The Global Pulse: Anastasia Skripnikov

Anastasia, could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your professional background?

I originally trained as a registered nurse, completing my education in Germany at an acute care hospital. I was born in Russia but grew up in Germany. After finishing my nursing training, I moved directly to Switzerland and advanced into leadership roles fairly quickly—first as a team leader, then as a department manager, followed by several additional management positions, eventually becoming Director of Nursing. Today, I serve as the Executive Director of a long-term care facility operated by the City of Zurich. We offer a broad range of services, from psychosocial care to highly specialized nursing care for residents with complex medical needs.

You chose to pursue an MBA and graduated in 2025. What motivated that decision?

I began the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Business Administration in 2022 and completed it successfully two years later. I then moved straight into the MBA program. My decision to pursue the MBA was driven by both professional and personal reasons. Professionally, I wanted to deepen my expertise in leadership and business management while keeping long-term career opportunities outside the healthcare sector open. On a personal level, it was equally important. As a mother, people often place you into a particular role very quickly. I wanted to do something for myself. The MBA gave me the opportunity to continue pursuing my own ambitions and to avoid being defined by just one aspect of my life.

You completed the MBA while working full-time and managing a demanding family life. What was your situation like at the time?

I already had two children when I started, and during the program I became pregnant with my third. In fact, I began the MBA just four weeks after giving birth. The biggest challenge was finding the right balance. It wasn't just about managing my time—it also involved making very personal decisions. I didn't want to compromise, either as a student or as a mother. For example, it was important to me to continue breastfeeding. That meant occasionally stepping out during lectures or briefly leaving group work sessions. Personally, that wasn't always easy. Not because people around me weren't understanding—quite the opposite. I received a great deal of support. It was more about overcoming my own hesitation. Then there were the more familiar challenges: very little sleep, sick children, long days, and the commitment to attend every in-person class.

What helped you get through such an intense period, and what are your biggest takeaways from the MBA overall?

Without question, the biggest factor was my support system. My partner supported me tremendously—without that, it simply wouldn't have been possible. When you take on a program like this, you need people you can truly rely on. The other key factor was motivation. I kept reminding myself that it was an intense period, but it wouldn't last forever. Beyond the academic knowledge, one of my biggest takeaways was learning how to connect with people and build a professional network. I'm naturally more introverted, but during the program I realized how important it is to actively engage with others. That has benefited me enormously, both professionally and personally.

Who would you recommend the MBA to, and what advice would you give parents considering graduate education?

I would recommend the MBA to anyone aspiring to leadership positions or looking to develop a more strategic perspective. The program offers highly practical knowledge, and many of the faculty members bring valuable real-world business experience into the classroom. For parents, my biggest advice is to realistically assess your own situation. A strong support network—whether it's your partner, family, or close friends—is absolutely essential. Without that support, it becomes extremely difficult. It's also important to remember that there's no single right path. You can take breaks or progress step by step if that's what works best for your circumstances. I chose to complete the MBA without interruption, but that doesn't have to be everyone's approach.