Have you ever asked yourself what it’s like to study at Karlshochschule? Being a 5th semester, I finally know the answer – it’s different! Over the past two years at Karlshochschule, I became familiar with its values and the Karls spirit. Approaching the end of my study program, I want to reflect upon my personal highlights at Karlshochschule.
Reflection about the Modules at Karlshochschule
While I decided to study International Business with the specialization Intercultural Management, I realized that from semester to semester the specialization modules shifted from a theoretical orientation towards a more practical one. Thus, within the Intercultural Management specialization, we used the theoretical frame, in order to develop transcultural marketing strategies, or to design our own intercultural competence training. In the process, the specialization enables us to operate in an international context after the study program – be it at an international company, an international non-governmental organization, or an international institution. Besides my specialization, I enjoyed the huge language offering at Karlshochschule which ranges from Chinese to French, Spanish, or Arabic. Generally speaking, the languages are taught more intensively than in my previous schooling which enabled quicker progress. All of the business and management classes are very practical and often designed very creatively – whether we had to create our own amusement park from a financial, organizational, and human resource perspective, or the rebuilding and implementation of a logistic supply chain. Giving presentations and working in groups is an integral part of this.
Reflection about the Events and Student Life at Karlshochschule
I still remember my first day at Karlshochschule which was during the Orientation Week, the week full of games and fun, in order to get to know the university and fellow students. This week ist one of my favorite memories due to all of the different activities that were offered and because we formed our first friendships at Karlshochschule during this time. Along with Orientation Week, the numerous events we participated in left positive associations in my mind. Among these events, the International Dinner was such a memorable moment. Sharing different dishes and getting together with all of the people from diverse cultures and nationalities truly embodies the Karls experience. Also, the Karls Oktoberfest was an entertaining event, demonstrating the traditional German culture, in which the milking of an artificial cow was the highlight of everyone’s night. Not to be forgotten, the Something event, an open stage show where everyone can participate always had a pleasant atmosphere. Undoubtedly, my personal highlight of the first year at Karlshochschule was University Day in the first semester, a one-day excursion in Rhineland-Palatinate with the entire freshmen class. The goal of this trip was to improve our team building skills through sporty activities, something that the Karls prides itself on. Afterwards, the excursion ended with a trip to a local burger restaurant in Karlsruhe.
Reflection about the Company Projects
Within the second year at Karlshochschule, my definite highlight was the Company Projects which were split into the Introductory Company Project in the third semester and the Advanced Company Project in the fourth semester. These did not only help me in getting an internship for the sixth semester at an international company, but also in gaining practical experience. It was the first time I was able to get in contact with other companies and non-governmental organizations, while directly cooperating with them as well as developing recommendations and strategies. Interestingly, I experienced the Company Projects locally at Karlshochschule face-to-face in the third semester, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we had to use Microsoft Teams in the fourth semester. Both experiences were unique and added value to my personal development and curriculum vitae.
Looking into the Future – What’s to come and how it will continue
Now, at the end of my fifth semester, I’ve begun asking myself what will come next after my bachelor program? A master program at Karlshochschule? Entering professional life? An MBA? Surely, I still have time to make a decision during my sixth semester – the future will show me the way. While the fifth semester was characterized by online classes at Karlshochschule since I couldn’t go on my semester abroad, another personal highlight was the virtual reality class in the module MELE (Marketing Elective) which was a unique experience. I’m also looking forward to the sixth semester where exciting things lie ahead of me, like the internship and the bachelor thesis.
Overall reflection – The Things I value the most at Karlshochschule
Summing up my overall impressions and experiences at Karlshochschule, the university really thinks about many things differently with its spirit: “think outside the box”. Presently, the Karls embodies feminism, sustainability, diversity, inclusion, transparency and open-mindedness. Of course, like any other university, Karlshochschule has its flaws. Despite that, Karlshochschule always focuses on improving the quality of its environment and creating a space where everyone feels accepted and welcomed. Offering plenty of possibilities for personal development, you’ll find that your time at Karlshochschule will not only help you grow as a professional but as a person as well. What I value the most at Karlshochschule, is the great atmosphere and the ability to meet different and unique people from all over the world. Also, the practical experience and the creativity are factors I appreciate a lot. I was introduced to many interactive tools such as Miro, Padlet, or Kahoot! that are used in countless classes. In closing, I’m glad having had the chance to be a part of Karlshochschule!
Article by Luisa Fiedler *LF – International Business – Intercultural Management (B.A.), 5th Semester
*Karlshochschule is an educational institution and a non-profit organization as well. We want to encourage individuals and young people to take responsibility, find their own voice and initiate change in a sustainable and tolerant way. Listening to different opinions not only promotes different perspectives, but also discourse. The content of this blog is characterized by the diverse experience and opinions of the authors, which may not be the majority opinion of the university, but provokes reflection and discussion.