International Business and Management (M.A.)

"When choosing universities and programs, I put MIBM in Osnabrück as my priority #1 program because I liked the curriculum and classes of the program. Moreover, I wanted to have a wider option for my career specialization in the future. This program covers all the aspects of the business, that means I can have an internship in mostly any area of the business. Before going to academia, I would like to gain some more experience in the business corporations. I believe that this program fits perfectly my career expectations in the future. I truly enjoy my time in the city and Hochschule. I was afraid that I am not gonna make many friends here but thankfully my classmates are great people with whom we spend time not only in the classes but outside as well. Also I like how international our program is. During our classes we learn so many new things about new countries and cultures. I love our classes in our program, as well as very professional professors."

"The Master's program covers a broad range of topics and is particularly attractive due to its internationality. In addition, there are many different interesting elective modules that you can choose from. I particularly like the link between theory and practice. Osnabrück is a very beautiful city, there is a lot of life in the center and if you need a break and relaxation, you can get to the countryside very quickly. Because the city is very small, you can get everywhere by bike. I also really like the university with its combination of new and old buildings. The university also offers a lot of programs outside of the daily study routine."

"Joining the Master International Business and Management program at Hochschule Osnabrück was a bit of a leap for me. After 5 years as a Digital Marketer, I was looking for a change. What I found in this program was beyond my expectations. It opened my eyes to the world of academia, something I hadn't really considered before. I've been lucky to study abroad during my bachelor's, but the sense of community I felt here was different. The local students and my international peers were so welcoming. We'd help each other through tough assignments, share meals, and talk about our backgrounds and beliefs. Those friendships made all the difference, especially during the tougher times. I owe a lot to Professor Böhmer and Professor Griese. Working with them as a research assistant, I learned things you can't always get from lectures. It felt good to take that knowledge and help out my classmates. Some subjects in the course truly pushed me beyond my comfort zone. It wasn't always easy, but it's in these challenging moments that I realized the value of stepping out of the familiar. With determination and the support I found here, I overcame those hurdles. But what stands out most from this program? The people. You meet folks from all over the world, learn from them, and build this amazing international network. It's a journey that's made me more understanding and open-minded. Lastly, I never expected much when I applied. But this university gave me more than just lessons. I got to work at the university and even received a scholarship from Deutschlandstipendium. It's been quite the ride, and I'm genuinely grateful for it."

"I really like the practical and international orientation of the program. As a national (German) student, I really appreciate the opportunity to study the program completely in English language and to study together in intercultural teams. What makes the study program special are the small study groups, so everybody knows and helps everyone. Thus, it feels like a small IBM family. In general, I like about both electives (Strategic Marketing and Digitalisation in Society) that we do a lot of group work and presentations, which enable us to continuously improve our presentation and communication skills. On the one side I choose the elective strategic marketing because I wanted to expand my marketing knowledge in general as I specialized in event management in my Bachelor’s. Furthermore, I wanted to get more insights in brand management and product innovation. And on the other side I choose digitalisation in society because I especially liked to get insights into programming. Particularly, I liked the e-business module because we had to apply our learned theory to the practice as we developed a practical concept for the fashion and sports store L&T here in Osnabrück."

"Before enrolling in a master program, I had spent five years building my career in a marketing field at two multinational companies. When considering a business master program, flexibility was a big part of my decision process as I wanted to balance my education and career in my first year and create a deeper understanding of my chosen field. The best thing about double degree program is the freedom you have to shape your own degree in two countries. Within your specialization, you can choose elective courses according to what matters the most to you. Many courses at the Hochschule Osnabrück are highly practical which prepare me for the real world to have the relevant knowledge and skillset in the field. Instructors are very supportive to students who require extra help and there is a lot of interaction between the instructors and students in the classroom. Studying in both Germany and South Korea has allowed me to broaden my horizons in academically, socially, and culturally. My degree allowed me to meet and interact with students from all around the world. I also like the fact that Germany is a pretty nice place to study and travel."

