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20 Scholarships for Gifted Students
In 2023, thanks to the generosity of our alumni, the Joseph LeVesque Scholarship Fund was fully funded. That turned into real opportunity for 20 talented scholars, with half their tuition covered outright. We sat down with three of them — three genuinely different stories, each worth hearing in full.
Meet Jessica Nottelmann
Jessica Esther Nottelmann works as a nurse in anesthesia, primarily responsible for pediatric cases, training new staff, and managing shifts. Alongside that, she's pursuing a Bachelor's in Business Psychology focused on health and occupational psychology, and a Master's in Management — pulling every strand of her interest into one path.
How has your experience as a certified nurse shaped your decision to pursue a Bachelor's in Business Psychology and an Effective MBA?
My name is Jessica Esther Nottelmann. I am 24 years old, and I was born in Cologne. However, I've lived in our capital, Berlin, for about a year and a half. After graduating high school, I completed a research program for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer at the University Hospital. In the same year, I began my training as a nurse. After graduating, I first worked in an anesthesiology intensive care unit, and since moving to Berlin, I have been working in anesthesia.
I quickly felt that I had not yet reached the end of my career and wanted to expand my knowledge. The Business Psychology course combined a wide range of interests on my part, which is why I am now in the 2nd semester of the Bachelor's course. However, the modules focus very strongly on the discipline of psychology, which is why I have also been studying for my Effective MBA in Management for a few months now.
Can you elaborate on how your background in operational health management has shaped your perspective on business management in hospitals?
I chose the Executive Management specialization because the modules cover a wide range of knowledge — from project management to finance and human resources.
In what ways do you believe education should be independent of a person's financial situation, and how has this belief motivated your pursuit of the Effective MBA?
Socio-economic studies on education and income make clear that one's socio-economic status significantly influences the acquisition of academic qualifications — even today. At the same time, anyone willing to expand their knowledge has the opportunity to do so, through BaFög or scholarships. For as long as I can remember, thinking and working as independently and goal-oriented as possible has always been important. As I have been working since I was an adult and earned my own money, it was out of the question to have my studies financed by my parents.
I received a scholarship for both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees. This is also proof that the efforts of the Abitur and the training were worth it.
Share a specific goal or aspiration you hope to achieve through the EDU Effective MBA program.
In addition to the points mentioned above, I am keen to use the knowledge I've acquired as a nurse. As a shift manager in a hospital, I naturally need more experience in organization and staff communication. Beyond the whole range of knowledge, I am also learning many soft skills — especially in the areas of communication, such as active listening, and how to behave appreciatively towards others professionally.
Meet Helen Navratilova
Helen graduated with a focus on marketing, moved into finance as a phone consultant right after school, and spent the last four years leading a sales team.
Congratulations on your scholarship, Helen! Tell us about your background.
I'm on parental leave, fully committed to caring for my two-year-old daughter. Career used to be my priority, but that has changed. Now, the most essential thing in my life is my family. I've slowed down significantly, learning to live in the present. I've become more patient and more wise. These are new aspects of my life that will also positively influence my professional side. I needed to nurture and adapt these qualities to a business environment, so I decided to further my education and enroll in an Effective MBA program.
How did you first come across EDU Effective? What specialization did you pick?
I always said that if I ever went on parental leave, I would want to use that time for family care and my own development. I spent a lot of time considering which direction to take. My browser history was filled with keywords like coaching, psychology, and management, leading me to various ads for additional education, especially on social networks. EDU Effective stood out from the vast array of options. I chose the Coaching, Mentoring, and Leadership program. This program perfectly matched my expectations. My husband completed this program last year, so I already had some feedback.
What's most attractive about studying at EDU Effective, and how does it fit your career goals?
The school must be 100% online, eliminating the need for commuting. Additionally, there are no fixed time slots for logging in, allowing me to study whenever it suits me — like when my daughter is asleep. Another decisive factor is the unbeatable price, making education accessible to everyone. But most importantly, my field of study is what I need. Coaching is very close to my heart, and learning techniques to deepen this skill is fantastic.
You're currently on parental leave. Will this eventually help with job hunting? Any dream role in mind?
Absolutely. Although motherhood has taught me many skills that could make me a better manager, you often doubt yourself after a long break from work. Confidence is the main issue with returning to work — especially for women — after parental leave. It's tough to stand before a team, superiors, or HR and defend your work qualities when you've been dedicated to something entirely different.
However, as I began to go through various microlearning modules, I realized that those skills hadn't disappeared — that they were still there, along with the desire to succeed in a work environment. I'm also very drawn to coaching, so I don't rule out team dynamics among managers, individual talent development, or even personality coaching outside of the business field in the future.
What do you think studying will bring you?
Confidence. It will also anchor and deepen my knowledge and skills in leading and coaching teams. It will guide me in my future career path.
