My time at SDI was a journey of discovery, allowing me to explore my passions in languages, economy, and culture. The supportive lecturers helped me identify my strengths and build confidence to face challenges. Today, I use the skills I gained – foreign languages, cultural awareness, and business knowledge – daily in my career. My advice? Stay curious, take ownership, and never be afraid to learn something new!
Komplettes Interview
Kristina's Success Story
- Why did you choose to study at International University SDI München?
This course of study offered a lot of different main focus areas (for example, business studies, coaching, etc.), which allowed me to also discover my passions during my studies and then decide what my main focus areas will be. Other than that, it combined my main three passions with languages, economics, and cultural studies. - What was your overall SDI experience like and what did you learn?
I had a very positive experience; the lecturers always had time to answer my questions, helped me identify my strengths, and enabled me to achieve my goals. It is really hard to summarize in a sentence what I learnt, as it was so much. But overall, I could definitely enrich my knowledge about communication, moderation, languages, and business studies. - What was your favourite subject and why?
I did not have this one specific subject but rather the combination of all that makes my daily life special. I like having different perspectives and approaches on communication and culture, for example, the perspectives from AI, economics, cultural differences, etc. - Were you involved in any extracurricular activities (student council [Fachschaft], organizations, sports, etc.)? If so, which ones?
Yes. I was part of the Fachschaft.
- How has your career evolved since graduation?
I started in an HR generalist role and gradually moved more to accounting. I saw my passion in working with people and helping them. This is how I ended up in payroll analysis, by working with people and helping them analyze salary data. - What skills or knowledge from your education have been most valuable in your career?
All of them: I need foreign languages, especially English, daily. I am in touch with different cultural backgrounds daily and need knowledge of soft skills, AI, and business development. - Have you encountered any challenges or obstacles in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?
Yes, I think everyone has done so. Openly address them with your team, accept that you made mistakes, and face challenges, but never give up.
- What piece of advice would you give to current students or recent graduates looking to start their careers?
Be open and curious, show curiosity in learning, and don’t be afraid of taking ownership.
- How has your experience at International University SDI München shaped who you are today?
It made me more confident that I can face challenges and overcome them; it gave me the theoretical basis to accomplish the practice; it built me a network of great people I can always reach out to. - What do you hope to accomplish in the next 5–10 years in your career or personal life?
Becoming a senior in my role and learning continuously something new. Defining what is important to me in my role and what is not. - How do you stay connected with the SDI München community or fellow alumni?
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- What do you enjoy doing outside of work (hobbies, volunteer work, personal interests)?
N/A - Are there any causes or organizations you're passionate about that you would like to share?
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- Share something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know.
I can imitate Gollum from Lord of the Rings extremely well (smiles)!
Would you also like to share your personal highlights of your time as a student as well as your further professional career with us?
Then simply fill out the Alumni Questionnaire to tell us about your milestones, challenges and successes! We greatly appreciate the opportunity to inspire future students and highlight their potential by providing insights into your varied careers.
We would like to thank you for your participation and commitment - our current students and alumni are already looking forward to learning about your unique stories and career paths!