Master´s thesis: OTV International Introduction into the Latin American Market

How did you get to your current position?

Thanks to the connections between Hochschule Osnabrück and some companies, I had the opportunity to write my master dissertation at OTV International. I worked on the topic “ OTV International Introduction into the Latin American Market”. OTV International is a family-owned trading company. We supply the world's leading lubricant brands to customers all over the world. Before I finished my thesis, I was offered the position of Sales Manager for the Latin American market. I currently work from home in Mexico and my main tasks are prospecting, negotiating prices with existing customers, processing orders and coordinating exports.

From an almost non-existent presence in the region in 2016, Latin America now accounts for a significant proportion of the company's turnover. Entering and developing new markets such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Jamaica, Mexico and Peru have helped to consolidate my position within the company.

What are the crucial experiences you gained in the IBM master's program?

At the beginning of the program, it was a challenge for me to adapt to the German education system. Thanks to the highly qualified professors at the university and the quality of the program itself, I developed an analytical and critical thinking. The case study method of some of the lectures gave me a better perspective on the challenges of the real professional world.

The high diversity of nationalities in the class definitely shaped my cultural sensitivity. The intercultural skills have played an important role in my negotiations with customers from different Latin American countries. It also helped me to adapt more rapidly to my current working environment, where I deal with Dutch and German colleagues.  The demanding requirements to successfully complete each module as well as the competitive environment in class, prepared me to be a competitive professional. 

Tips for a successful career launch in Germany/ Abroad

• Do not only rely on LinkedIn or similar job search platforms, but proactively look for job offers on the websites of companies you are interested in.
• If you are not proficient in the language, learn German at a professional level.

Master´s thesis: Consumer’s willingness to pay: The role of violent news

How did you get to your current position?

I took on my current role as a marketing manager at Hönemann at the end of my PhD at the University of Bremen. In this role, I am responsible for the overall marketing and communication strategy of the family business, which specializes in offering industry services and renting construction machinery and work platforms. I manage our marketing efforts' strategic direction, focusing on ATL and BTL advertising measures. My responsibilities include event management, sponsorship, PR, and online and social media marketing. Ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence across all channels is a priority. I am responsible for hands-on media creation, which often involves designing materials myself and collaborating with freelancers or agencies when needed. I enjoy the variety and dynamic nature of marketing, as it keeps my work engaging and challenging. Each day offers new opportunities, from developing innovative campaigns to crafting compelling visuals, allowing me to continuously grow and apply creative and analytical skills.

What are the crucial experiences you gained in the IBM master's program?

The IBM program's comprehensive approach has undoubtedly shaped my professional journey and prepared me for success in the industry. Studying in an international context was certainly one of the most crucial experiences. The diverse mix of students from Germany and beyond, along with discussions from a cross-cultural perspective, provided me with the skills I needed to work effectively within a multi-nationally diverse team.

Furthermore, the program provided insights into scientific research and methodology, mainly through guidance from my master's thesis supervisors. This experience was instrumental in completing my PhD and will undoubtedly serve me well in my aspiration to become a marketing professor. Moreover, the specialization in strategic marketing offered in-depth knowledge of various marketing topics. This expertise has been directly applicable to my current job, aiding in executing complex marketing strategies and improving my overall performance.

Tips for a successful career launch in Germany/ Abroad

• Show your passion: Let your enthusiasm and love for the job you're applying for shine through.
• Highlight your soft skills: These are the things that help you connect with others, like communication and teamwork.
• Be patient and persistent: Job searching can be challenging (I had my experiences with that), but don't lose confidence. The right opportunity will come along if you keep at it.

How did you get to your current position?

After completing my studies at Hochschule Osnabrück, I started as Corporate Development Manager at Fiege. Fiege is an international and family-run contract logistics provider with more than 19,000 employees. We take care of the supply chains of many well-known customers from various industries. Nestlé, Zalando and Bosch, for example. Already during my studies, I was able to gain initial experience in the strategy departments of incumbent corporations, such as the automotive supplier Hella. Due to my major field of study in SCM and logistics, FIEGE was the perfect challenge for me. As logistics is one of the most dynamic sectors, we constantly challenge our structures and business models. In this context, the development of the corporate strategy and the derivation of the strategies for our business units was the focus of my first year of work. In the meantime, implementation is in full swing. 

