Faculty Voices: Dean of WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management

Professor Dr Markus Rudolf is Dean of WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management.

Rudolf first joined WHU in 1998 and has been dean of the school since January 2015. However, Rudolf also heads WHU’s Center of Asset and Wealth Management and is a Professor of Finance at the school.

How long have you been with the school and what attracted you to take up a role?

I joined WHU in 1998 as a professor of banking and finance. Over the last 20 years, I’ve been involved in initiating and managing a number of programs, and this experience has greatly complimented my role in teaching and research. In 2009, I was elected as deputy dean, and subsequently as dean five years later. Being dean certainly differs from my role as a regular faculty member, but it’s this variety that I particularly enjoy.

How do you describe the school to people who have never stepped foot on campus?

WHU’s campus supplies students and staff with the latest technology to facilitate their learning and work. However, it is the school’s atmosphere that is most important to highlight. We often speak of the ‘WHU spirit’ and the community within our campus, and this makes WHU a unique learning environment. We’re international, energized, innovative and motivated.

What do you love most about working at and representing the school?

I take a great deal of pride when representing WHU based on the pure dedication and hard work of students and staff.

We’re committed to achieving a common goal – to provide our students with an excellent business education. The level of student engagement inside and outside the classroom demonstrates that a thirst for knowledge runs deep into the core of the student body, and it goes both ways – everyday I’m learning from those around me, and that is something I treasure about being a part of WHU.

We’re a top German business school, and we’re also a leading research institute. Our research results are regularly published in prominent international journals, and as a result, WHU has become one of the most noted German research institutions in business studies, a fact that makes me immensely proud.

Academic work aside, the entrepreneurial and charitable energy within WHU is a key attribute. I see students going above and beyond their call of duty to further their education, support the community, and lobby for change. It’s truly inspiring.

How would you describe the culture of the school?

WHU is known for its entrepreneurial activity. Not only is this represented in the physical number of start-ups originating from the school, but it also extends well beyond the world of business.

As a business, a research center, a learning environment, and a student body, WHU is courageous. We ask questions that pose fresh challenges and innovations, constantly furthering our knowledge and energy. It’s this mindset and ingrained culture that sets WHU graduates in good stead for the future – they know how to analyze, apply their knowledge, work to their strengths, and support those around them.

What do you believe is WHU’s unique approach for shaping future business leaders?

One of the key factors is our practical focus. Every program revolves around real-world business developments, and theory is supported by live cases, guest speakers, workshops, and experiential learning to teach students how to apply theory. This instills a confidence that is otherwise only cultivated on the job, meaning our graduates have a unique edge.

Of course, being a leader isn’t only about business aptitude and instinct. It’s about people, and we help students discover their strengths and weaknesses, develop communication, and learn about leadership and teamwork. Feedback is a core component of the classes, whether within teams, individually, or to the faculty. Our students and staff gain a great deal from learning how to provide and accept feedback for the best outcome.

WHU also has an extensive international network. With over 200 partner schools around the world and a global alumni network, there is the opportunity to continue learning at all stages of our graduates’ careers. Studying and working on an international scale means our students have a worldview of business, making them adaptable and valuable across the globe.

What are your favorite things to do in the local area?

I spend my free time with my family, enjoying the surrounding area mountain biking, inline skating, and of course sampling the wines from the Rhine Mosel region!

What advice would you have for someone considering applying to your school?

Our application process is designed to assess knowledge and experience of potential students, but also to get to know them. Personality matters and an authentic application that has been carefully researched and crafted will make a big impact.

My most valuable piece of advice would be to come and visit us in person – meet the program leaders, ask questions, talk to current students, and experience the culture of WHU.

Where do you see the school in five years?

We want WHU to belong to the best European business schools. We’re dedicated to excellence, and every step of our future is devoted to maintaining this standard, nurturing an entrepreneurial community of highly courageous and committed individuals.