Maximilian Eckel, Alumnus ESST
What was it about the ESST master’s programme that made you think, ‘This is the one for me’
My Bachelor's degree was in Business Administration and very hands-on which I loved, as it gave me a solid foundation to launch my career in Berlin’s tech scene. The whole startup world was a perfect fit for me: everyone is constantly exploring how to apply the latest technologies to create the next big thing that could redefine a product category or even an entire industry.
When I began considering my Master's, I wanted to take a step back and reflect more deeply on what exactly fascinated me about bringing new technologies to market and how this process shapes society as a whole. European Studies on Society, Science and Technology seemed to offer exactly the intellectual space I was looking for.
What was your favourite course and why?
As boring as it may sound, my favourite course was Introduction to Science and Technology Studies, right at the very beginning. Coming from a practical background, I found it both challenging and exciting to engage with abstract concepts and theoretical frameworks such as Technological Determinism, the Social Construction of Technology, Actor-Network Theory, and Large Technological Systems. It was exactly the kind of intellectual stretch I was seeking, and it continues to shape how I view the world and my work today.
Looking back, what are some of the things you learned during your studies that have truly helped you in your current career, personal life, or other experiences?
Similar to my business studies, ESST provided me with a different lens through which to view the world. In my current role, I need to quickly understand and contribute to a wide range of business models and founder narratives. This requires me not only to grasp business challenges, but also to help shape technology ecosystems by building partnerships, crafting narratives, and advocating for specific approaches. This is where STS has truly broadened my perspective.
Could you tell us more about your current career?
After completing my ESST Master’s, I had the opportunity to become Head of Startup Coaching at RWTH Aachen University, where I primarily supported aspiring founders in the early stages of their ventures. Today, I serve as Director of the Entrepreneurship Center at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, which is arguably the academic institution in Europe with the highest concentration of entrepreneurial ambition. I have the privilege of representing this highly successful community externally, strengthening internal connections, and designing initiatives to make it even more vibrant. While I still coach founders, I now also shape the community’s narrative, build strategic partnerships, and contribute to the ongoing reinvention of our institution.
What is your fondest memory from your time in Maastricht as a FASoS student?
I genuinely enjoyed the sessions in the old rooms on Grote Gracht, right across from my apartment, where we engaged in in-depth discussions about the papers we had read. Reading about abstract or polarising topics at home is one thing—but discussing them in a small group of highly engaged peers was an entirely different experience. Those conversations really brought the material to life.
What advice or tip would you give to current or prospective students?
Be ambitious whatever it is you want to pursue after your studies. One of the best ways to sustain a high level of personal ambition is to surround yourself with people who are at least as driven as you are. Ideally, even more so they will raise the bar for you. Seeking out that kind of environment is the best piece of advice I can offer. In that spirit, I also recommend Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman. It explores many themes that overlap with ESST and serves as an excellent masterclass in both ambition and activism.