Here, I am responsible for strategy projects, which include projects to expand the company's service portfolio and competencies, for example. In addition, my department works on innovation management. Cooperating with and investing in start-ups to (co-) develop marketable innovations is the second exciting part of my job. 

What are the crucial experiences you gained in the IBM master's program?

The master programme IBM is a superb preparation for complex tasks in international companies. This is not only due to the technical knowledge acquired in the versatile modules, but also due to the diversity of the fellow students from all over the world.  The generalist orientation of the curriculum helps me in my professional life today to quickly understand the "big picture" and to communicate effectively with a wide variety of specialist departments. In particular, my specialization in change management allows me to communicate the necessity for strategic change clearly and to implement projects in cross-divisional teams. All in all, my time in Osnabrück (and also in Yogyakarta, Indonesia) was instructive, challenging and incredibly versatile. If you appreciate true internationality and are willing to leave your comfort zone over and over again, then this is the right place for you! 

How did you get to your current position?

As part of the A400M Local Support Center Community, my team is responsible for coordinating the material flows on behalf of the German Air Force. In order to satisfy the frequently growing demands, we are managing the provision of spare and repair parts on time, on cost and at the right quality for a current fleet of 33 aircrafts. Above the daily operational business, my work includes the creation and improvement of material processes that allow the securing of contractual and company-internal KPIs. The IBM master program as well as my master thesis, focusing on humanitarian logistics, has paved my way for this professional start in the working world. The specialization in Supply Chain has driven my motivation for this field and equipped me with the needed tools for working in such a fascinating and constantly changing environment. Logistics is needed in any business area, connecting people and goods around the globe.

What are the crucial experiences you gained in the IBM master's program that are useful for your current job?

The most crucial competence that I have taken from IBM is the sensitivity for international work environments. Being one of the great features of this master program, I experienced the significance to learn, work and interact with people from diverse nationalities, cultures and backgrounds. This is what I live daily at my company: Airbus, having common roots in four European countries and operating around the globe, is a truly international work environment. 

Master´s thesis: Market entry strategies – finding the “right” way to succeed. A case study approach based on HARTING Systems GmbH entering Denmark

How did you get to your current position?

It has been 10 years already that I have been working in my company. Unbelievable how time flies! I started in 2014 with an internship and writing my master’s thesis and was happy to get a chance to start my career there. As a Junior Key Account Manager, I basically put my master thesis into practice – new markets, business opportunities, sales strategies, building local partnerships. As my German improved, I got a position of Key Account Management as well as my first German clients. It was a challenge, but I guess I handled it well as I celebrated my 10^th anniversary in the company as a Team Leader.

What are the crucial experiences you gained in the IBM master's program that are useful for your current job?

I think the most crucial competence which I acquired during my master studies and still successfully applying in my career is the ability to work with people from all over the world. I am thankful for all the projects we did together with my classmates and all the advice we got from our professors not only to accept our differences but to convert them into our strengths. “Out of the box” thinking is also something I appreciated so much during my MIBM studies and what I apply not only in my career but also in my daily life.      

Tips for a successful career launch in Germany/ Abroad

• Be active and open to people, to social and career events and to all opportunities which will come.
• Learn German! It will open many more opportunities for you.
• Believe in yourself no matter what. It is okay to received rejections – keep applying for your dream job.  

How did you get to your current position?

In fall 2016, I moved 9,000km away from home to pursue a master's degree in International Business and Management at the University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück. Amid the uncertainty of moving abroad for education, I was grateful to land at such an internationally diverse, progressive, supportive and welcoming university. After completing my first three semesters in Osnabrück, I decided to pursue an internship at a tech company in the Netherlands as part of their Talent Acquisition & Engagement Team. During my internship, I gained hands on work experience and wrote my master thesis on the significance of a credible employer brand. Today, I still work at the same company where I completed my internship, serving the learning and development needs and wellbeing of our global workforce as a Learning & Development Specialist. In retrospect, I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for my decision to move abroad for the IBM Master Program. 
 