Meet Alexandra Katzian
Alexandra's path runs through academics, diverse skill-building, and active community involvement. Alongside pursuing an MSc in Project Management at EDU Effective, she's a mother, a wife, and — as she puts it — proud owner of two tomcats, Karl and Bernhard.
Tell us about yourself, Alexandra.
I was born in Austria and grew up partially in South Korea and partially in Austria. After returning to Europe, I attended a high school focused on Hotel management and tourism. After that, I attended Johannes Kepler University in Linz and Paris Lodron University in Salzburg. I studied diverse subjects ranging from law, political science, and religious studies to pedagogy, business administration, and sociology. Studying and education has always been one of my great passions.
In 2022, I switched careers from the academic path to the industry path. I am so glad I took the plunge! Besides academics, I hold numerous certificates in personality growth, mindfulness training, and communications training. I am incredibly fortunate because I get to teach courses through my job to help others become the best version of themselves.
Why did you apply for a scholarship at EDU Effective? Anything specific that drew you in?
About a year ago, I enrolled in your Leadership short course and found the micro-learning format incredibly beneficial. With a hectic lifestyle, committing to lengthy endeavors can be challenging. The beauty of dedicating just 15 minutes a day to the course is that it alleviates significant stress. This approach allows me to absorb the materials, understand them thoroughly, and complete exams without requiring an extensive time commitment every day. This manageable commitment aligns perfectly with my lifestyle.
You mentioned considering either an LLM or an MSc. What did you choose, and why?
I chose the MSc Project Management because I work as a project manager for one of the EU programs for regional development. This program will further my understanding of PM and help me acquire new tools to improve my job.
Working in regional development is not just a job for me — it's a passion, a calling, and a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Witnessing the resilience of local communities and the untapped potential within our region fills me with an unbridled sense of purpose.
You're balancing work and caring for your children. How do you manage both? Any tips for fellow moms in the EDU community?
Being a mother to a vibrant 3-year-old girl, working full-time as a dedicated project manager, and simultaneously pursuing my education is challenging. Yet, I've discovered an unyielding well of motivation that propels me forward every day.
My daughter is my greatest inspiration and the driving force behind my relentless pursuit of balance and success. Every late-night study session, every project deadline, and every moment of fatigue is eclipsed by the vision of creating a brighter future for her. I want to be the living embodiment of resilience, showing her that dreams are achievable through hard work and determination.
Here are my tips for fellow moms:
- Prioritize self-care. Your needs and feelings are valid. Taking a break when necessary is not just okay — it's essential.
- Child first, work and education second. Place your child's needs above work or studies whenever possible. Create a flexible environment, like having a dedicated space for your little one in your home office.
- Infuse fun into busy times. Schedule enjoyable activities during your hectic moments — plan a snack break or visit the playground afterward.
- Foster communication in your social network. A robust support system is invaluable. Regularly communicate with friends and family to share experiences and seek advice.
- Set achievable goals. Be realistic with your expectations, and don't be too hard on yourself if you fall short. Life is unpredictable, and it's okay to adapt.
- Don't hesitate to ask for help. Seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Learn to say no. Prioritize your well-being by occasionally declining additional responsibilities.
- Utilize productivity methods. Familiarize yourself with techniques like the Eisenhower Method to effectively prioritize tasks.
- Prioritize health. Ensure you get sufficient sleep, stay hydrated, and incorporate short walks into your routine.
- Embrace multitasking. When appropriate, combine activities — consider listening to lessons while cooking or exercising.
Where do you see yourself in two years? What's the ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to preserve and sustain my current state of happiness. Looking ahead, I envision expanding my role as a consultant, using my knowledge to assist businesses and foster content and fulfilled teams. Teaching and leading workshops remain integral to my passion, and I aspire to transform this wealth of knowledge into a published book — collaborating with a close friend on a sustainability manuscript, we aim to see it in print within the next two years.
The Fall 2026 Application Window
The next call for applications is expected in fall 2026, posted on edueffective.com and across EDU Effective's social channels. If your financial situation is currently the only thing standing between you and an Effective MBA, this is worth watching for directly rather than waiting to hear about it secondhand.
Every Graduate Contributes, No Matter the Specialization
This isn't tied to one program — it's built into all five best-selling Effective MBA Programs. Whether someone completes Effective MBA: Executive Management & Leadership, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Coaching, Leadership & Mentoring, Mastery in AI, or Online Marketing — the same €25 goes to a cause they pick, the scholarship fund included.
All best-selling Effective MBA programs run on the same model: 15 minutes a day, 10 months or less, ASIC accredited, from €990. These are professional programs, not academic ones — built for working adults to apply what they learn directly in their own business, not to collect a scholarly credential.
Read more student reviews and graduate stories here.
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