Organizational Management

What made you choose this degree programme?

At the time, I was looking for a master's program that was renowned and that could be studied alongside my job - so I came back to the Ruhr University, where I also did my bachelor's degree at the time. What convinced me was that the program was directly related to my job and that I could already apply it during my studies.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

The expectations were exceeded in all areas: the cohesion of the students among themselves, the exchange with the professors and the design of the study program always fit into my professional activities.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

The interdisciplinary work, the direct application of the respective theories to practice and the professional exchange among the students is simply great and, in my eyes, unparalleled.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

The biggest challenge was definitely studying under pandemic conditions. However, IAW was always ready to help and developed great concepts on how we can continue to learn - all teachers always had an open ear.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

It's already me: as Startup Ecosystem Manager at Initiativkreis Ruhr, I now work as a mediator between startups and companies in the Ruhr region. Without my studies at IAW, I would not have been able to fill this position.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

Have the courage! Even if it is a lot at the beginning and you really have to juggle, the exchange and the added value of the study are directly noticeable for you in your everyday work.

What made you choose this degree programme?

The study programme combines theory and practice and enables interdisciplinary exchange among students. The IAW’s industry partners supply cases from real-life scenarios in which the theoretical knowledge acquired at university can be put into practice. The degree programme offers many opportunities for professional development. The IAW also provides the opportunity to acquire ECTS abroad or to participate in English-language modules. Whether public authorities or the private sector – the module portfolio always offers new and current topics and creates new approaches for both areas.

The reasons why I decided to study this subject were, first and foremost, the cooperations with well-known companies from the Ruhr region and the interdisciplinary exchange in small groups.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

My expectations were fulfilled. Our supervisors within the modules and also during the Master’s thesis do a great job. The combination of theory and practice is likewise very well done. The degree programme requires the commitment of each individual, but it is definitely worth the effort and helps us improve our specialist knowledge, build up contacts and network opportunities.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

The professional exchange with my fellow students from various disciplines. You can benefit a lot from it. Also solving problems from real-life scenarios in a team within a very short time.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Definitely the practical weeks, where you have to successfully coordinate your work in a team and quickly grasp the tasks and problems and develop an approach. You grow through challenges.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

For my professional career, I am aiming for a senior managerial position in the ministry. I enjoy working with people. I also want to use and nurture the expertise I have gained here, especially in terms of skills development.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

The degree programme thrives through the exchange with others. It is very much worth the effort, fosters your professional expertise and promotes individual competences. My studies have helped me develop in a positive direction and I have acquired new skills. You should therefore engage in open dialogue with your lecturers and your fellow students. Use the network and invest in the practical weeks. Working on cases from real-life scenarios, you will learn to work out results in a team and present a potential solution in a very short time.

What made you choose this degree programme?

After completing my Bachelor’s degree, I initially wanted to gain professional experience, but I already knew at this point that I wanted to follow up with a part-time Master’s degree. It was important to me to find a degree programme that was academically up-to-date, practice-oriented and easily compatible with my job. 

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

I found that the good rapport between students and lecturers exceeded my expectations. The practical approach of the modules as well as the compatibility with my profession was just as good as the study advisors had described in advance.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

It is difficult to single out individual modules at this point. The degree programme boasts a broad range of courses in the fields of digitalisation, human resources, quality management and change management. 

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Even though I have managed to balance my studies with a full-time job, this double burden should not be underestimated and is somewhat of a challenge.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

Since I already worked in project management / consulting before and during my Master’s degree, I also envision my professional future in this sector, with the goal of taking on a managerial role. 

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

It is important to plan your modules and schedules proactively and early on, and to coordinate them with your employer. Apart from that, you should simply engage in your studies and take a personal interest in the relevant subjects.