The Fletcher School

Imke Wesseloh Oster, MALD 1999 and Joint MBA from HEC in Paris 2000, Germany

In her managerial position at The Monitor Group in New York, Imke Wesseloh Oster conducting business on both sides of the Atlantic is nothing out of the ordinary, having studied and worked in Europe and North America. But she says her Fletcher education expanded her geographical interests.

“By studying at Fletcher you automatically become interested in other countries,” said Oster, who’s from Germany. "Fletcher offers an overview or big picture of how the world functions.”

Oster combined her passion for foreign affairs with international business savvy by obtaining a joint degree — a MALD from Fletcher in 1999 followed by an MBA from HEC in Paris in 2000.

Her first job after graduating was with The Monitor Group, a private consulting firm, in London. And while she acknowledges her dual degree was necessary to attain her initial position of module leader, the Fletcher alumni network played an influential role as well.

Oster said she met a high-ranking Monitor employee during a luncheon at Fletcher and the connection helped open the door to future employment. She moved from the London office to the New York one in 2002.

During her time at Fletcher, Oster studied international environmental policy and international trade economics. She studied in London for her undergraduate degree.

“A Fletcher education teaches you the idiosyncrasies of countries and helps you understand the cultures and political backgrounds,” said Oster, adding that Fletcher built up her confidence to the point that she doesn’t get intimidated when conducting business in a new country.

“You get a much more developed world view,” she said.

Oster remains active in activities sponsored by the Fletcher alumni community in New York. She even moderated a panel for one of the annual New York career fair trips for Fletcher students.

Contact:

Oster can be reached by email at Imke@usa.net.