(Graduated in 2015)
Human Resources, Imerys Fused Minerals Villach GmbH

The great international variety of people in the classrooms, the interactive as well as challenging teaching methods and the projects with local companies were the main motivation factors for me to start the “International Business Management” (IBM) master’s program at CUAS. Having the chance to participate in a group of 24 students from more than 10 different countries was a personal as well as a professional enrichment. It broadened my cultural horizon, made me more open-minded and also allowed me to build a strong international network for the future. Moreover, the small size of our IBM class offered the great advantage that we became a real small “IBM family.” We supported each other, built strong relationships and also spent also our free time together.

Another important benefit of studying IBM at CUAS for me was the knowledge gain from highly experienced, competent lecturers and guest-speakers as well as from the well-selected, very motivated colleagues. The learning environment allowed us to share and generate new know-how together. In addition to this, the study program strongly supported the idea of “learning by doing,” as the teaching methods are mainly based on case-studies, projects, teamwork exercises and excursions. During our study period we visited companies such as Red Bull, Illy or Pasta Zara. Moreover, we got the opportunity to conduct group consulting projects (duration: 4 month) with companies such as Hasslacher Norica Timber. In my opinion this differentiates IBM from other master programs.

I am sure that this broad and applied business education was a main factor that I was hired by Imerys Fused Minerals Villach GmbH directly after my graduation. Imerys Fused Minerals Villach GmbH belongs to the global group Imerys, which is world leader in mineral-based specialities. Now I am working in the area of Human Resources (HR), and additionally, I am part of the global Imerys Graduate Program. This program gives me the possibility to work as an HR business partner in different countries and business units. Thus, I get a comprehensive picture of Imerys’ business and gain international experience. My daily HR activities include areas such as recruiting, strategic as well as operative people development and other HR-related projects. Here I am required to demonstrate good interpersonal and intercultural competences, communication and collaboration skills as well as pro-active and innovative behaviour. I am convinced that my IBM studies contributed a major part to the development of these important abilities.

Finally, I would like to underline that the International Business Management master at CUAS is an excellent study program to become a business generalist with a broad know-how and intercultural experience. Choosing this education provides you the opportunity to discover your field of interest and thus opens various career perspectives for you!