The Captain Is Safely Reaching Port with His MBA

10. juni 202610. juni 2026

Normally, he is responsible for ensuring that passengers on the high-speed ferry arrive safely and dry-footed on Bornholm. However, in his spare time, Kasper Sommer has charted his own course. The 43-year-old captain has recently completed an Executive MBA, which he studied online through the IBA International Business Academy in Kolding.

“I undertook the programme for personal reasons, to develop myself further and broaden my knowledge. I have no immediate plans to change career, but the MBA places me in a stronger position for the future, as I do not know what I may want to do in two, ten or fifteen years’ time,” says Kasper.

Kasper Sommer står op ad væg — If you have travelled on the high-speed ferry to Bornholm, there is a strong chance that Kasper Sommer was the captain who brought you safely to port.

As a captain, he works irregular hours, so the flexibility of studying online through the IBA suited his rota perfectly. Students can complete the programme at times that suit them, meaning there is no need to be available at specific times to attend classes.

“It turned out to be an excellent fit for me. I could study whenever there was natural space in my work schedule. Sometimes I also used my breaks during the day. If I had half an hour or an hour to spare, I could sit down and study, so it worked perfectly,” says Kasper.

Kasper Sommer der går hen ad sti — “The cost was also a decisive factor in choosing to study my MBA through the IBA. I am very satisfied with the academic standard and the expertise of the lecturers,” says Kasper Sommer, who had already completed a Diploma in Leadership.

The programme is taught in English. Although he already speaks the language fluently, he made an extra effort during his studies by listening to English-language podcasts and following the news through CNN.

“It has become a good habit that I have maintained even after completing the programme. I have grown to appreciate the international perspective, which was one of the reasons I chose to study an MBA in English,” he explains.

Kasper Sommer med hænder på hoften — “It was fascinating to meet people from other industries during the programme. When you are used to working in the maritime sector, it is interesting to hear what is happening in other fields,” says Kasper.

Kasper’s maritime career began in 2002 when he joined Maersk as a cadet. Since then, he has worked both on long-haul voyages and passenger ferries. He previously completed a Diploma in Leadership, which provided a natural foundation for his MBA studies.

“In our industry, experience is crucial when it comes to operating the ferry from A to B. However, I can clearly see how I can apply what I have learned when it comes to connecting business strategy with day-to-day operations. When we need to translate strategy into our operational reality, I can draw on my new knowledge, both for my own benefit and in collaboration with my colleagues.”