From strategy to sustainability: International Business Master’s students explore leading companies in Vienna and Bratislava

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As part of their International Business Management master’s programme, students from Carinthia University of Applied Sciences took part in a three-day excursion to Vienna and Bratislava in June 2025, gaining first-hand insights into the inner workings of leading international companies across different industries.

The visit began at the Austrian Airlines headquarters at Vienna International Airport. Franziska Bose (Head of Strategy) offered the students an in-depth look into the airline’s strategic planning processes, while Lena Sophie Wasserbacher from Employer Branding shared how Austrian attracts and retains talent in a competitive industry. A highlight was the engaging Business Class demonstration from a member of the onboard service team, offering a unique perspective on customer experience and service innovation. 

In Bratislava, students visited the European Business Services Center of Mondelēz International, gaining a multidimensional view of a global fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company. The group engaged with a diverse team of experts including Andrea Olejarova (Site Lead), Bernhard Rychel (European Financial Reporting), Paul Haschka (Regional Engineering), Thomas Kauffmann (Customer Service & Logistics), and Andrea Kain (Head of Global Talent Acquisition). Each speaker contributed a unique perspective—from strategic finance and supply chain coordination to production insights and global talent recruitment—illustrating the complex, interconnected functions behind global brands like Milka, Oreo and Philadelphia. The visit was expertly coordinated by Denisa Galestokova and Kristina Hulstijn. 

The second day also included a visit to global technology leader IBM, where Fridrich Matejik (IBM Country Leader for Slovakia & Czech Republic) offered an inspiring talk. Students also explored IBM’s latest developments in AI and quantum computing, gaining valuable exposure to cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of business. 

The excursion concluded at Sensoneo, a sustainability-driven tech company specialising in smart waste management. We were warmly welcomed by CMO Martin Kosak. CEO Martin Basila then shared the company’s entrepreneurial journey, highlighting how innovation and purpose can create global impact. His leadership philosophy and practical insights into circular economy solutions made a strong impression on the group. 

Beyond the professional program, the students also enjoyed exploring the charming city of Bratislava and used the opportunity to bond as a group in a new environment. 

A sincere thank you to all participating companies and great managers for their time, openness, and warm hospitality!