I’m Kari Foss-Persson, and my path to entrepreneurship began when I enrolled in the Executive MBA programme at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. Initially aiming to deepen my understanding of business dynamics and leadership for my corporate legal role, I was inspired to start my own law firm – Vinland Immigration GmbH – where we help obtain US visas and green cards for companies, families, and individuals.
The decision to pursue an EMBA wasn’t an easy one. As a practising lawyer with a demanding career, I was hesitant to take on the additional workload. However, I felt a growing need to expand my horizons beyond the legal field and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the business world. FS’s reputation for excellence and its focus on practical, real-world applications made it the perfect choice for me.
The EMBA at Frankfurt School was intense and highly practical. It wasn’t just about learning from textbooks but applying that knowledge in real-world situations. I learned to analyze market conditions, understand business operations, and think strategically. The programme’s emphasis on case studies and hands-on projects allowed me to immediately apply what I was learning to my work in corporate law.
One of the most impactful aspects of the programme was the way it challenged me to think beyond my legal background. For instance, our finance courses weren’t just about understanding numbers; they were about using financial data to make informed business decisions. This broader perspective was crucial in helping me envision and later launch my own business.
During an operations and logistics course, I was placed on a team of engineers. Coming from a service industry background (law), this experience was particularly enlightening. Working alongside engineers, I gained insights into optimising processes and services, which helped me understand the technical aspects of streamlining operations to service delivery in my own field. These interactions weren’t just networking opportunities; they were deep dives into understanding different perspectives and challenges across industries.
The diversity of my EMBA cohort exposed me to a wide range of business models and industry-specific challenges. Discussions with classmates from the manufacturing, technology, and finance sectors opened my eyes to the interconnected nature of global business. It was fascinating to see how solutions from one industry could be adapted to solve problems in another.
Recognising the need for more streamlined, empathetic, and tailored services for US visas and green cards, I saw an opportunity to make a real difference. My company aims to simplify the US immigration process for expatriates and immigrants, focusing on efficiency and client experience.
The idea for Vinland Immigration didn’t come overnight. It was the result of countless conversations, brainstorming sessions, and careful market analysis – all skills I honed during my EMBA. I realised that my legal expertise, combined with the business acumen I gained from the programme, put me in a unique position to address a significant pain point in the market.
Reflecting on the path from FS to running Vinland Immigration, the value of an EMBA is clear. It pushed me beyond traditional learning, challenged me to think critically, and led me directly to where I am today. For anyone considering their next career move or contemplating an EMBA, my advice is simple: go for it, but be ready to put those lessons into practice!
The EMBA didn’t just provide me with knowledge; it transformed my mindset. I went from being a lawyer who understood contracts to an entrepreneur who could see the bigger picture of how businesses operate and grow. This shift in perspective was crucial in giving me the confidence to start my own venture.
Vinland Immigration is more than a business for me – it’s about making a significant, practical difference in how people transition to new beginnings. Our mission goes beyond just processing paperwork; we aim to be a trusted partner in our clients’ journey to a new life in the United States.
The skills I gained from my EMBA have been instrumental in shaping our client-centric approach. We’ve implemented efficient processes, leveraged technology to streamline operations, and focused on creating a supportive, empathetic environment for our clients. These are all direct results of the holistic business education I received at Frankfurt School.
As I look to the future, I’m excited about the potential for growth and innovation at Vinland Immigration. The ever-changing landscape of immigration law presents continuous challenges, but it also offers opportunities for creative solutions.
To those considering an EMBA, I can’t stress enough how transformative the experience can be. It’s not just about the degree; it’s about the doors it opens, the perspectives it broadens, and the confidence it instills. Whether you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder or, like me, embark on an entrepreneurial journey, an EMBA can be the catalyst for profound personal and professional growth.
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