For those seeking to confidently climb the ladder of a promising career – MBA Study Programme in Customs Process Management
The ability to confidently and professionally manage customs processes is especially important for those aiming to work in international companies involved in trade operations. This sector stands out for its career prospects, motivating salaries, and a shortage of highly qualified specialists and managers in the labour market. The MBA programme in Customs Process Management at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) is popular due to its unique opportunity to gain knowledge from professionals working in international markets and its flexible study format tailored to working specialists. This intensive one-year programme is delivered in English, fully online, with lecturers who are recognised practitioners in Lithuania and abroad sharing their experience and insights with students.
A Programme for Future Leaders in the Customs Business
The Chair of the study programme committee and lecturer Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erika Besusparienė notes that the MBA programme in Customs Process Management is designed for those pursuing a career or leadership positions in the customs business. It is currently the first MBA programme in customs in Lithuania. Graduates will be awarded the internationally recognised Master of Business Administration degree.
“In the European context, Master’s studies in customs face two challenges: in some countries, they are conducted in the national language, while in others, customs is only a specialisation. In our discussions with business representatives and based on changes in the EU as well as the EU Customs Competency Framework, we aim to offer a study programme that covers customs comprehensively while also integrating other essential competencies,” says Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Besusparienė.
The Chair of the programme committee explains that the main pillars of the programme’s development were education in the customs field based on the EU Customs Competency Framework and the EU Customs Vision 2040. Therefore, the study programme integrates customs and taxation. On 30 June 2025, the programme Customs Process Management was awarded the EU Customs Recognition Certificate. This certificate confirms that the study programme meets EU-level customs competency requirements.
“Of course, customs and taxation alone are not sufficient for a future leader. That’s why the programme also includes international trade through supply chains, sustainable customs management, communication, and, considering new risks, elements of social responsibility, ethics, and environmental measures,” lists Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Besusparienė. She adds that students see the programme as highly relevant to current issues, with lecturers sharing not only up-to-date theoretical knowledge but also valuable practical insights.
The Chair of the study programme committee and lecturer Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erika Besusparienė
Instead of a Master’s Thesis – a Project-Based Paper
Another unique aspect of the programme, according to Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Besusparienė, is that instead of writing a traditional Master’s thesis, students complete a smaller-scale final project focused on solving a practical problem or implementing innovations in business or national systems.
“The final project allows students to express their creativity and innovative thinking. It may be directly linked to specific business needs, helping students to establish or strengthen connections with real-world labour market challenges. We constantly strive to find ways to help students reach their professional goals through this intensive programme and open new opportunities for them,” explains Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Besusparienė.
The committee chair emphasises that the Customs Process Management MBA programme is suitable for those wishing to change professions or advance in their careers. “We closely collaborate with the Lithuanian Customs Practitioners’ Association, are members of INCU, and the Customs Knowledge Institute. Our students also have the opportunity to participate in these international networks, expand their knowledge, and build global connections – all of which provide excellent career prospects.
So, if a person has completed a Bachelor’s degree and gained three years of work experience (regardless of whether they worked as a manager, accountant, logistics specialist, or in another role), they are eligible to apply to the Customs Process Management MBA programme. The most important thing is inner motivation to advance one’s career, which is why motivation plays a key role in the admissions process,” concludes Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Besusparienė.
