Studying again at 55? For Michael Gross, it wasn't a question of age, but of personal development. The entrepreneur from Wettenberg opted in 2023 for the part-time Master's program Business Administration and Engineering at the Distance Learning Center (FSZ) of the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) in Friedberg and looks back on his studies with enthusiasm.
“Lifelong learning is very important to me,” he says. “Especially in a time that can change drastically every week, you have to stay on top of things.” The trained machine fitter founded a company with his wife in 1996, which today employs around 65 people and is based in Wettenberg, in central Hesse. He has continuously developed his career path: from service technician to technical business administrator to managing director.
During the Corona pandemic, Michael Gross decided to pursue further education. His goal: to grow his compressed air and energy technology company to 100 employees. "If we as a company want to take the next step, I also have to develop myself," he explains. "Studying at THM has opened up exactly that 'next level' for me."
What particularly impressed him about the FSZ was the opportunity to flexibly integrate his studies into his professional life. He can arrange his study time individually and combine it with the practical aspects of his own business. The part-time distance learning program is designed to make studying, work, and private life compatible. In addition to self-study, around ten optional in-person sessions, mostly on Saturdays, take place each semester at the Friedberg campus. These sessions focus on case studies, laboratory sessions, and networking.
The entrepreneur's master's thesis also stemmed from his own professional experience, as Gross reflects on his role as managing director and examines topics such as employee satisfaction, workplace design, and modern corporate management. An employee survey formed the basis of his work. "In everyday life, it's easy to neglect reflecting on one's own work," he observes. "The master's thesis was a great opportunity to do so systematically."
He also found the exchange with the other students enriching. "I was the oldest and had at least a 20-year age gap with many of the others," he says with a smile. It quickly became apparent that the different perspectives offered added value. While his younger classmates primarily contributed their "fresh knowledge" from their bachelor's degrees, Gross shared insights from his decades of professional experience. One student project even led to a collaboration between a company and THM. "We set up a small makerspace with 3D printers and VR headsets for our trainees. This allowed us to transfer knowledge from the university directly into the workplace," he explains.
For Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Kahsnitz, head of the Business Administration and Engineering program in Friedberg, the diversity of the distance learning center is also a strength. "And the students know very well why during your studies and what knowledge they need for what purpose." Prof. Dr. Lars Heinert, head of the Facility Management and Logistics program, adds: "Distance learning fosters discussions on equal footing. Students contribute practical experience, discuss real problems from their companies, and find solutions."
The distance learning center is continuously developing its course offerings: New modules on AI applications and digital transformation will be integrated even more strongly into the Master degree courses – Business Administration and Engineering (MBA Eng.), Logistics (M. Sc.) and Facility Management (M. Sc.).
Michael Gross is particularly pleased that his studies are having an impact on his own company. Many employees had considered Professional Development and further studies themselves. "Suddenly, people were saying: 'If Mr. Gross is still studying, maybe we can too,'" he says with a laugh. "The studies were challenging, but absolutely enriching. I can only recommend that everyone take this step," he concludes.
Further information about the services offered by the THM can be found at: https://www.thm.de/fsz/.
