Ferdinand Testimonial
A Global Connection
When Ferdinand Piepenbrock traveled from Germany to study at UC Santa Barbara, he was looking for a semester that would challenge his professional outlook. He found that challenge in the classroom of faculty member Don Blumenthal, whose focus on Business and Personal Branding helps students bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application. Don’s emphasis on defining a personal "why" proved to be a pivotal moment in Ferdinand's education.
Reflecting on the PaCE Experience
Now back in "cold and rainy Germany" to finish his bachelor’s degree, Ferdinand recently reached out to Don to share how much the course still resonates with him. He noted how naturally he was able to apply his UCSB training during a recent brand and self-reflection assignment in Frankfurt.
"I mainly wanted to say thank you," Ferdinand wrote. "I took away an incredible amount of value from the course on a professional level, particularly around differentiation, brand promise, and intentional positioning".
Finding the "Why"
For Ferdinand, the true value of the program was the shift in his own mindset—a core pillar of Don Blumenthal’s teaching philosophy. Ferdinand shared how the coursework pushed him to look beyond the surface of business:
"The topics and assignments helped me reflect more deeply on a personal level—especially in terms of defining my own 'why' and personal mindset, something you consistently emphasized throughout the class. That shift in perspective has really stayed with me and continues to influence how I think today".
The Impact of Expert Instruction
Faculty like Don Blumenthal are the heart of the PaCE program, providing students with the "testimony" of success that carries across borders. As Ferdinand approaches his graduation and begins his bachelor’s thesis, he carries with him the professional edge and personal clarity gained at UCSB.
As Ferdinand told his instructor, "I find myself thinking about your course quite often... I realized how naturally I was able to apply what you taught us, and how present those concepts still are for me".
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