Mentoring & Training

I had the privilege of being a student of Professor Bernhard Smid at IBMEC. His classes consistently combined strong technical expertise, clear and engaging teaching, and encouragement of critical thinking. Beyond sharing knowledge with excellence, he challenged students to reflect on the practical application of the concepts discussed. I am truly grateful for the positive impact he has had on my academic and professional development.

What I will never forget is that, during my first meeting with Bernhard, instead of talking about his successful career journey, he shared his challenges with me. He wanted to show that a career is not always a linear or upward path, but rather a continuous journey with moments of progress, change, and transition. I found this perspective deeply human.

Another important lesson he shared was how to develop a more rational perspective on my career and where I want to go. He helped me understand that my current position is not the final destination, and that learning and continuous development remain essential at every stage of the journey.

He has become a friend, a mentor, and a trusted advisor—someone who helps me reflect on my career and make more conscious decisions about my future.

During my postgraduate studies in Parliamentary Advisory, I had the opportunity to be a student of Professor Bernhard, who stood out as the most outstanding instructor throughout the program. His intellectual ability and unique teaching approach captivated the class, transforming a complex subject into an engaging and highly enriching learning experience.

Bernhard did not simply share knowledge; he inspired enthusiasm and curiosity, making each class a memorable experience. Beyond his academic excellence, Bernhard is an exceptionally qualified professional, with extensive experience in institutional and government relations, as well as international relations. This practical background further enriched the classroom discussions, bringing real-world examples and valuable reflections that broadened our understanding of the topics addressed.

The impact of his teaching methodology extended far beyond the classroom, inspiring us to apply our learnings in our professional and academic activities. His ability to combine depth of knowledge, clarity of communication, and genuine attention to students left a lasting impression on my journey.

I can confidently say that his contribution was instrumental to my professional development and to the overall value and excellence of the postgraduate program in Parliamentary Advisory.

I attended the course “Government and Business: Critical Agenda and Strategic Planning,” which significantly contributed to expanding my understanding of the relationship between the public and private sectors, as well as the strategic challenges involved in the formulation and implementation of policies and institutional decisions.

The classes were conducted in a clear and dynamic manner, encouraging meaningful reflections and fostering critical analysis of the topics discussed. The feedback provided on the final assignment offered valuable insights for further developing the subject and contributed to my overall academic growth.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for Professor Bernhard J. Smid’s guidance and support throughout the development of my final MBA project in Government Relations at Ibmec. His mentorship was fundamental to the advancement of my research, providing valuable questions and insights that helped strengthen my reasoning, refine my approach, and better understand the boundaries and scope of the project.

Professor Smid demonstrated not only exceptional technical and practical knowledge of the Government Relations (GR) field and institutional engagement, but also an outstanding ability to translate complex concepts into clear, practical, and actionable guidance.

I particularly appreciate his availability, attentive listening, and the thoughtful and constructive questions he consistently brought to our discussions. These contributions were essential in enriching the debate and elevating both the academic quality and practical relevance of my project, of which I am extremely proud.

It is a privilege to have mentors of such quality among the faculty at Ibmec. I would wholeheartedly recommend his guidance to any professional seeking excellence in the field.

One of the qualities that most distinguishes Bernhard as a professor is his ability to create a classroom environment based on respect, trust, and honesty. He goes beyond simply allowing a diversity of ideas; he actively encourages dialogue, critical thinking, and the exchange of perspectives. This approach enriches the entire learning experience, making every student feel heard, respected, and valued.

I was a student of Professor Bernhard and had the honor of having him supervise my final thesis in the MBA in Institutional Relations program offered by IBMEC. He is a highly accomplished professional with experience across a wide range of fields in both the national and international markets. He combines outstanding communication skills, solid academic expertise, and an impressive ability to solve complex challenges and deliver results. The supervision process was smooth, objective, and cordial throughout, and Professor Bernhard consistently provided valuable and insightful recommendations that greatly enriched my work.