What are the crucial experiences you gained in the IBM master's program?

My time at HS Osnabrück opened my mind to new perspectives, opportunities, and connections. I gained a macro-level view of the world through the IBM learning curriculum, as well as greater awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity after studying with individuals from all over the world. The decision to study IBM at HS Osnabrück is amongst the best decisions I've ever made and unlocked the door to both enriching personal experiences and professional opportunities.

How did you get to your current position?

My entry at Henkel was characterized by persistence. Before doing my master's studies at HS Osnabrück, I applied three times at Henkel for several internships and only received rejections. After returning from my semester abroad in Indonesia, I received an email from the IBM coordinators about an interesting internship position at Henkel. Due to my past interest and the fact that I did a project on Henkel in a marketing class, I decided to apply after exchanging information with a former student who had interned in the same department.

This marked the beginning of my lucky chain: I was accepted for the internship, had the opportunity to write my master's thesis, and was at the right place at the right time as the department formed a new digital transformation team, needing a digital transformation manager to focus on building digital capabilities and strengthening the digital mindset and culture within the organization.

Currently, I am mainly responsible for implementing digital upskilling paths, steering our digital network, handling communication topics on digital, and planning virtual events on digital topics such as our tech fair where we introduce new technologies or educate and inspire about standard tools. Additionally, I had the opportunity to go to Shanghai for a project for three months with the Talent Rotation Program and I mentor interns and accompany master thesis students.

What are the crucial experiences you gained in the IBM master's program?

The crucial experiences I gained in the IBM Master's Program include experience abroad, language skills, cultural diversity, general management skills such as communication and presentation skills, and strategic management including defining strategies and long-term vision. I also benefited from courses in marketing and digital subjects like Business Intelligence and e-Commerce. Furthermore, I acquired skills in change management and project management. Other important skills I gained include ambition, resilience, out-of-the-box thinking, simplifying complex concepts, and translating information to the right audience.

Master´s thesis: Victim Cluster Crises for the Global Airline Industry: A Comparison of Corporate Crisis Communication Strategies and Implementation

How did you get to your current position?

After I graduated from HS Osnabrück I worked as a Key Account Manager in the food industry. Next to this job I was always engaged in politics where I was a volunteer for many years. In 2022, I had the opportunity to stand for an election in my home district and was elected to the Lower Saxony state parliament, the Landtag. I am now a full-time politician, specialising in the field of education and research as my political topics.

I represent around 78.000 people of my constituency Cloppenburg-Nord and am their advocate and voice for their concerns, ideas and issues. In my daily work, I meet with my constituents and take part in policy discussions and votes in the parliament in Hanover. I try to have a close connection to both the businesses in my constituency to help them advance innovative ideas and the working councils to facilitate good work conditions for the people of my constituency.

What are the crucial experiences you gained in the IBM master's program?

I learned how to think strategically. This powerful competence is key to achieve goals – both in business and in politics. At HS Osnabrück, I learned to plan accordingly and to visualize the steps necessary for each target. Strategic Management and the ability to lead groups of people in a structured way is important to help get new policy decisions done.

I also benefitted a lot from the international aspect of the IBM master program. Not only did I build a network of people from many countries and cultures around the world, but I also learned how to view a problem or a challenge from different cultural positions. This broadens the decision-making in politics for me, because I will research more widely on how other countries or cultures have taken on similar political challenges and what I can adapt from them for my constituency and for my political standpoints.

Tips for a successful career launch in Germany/ Abroad

• Build and maintain a network of people far beyond your job, industry or culture – as broad as possible. You never know what person might be helpful in the future
• Be creative in your job search – Look for jobs that interest you, not jobs that look like the best “career choice”. The best way for a career is to do something you are thrilled by.