In today's rapidly evolving professional landscape, building and maintaining sustainable relationships is crucial for THM MBA Alumni. These connections provide long-term value, fostering both career growth and personal development. On Friday December 13, 2024, alumni from various generations organized a series of mini events at the Frankfurt's only rooftop alpine hut above the rooftops of the city, including a visit to the Frankfurt Christmas Market, to maximize networking opportunities and inspire engaging conversations. 

Frankfurt's Christmas Market reflects the perfect blend of tradition and modern commerce, theme MBA alumni often resonate with. It mirrors the balance alumni strive for integrating innovation with timeless values, providing a meaningful backdrop for THM MBA Alumni discussions.  Not only that, but the renowned Frankfurt Christmas Market also provides a unique and festive opportunity for alumni to reconnect and strengthen their network as well as to exchange ideas and build lasting relationships in an inspiring setting. The casual environment of the Christmas market allows us to connect on a personal level, breaking away from formal business meetings or conferences. Sharing festive treats like Glühwein (mulled wine) or Bratwurst encourages camaraderie and fosters stronger relationships.

THM MBA Alumni from diverse industries discussed ideas, shared updates, and explored collaborations in a less intimidating setting. The casual interactions lead to unexpected opportunities, whether business-related or personal growth. The festive spirit of a Christmas market evokes nostalgia and shared cultural experiences, creating a stronger bond among alumni. 

Visiting the Christmas Market visit in central cities, the alumni not only enjoy the magic of Christmas at Frankfurt's highest Christmas market, enchanted by a colorful mix of culinary delights and warming drinks, but also discussed current trends like the implementation of Artificial Intelligence and challenges in their industries, maximizing the meet-up to exchange knowledge in a dynamic way. Sharing success stories, challenges, and lessons learned in an informal setting had inspired innovative ideas and strategies. The market’s lively environment shared common interests, like advancing sustainability, entrepreneurship as well as offered a chance to brainstorm and proposed collaborative initiatives. Some of them could identify synergies for future projects, buying stock for investments.

Most of the THM MBA Alumni who invested their time gathering with other alumni at Frankfurt Christmas Market were aware that flexibility, adaptability, and awareness of current and future trends were as critical as talent and hard work for achieving sustainable success.  Staying Competitive, awareness of market dynamics, customer behavior, and emerging technologies, as well as awareness of what skills will be in demand for the alumni in the future were among our small talk which reminded the alumni of crafting a career path aligned with upcoming opportunities. 

Continuous Learning by participating in workshops, webinars, and advanced courses to stay updated with trends. And networking by engaging with the THM MBA alumni network to share insights and learn from peers across industries. Interpersonal Dynamics (Flexibility) by building meaningful connections and managing change effectively. Combined with hard work should help create a well-rounded professional ready to face challenges and seize opportunities. Although we were from different alumni generations, but all had the same common sense that an MBA is not just a degree; it’s a transformation. By blending technical knowledge with polished interpersonal abilities and nurturing flexibility, adaptability, and awareness, as well as integrity, the THM MBA alumni should not only accelerate their careers but also become changemakers who thrive in an ever-evolving world in their company.

During the 2024 THM MBA Alumni Day which was held in Frankfurt as well, members emphasized the importance of forming an ecosystem where visionary strategy collaborating on long-term impactful projects, practical execution to translate ideas into action, and human behavior by building authentic meaningful relationships that promote trust and mutual growth are align. Networking among the THM MBA Alumni is one of the cornerstones of this ecosystem.  Sustainable relationships and networking are not just tools for career growth but are foundational elements that empower THM MBA alumni to thrive in a competitive and interconnected world. By investing in networks like the informal meeting among MBA alumni at Frankfurt Christmas Market, we position ourselves for long-term success while contributing to the success of other alumni. 

Insights from the THM MBA Alumni Christmas Market Visit

Although 12 alumni had registered to attend, the final turnout was 6 due to personal reasons. Nonetheless, the conversations were incredibly engaging. In line with the philosophy shared by Professor Jan Freidank during his lectures—that the professor at THM MBA School do not want to keep the MBA Student small—we, as alumni, continue to support one another. We exchanged positive motivation on how to navigate the future, better understand the German industry, and appreciate German culture, with integrity and trust as guiding principles in business, whether in sales, marketing, or engineering.

One of the topics discussed included strategies for creating secondary income through stock investments. This sparked enthusiasm and led to the consensus that similar regular meetings, whether formal or informal, should be organized in the coming years. These gatherings play a vital role in motivating and supporting each other as part of the THM MBA Alumni Family.

Surrounded by the warmth of festive lights and friendly conversation at Frankfurt Christmas Market, a shared concern also arose: the impact of Artificial Intelligence on human jobs and skills. As AI continues to advance, uncertainty is natural, but we all recognize that one invaluable human skill remains irreplaceable — the ability to build and strengthen genuine friendships. AI can process data, automate tasks, and simulate conversation, but it cannot replicate the essence of true human connection. The care, loyalty, and love that form the foundation of the THM MBA Alumni community are built on shared experiences, trust, and empathy. These authentic bonds are what make our network resilient and strong.

Furthermore, an MBA which we learnt at THM Business School is a foundation, but the value it brings depends on how effectively we build upon it. By combining self-improvement, active networking, and a drive to create measurable impact, we as MBA alumni can distinguish ourselves, not just as degree holders, but as leaders, innovators, and changemakers in our fields of work. Without continuous self-improvement and active networking, an MBA degree risks becoming just another credential rather than a transformative tool for personal and professional growth. To truly accelerate and stand out, we as MBA graduates need to actively apply what we've learned and distinguish ourselves in meaningful ways. 

Finally, from all of us, THM MBA Alumni spanning generations from Frankfurt Christmas Market, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2025! May this festive season bring you joy, peace, and memorable moments with loved ones. As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the next, let’s continue to inspire, innovate, and grow—together as a community.

Here’s to a prosperous and fulfilling 2025! 🎄✨🎉

With warm regards,
THM MBA Alumni Family

// Author and Pictures: Ketut Adnyana