Ines, graduate of the International Business Communication (BA) programmeMy journey has taken me from Munich to Madrid – and in a way, SDI laid the foundations for that. Today, I support international clients remotely, study for my MBA alongside my work, and lead a life I could never have imagined. The fact that all of this works so seamlessly has a lot to do with the intercultural mindset I adopted whilst I was there.
Full Interview
Ines's Success Story
- Why did you choose to study at International University SDI München?
During my research for an international study programme, I was drawn to SDI München's unique combination of languages, communication, and business. Ultimately, I chose International Business Communication over Tourism Management because I wanted a broader foundation that would allow me to work across different industries and cultures — a decision I have never regretted. - What was your overall SDI experience like and what did you learn?
My time at SDI München was internationally shaped in the best sense — both through the curriculum and the people I met there. The experience sharpened my intercultural thinking and gave me a strong foundation in communication that I apply every single day in my work. Working with people from different backgrounds and learning to navigate different cultural contexts felt natural by the end of my studies — and that has proven invaluable in my international career. - What was your favourite subject and why?
My favourite subject was General Business Administration, taught by Professor Weber. His course sparked a genuine interest in business strategy and management that stayed with me long after graduation — and ultimately inspired me to pursue an MBA at EAE Business School in Madrid, which I will be completing this June. - Were you involved in any extracurricular activities (student council [Fachschaft], organizations, sports, etc.)? If so, which ones?
During my studies, I worked as a Marketing Assistant at the university (HiFi), where I supported the organisation of various events and occasionally helped with student-facing activities such as welcome events for new students. This experience gave me my first real taste of marketing in practice and taught me a lot about teamwork and organisation alongside my studies.
- How has your career evolved since graduation?
After graduation, I gained my first corporate experience as a working student at Siemens and a boutique management consultancy, which gave me a solid understanding of both large-scale operations and agile business environments. What started as a spontaneous move to Spain gradually turned into a permanent chapter — I built my career remotely as a freelance Digital Business Manager, working across content, marketing, and recruiting for international clients. Today, I manage newsletter and content strategies for one client and support recruiting efforts for another. Alongside all of this, I am currently completing my MBA at EAE Business School in Madrid — a step that felt like a natural progression after everything I have experienced in practice. - What skills or knowledge from your education have been most valuable in your career?
The combination of intercultural competence, communication skills, and business fundamentals has been the backbone of my career. Working remotely with international clients across different industries requires exactly that — the ability to communicate clearly, adapt to different cultural contexts, and think strategically. The multilingual environment at SDI also prepared me well, as I work across German, English, and Spanish on a daily basis. - Have you encountered any challenges or obstacles in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was the leap into freelancing — leaving the security of a traditional career path and building something from scratch in a new country. In the beginning, finding clients and establishing a steady workflow were tough, and there were moments of doubt. But I learned that success is rarely overnight — it is the result of showing up consistently, even when results are not immediately visible. Most people overestimate what they can achieve in a year and underestimate what they can achieve in three. Patience, discipline, and a willingness to keep going when things feel uncertain have been the most important traits I have developed — and they have shaped not just my career but my mindset as a whole.
- What piece of advice would you give to current students or recent graduates looking to start their careers?
Start before you feel ready. One of the biggest mistakes I see is waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect plan — it does not exist. Get practical experience as early as possible, say yes to opportunities even when they scare you, and do not be afraid of taking an unconventional path. The detours are often where the most growth happens. And once you have found your direction — be consistent, be patient, and trust the process. Results take time, but they compound. It is not about the goal; it is about who you become on the way to achieving it.
- How has your experience at International University SDI München shaped who you are today?
SDI München planted a seed that has grown into everything I am today — professionally and personally. The international mindset I developed there gave me the confidence to move abroad, build a career across borders, and work with clients from different cultures and industries without hesitation. I think studying in an environment where diversity and communication are at the core naturally makes you more adaptable, more open, and more curious — qualities that have served me far beyond the workplace. Looking back, SDI did not just give me a degree; it gave me a way of seeing the world. - What do you hope to accomplish in the next 5–10 years in your career or personal life?
In the next 5-10 years, I want to continue growing my freelance business and gradually transition it into a fully fledged agency. I am passionate about helping businesses communicate better, grow their digital presence, and build strong teams — and I want to do that on a larger scale. The MBA is an important step in that direction, giving me the strategic and financial toolkit to turn that vision into reality. Beyond work, I want to keep exploring the world, deepen my roots in Spain, and continue building a life that is both professionally fulfilling and personally rich. - How do you stay connected with the SDI München community or fellow alumni?
Mainly through LinkedIn, where I stay in touch with former classmates and follow the university's updates.
- What do you enjoy doing outside of work (hobbies, volunteer work, personal interests)?
Outside of work I try to stay active and grounded — yoga is a big part of my daily routine and helps me stay focused. I also grew up riding horses and still ride whenever I get the chance. Travelling is in my DNA, probably amplified by my time at SDI and my move abroad. And one cause that is very close to my heart is volunteering at dog shelters, particularly Galgo rescue organisations here in Spain — Galgos are a breed that sadly faces a lot of neglect and abandonment, and supporting their rescue and rehoming is something I feel strongly about. - Are there any causes or organizations you're passionate about that you would like to share?
One cause I am deeply passionate about is the rescue and rehabilitation of Galgos — Spanish greyhounds that are traditionally used for hunting and are often abandoned or mistreated once the hunting season ends. The scale of the problem in Spain is heartbreaking, but there is a growing network of shelters and volunteers working tirelessly to change that. I actively support local Galgo rescue organisations through volunteering and try to raise awareness wherever I can. If you ever want to learn more or get involved, organisations like BaasGalgos or Galgo rescue groups across Europe are doing incredible work.
- Share something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know.
Most people are surprised to hear that I once completed a 10-day Vipassana silent meditation retreat in Nepal — no talking, no phone, no distractions, just your own mind for ten days. It was one of the most challenging and transformative experiences of my life. If you ever want to truly understand yourself, I highly recommend it.
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