Michael Hansen
CEO
Cengage Learning
San Diego, CA USA
“Confidence is success remembered. Focus on getting accomplishments that will build confidence in your ability to master any challenge that will come your way.”
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By Roadtrip NationMichael Hansen
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Born and raised in Germany—grew up in a small town in an area often called “the Detroit of Germany.”
Attended the University of Bonn in Germany where I received a master’s degree in law.
Decided to immigrate to the U.S. and began living in New York City—attended Columbia University where I earned my Master of Business Administration degree.
My first job out of school was at the Boston Consulting Group—ended up working there for 11 years and rose to become a partner and co-chairman of the company's e-business and media practice.
Briefly worked as a senior vice president of international operations for Proxicom where I focused on e-business development.
After leaving Proxicom, I began working at Bertelsmann—a German media corporation—serving as the executive vice president of operational excellence.
I've also served as the CEO for Harcourt Assessment and Elsevier Health Sciences.
As CEO of Cengage Learning, I've led the company through a crucial financial restructuring and overseen the development of a first-of-its-kind subscription service for learning materials.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
CEO
I work in educational publishing and specialize in the transition from print to digital.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Business
Learning / Being Challenged
Day to Day
There is no average day. As the Chief Executive, I am responsible for all aspects of the company. My favorite part of any day is when I get to spend time with customers and go to meetings at institutions and engaging with students. I am always seeking insight and advice on how we can improve our business and our products. A huge part of my role is to continue to remind people here to be aware of how what we are creating impacts the students and to focus on creating things that add value.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Build a network of people who can help you. It's important to always talk through problems and to listen to others. You learn just as much from your peers as you do from your teachers.
Hurdles
Challenges I Overcame
Work Stress
