Graduated in MSc Management
What was your favorite part about studying, looking back now.
My favorite part about studying at Lancaster University Leipzig is how international it is. I met a lot of classmates from very different backgrounds, very different paths of life. I love that we had to connect with the cultures. I mean, being with such international people, learn so many things about different cultures. I also liked how the lectures were were conducted. The lecturers were very approachable. They were very engaging and they connected what you read in the class to the real world.
So how did the LU Leipzig shape you as a person and for your job?
Studying really made me an open minded and very resilient person. Being in a multicultural setting, it pushed me out of my comfort zones but in the best way possible. Academically, the courses were designed to make us think critically and also strategically about real-world scenarios. I think this is one of the best things about Lancaster University Leipzig.
What was one of the most memorable experiences?
We had a project with Carl Zeiss – one of the largest manufacturing in optical systems. And the university got us this incredible opportunity to work for a consulting project as part of our thesis. The project was about how to improve employee behavior. We had to consider geographical distances and cultural differences across China and Germany. It was so fascinating to interact with these employees from the company, and also analyzing and providing solutions to see how international companies navigate their communications.
How else did the university connect you to companies to explore career paths?
LU Leipzig organized career fairs for us students on campus. They invited recruiters from different companies, for example BMW, Deutsche Telekom, Porsche to present their companies and connect with us. The companies offered us really valuable information on how to write CVs, what to do during interviews, and insights on what recruiters are currently looking for. And this was really helpful.
Now that you are working in Operations at the university, what skills from your studies are you able to apply?
One of the most important skills I learned during my MSC in management here at Lancaster University Leipzig is how to navigate complex situations. For example, recently in my job I was commissioned to organise the campus visit of a very big group of internationals. And I had to put together all the logistics for the event: from accommodation and transport to the detailed schedule for the three days. At the end it was a successful event and that is due to my planning and organising one of the biggest skill that I confidently learned from my MSc Management.
What advice would you give future generations to come?
To all current students at Lancaster University Leipzig, I’d say be kind to yourself, especially to international students. Navigating new cultures and new environments can be overwhelming for the first time, but there’s so much beauty in the process of it. They should enjoy the city of Leipzig and just enjoy student life. And to the prospective students I would recommend: if you’re looking for a place where you can get practical experience in your studies, a place that values cultural diversity and a place for good career prospects – LU Leipzig is the place to be!
What would you do, if you could be a student again for one day?
Now that I’m working here, it feels like I never left. But if I could go back, I would attend every single networking opportunity and every guest lecturer that was coming to the university. Because there was always so much valuable information in that.
How do you stay connected with other Alumni?
So now that I’ve graduated, I am automatically part of the alumni network of Lancaster University in the UK, which is made of almost 200,000 students. But we are currently working on creating an alumni network of Lancaster University Leipzig here in Germany to help us keep connected and also plan reunions whenever possible.
