives.
Another aspect was the elective courses and more importantly that almost all courses were held by lecturers who are still active in the respective industries and fields. With former CEOs and highly regarded industry experts, the knowledge gained was inherently practical and applicable.
Another thing that I really enjoyed was having some courses in combination with other master degrees, which helped develop relationships outside of the MSDB programme.
Can you describe your Company Consultancy Project (CCP) experience?
My group in the Company Consultancy Project was tasked with the development of a sketch of a digital twin for a small factory in which circuit boards are manufactured. The goal was to decide whether or not a digital twin can further optimize the production and improve overall efficiency.
It was a great experience to first of all learn a new software while also figuring out its advantages, but to also understand the resulting challenges for the client. Our teamwork was a great display of distributing the workload based on each member's skills and experience: who builds the model? Who analyzes the data? Who builds the slidedeck and overall storyline in the final presentation? Our mentor at Bain & Company also was a great support in building a convincing storyline and overall optimizing our project.
What was studying in Berlin and Paris like?
The programme took place while there were still some restrictions in both Germany and France, and so it seemed that this might hinder the overall experience. But the size and composition of the class made for an amazing experience. Long-lasting friendships were built and both cities have been discovered to the fullest. Berlin in itself already is a great and dynamic place to be, but Paris in early spring was simply amazing. It was also great to refresh my French while experiencing a completely new city.
To whom would you recommend the Master in Strategy and Digital Business?
I recommend the MSDB to anyone who wants to develop their strategic skills while also strengthening their knowledge about how to utilize digital technologies to advance a company.
Other aspects that are most definitely required for the degree is to be able to communicate with many different people. Students come from around the world, with a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but all with a similar goal: to develop themselves and deliver excellence in what they do. It’s also important to mention that ESCP is big and has many other programmes – there are so many amazing people to connect with and build your network.
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