A digitalization professor and MBA graduate from Copenhagen Business School share how studying digital transformation can accelerate your career in the modern business world
If you’ve ever bought a desk from IKEA’s online store, browsed Airbnb’s house map, or ordered a custom 3D-printed Lego set, you have witnessed digitalization in action.
It’s something we encounter at various points throughout each day, but what exactly is digitalization? And why should MBA students study it?
To find out, BusinessBecause spoke to Stefan Henningson (pictured right), a professor of digitalization on the Copenhagen Business School MBA, and Piyush Prasad, a CBS MBA graduate currently working for the green tech firm European Energy.
What is digitalization?
According to Stefan, “Digitalization means transforming businesses to reap the opportunities that digital technologies give us.”
It’s a process that’s been happening gradually over the past number of decades, booming with the birth of the Internet in 1969, and then escalating with the advent of cloud-based technology in the 1990s, giving life to everyday companies like Uber, Netflix, and Airbnb.
What’s different about the phenomenon now, though, is both the pace at which it’s happening and the range of business sectors it’s affecting.
“In the last decade, [digitalization] has accelerated,” Stefan says. “We’re seeing change in both customer-facing activities, such as how we interact with the customers, and more recently, also in what we sell—value propositions that are digital.”
The automotive industry is one example of how the value proposition of business products are becoming intertwined with new technology. Often containing built-in navigation, sensors, and entertainment facilities, modern-day cars have come a long way from simple vehicles designed to get from ‘a’ to ‘b’.
Plus, with artificial intelligence (AI) becoming increasingly integrated with customer service-facing tasks across all industries—such as in the form of automated chatbots—it is becoming imperative that companies have structures in place to allow them to keep on top of new developments.
“[Digitalization] requires that we have innovation processes that are geared to specifically finding and discovering the potential of digital technologies. Companies require organizational structures and KPIs that are designed to support the introduction of new technology,” Stefan says.
It’s therefore important for businesses to have leaders who understand digitalization in a broader context—knowledge which can be gained by studying a digital-focused MBA.
What skills can you learn on a digital-focused MBA?
When former software engineer Piyush (pictured right) first made the decision to fly halfway around the world from India to study an MBA in CBS, he was looking for a way to pivot from his current career path, which he had begun to find limiting in terms of his professional growth.
“I decided that after my MBA, I would try to get back into the tech world,” he says.
With its intimate class size of roughly 40 students and core modules teaching critical skills like accounting and data analytics, the program appeared perfect for Piyush’s goals.
The MBA also offered Digitalization as a core module, with the option to further specialize by choosing a Digitalization concentration. The concentration teaches students courses such as Digital Platforms and Innovation Strategies in a Digital World.
Of course, given his career history, Piyush already felt adept at navigating technology. He was however less familiar with how to deal with the human side of it: “It was important to learn how people interact with technology and how that adds value to the organization.”
This included taking classes in the Digitalization concentration, such as Digital Delivery Models, which focuses on giving students strategies on how to introduce new technology into office spaces.
Just some of the essential skills that Piyush picked up were important considerations in ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementation (software capable of automating various business processes), complex problem solving and—perhaps the most important—communication.
“Not everybody is as technology savvy as maybe I am or my peers are, so we need to ensure that everyone understands what we are saying.”
How can students use digitalization in their careers?
As one of Europe’s most digitally competitive countries, there are plenty of career opportunities for MBA grads with specialist knowledge in digital transformation in Denmark.
“There are new jobs created in Denmark all the time, and they're looking for people. They have a shortage of qualified candidates for many of the jobs in the digital space. So there are opportunities,” Stefan explains.
CBS MBA graduates go on to work for top companies such as L'Oréal Paris, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Danske Bank, and McKinsey.
After graduating, Piyush managed to land a project manager role in the procurement team with a leading sustainable energy company, European Energy. He credits the digitalization skills he has been able to bring to the company with being key to his success.
“Right now, they are all based on pen-and-paper and Excel. So, they wanted a software system which can automate all that process,” he says.
As part of his responsibility to digitalize the department, Piyush draws on many of the skills he learned during his MBA, such as navigating stakeholders and effectively advocating for the introduction of new technology to senior management.
“When I speak to people now, I focus on the explaining the results that they can get from using a piece of software or a particular process,” he says.
As Piyush’s career trajectory demonstrates, learning how to employ new digital technologies can make you a desirable job candidate across a wide array of future-focused industries.
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Stella
Verified
24/04/2019
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
Student
Verified
13/04/2019
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
Stefani
Verified
12/04/2019
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
José Pedro
Verified
22/09/2019
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Cathy
Verified
5/02/2019
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Philip
Verified
15/04/2018
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Student
Verified
27/09/2017
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
Student
Verified
22/09/2017
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
Student
Verified
29/09/2019
CBS: efficient international network
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Stella
Verified
24/04/2019
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
Student
Verified
13/04/2019
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
Stefani
Verified
12/04/2019
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
José Pedro
Verified
22/09/2019
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Cathy
Verified
5/02/2019
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Philip
Verified
15/04/2018
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Student
Verified
27/09/2017
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
Student
Verified
22/09/2017
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
