Melanie’s path was far from conventional. Trained as a physicist in Germany, the US, and France, she imagined a career in academia, fascinated by quantum optics and the mysteries of the universe. But during long nights in the lab, she began to wonder whether her talents might find fuller expression beyond physics. A friend’s unexpected move into consulting sparked her curiosity, leading to an internship at McKinsey where she quickly discovered the thrill of solving real-world problems alongside diverse teams. “I learned more in two months than I had in two years,” she recalls.
When it came to choosing an MBA, INSEAD stood out immediately: international, intense, and alive with energy. Melanie’s P1 and P2 study groups remain some of her strongest memories. “We were so different, and at times the frictions were real, but the pride of achieving something together was unforgettable.” That collaborative spirit has endured; many of her group returned for the June Reunion, where the bond was as strong as ever. “It was fantastic to reconnect, even with those I hadn’t seen for years. You just pick up where you left off.”
Melanie’s career after INSEAD was shaped as much by curiosity as by planning. She intended to return to McKinsey but agreed to one private equity interview – mostly for the free dinner! That serendipitous evening led to a role at Apax Partners, first in Munich, then London, where she revelled in the city’s culture, community, and connections with fellow alumni. Yet the long hours and lack of female role models made her question whether the industry could fit with her wish to start a family.
When a headhunter called about a role at DHL in Bonn, it felt like fate. “It was a match made in heaven. I could keep doing deals, live in the same city as my partner, and build a sustainable career.” Two decades later, Melanie has risen to become CFO of DHL, a brand recognised in every corner of the globe.
Her success came with sacrifices. “You can’t do everything,” Melanie says frankly. Juggling a high-pressure role and motherhood required brutal prioritisation, unwavering support from her partner, and the humility to ask for help. “Don’t fall for the perfection trap. Buy the birthday cake. Outsource. Focus on what matters most.”
Melanie’s story resonates powerfully with alumni: ambitious, international, human. At the Reunion, conversations had shifted from exams and career moves to health, family, and what comes next. “What struck me was how universal these themes are. Whether you’re in Brazil or Singapore, the questions are the same.”
For Melanie, INSEAD remains more than a degree. It is a community that grounds, inspires, and reconnects—whether at reunions in Fontainebleau or spontaneous dinners in far-flung cities. “The foundation is still there,” she says warmly. “And that makes all the difference.”
