Domenic Windorfer, graduate of the Business Communication Chinese (BA) programmeI had been looking for a combination of business studies and Chinese, and SDI provided that. The only other options were either a full scope Sinology degree – which was lacking the business content – or a degree in East Asian Studies in another city. Small courses made it possible for the professors to focus on each student on a more individual level than you might face at other institutions. Practical experience, however, is a must-have! If you have any chance, use your holidays to do short-term internships.
Full Interview
Domenic's Success Story
- Why did you choose to study at International University SDI München?
I had been looking for a combination of business studies and Chinese. The only other options were either a full scope Sinology degree – which was lacking the business content – or a degree in East Asian Studies in another city. - What was your overall SDI experience like and what did you learn?
My general experience was great. Small courses made it possible for the professors to focus on each student on a more individual level than you might face at other institutions. - What was your favourite subject and why?
I did have several favourite courses. However, the most iconic ones that are still sticking with me are Chinese Culture Studies with Mr. Zhu and Anglophony with Mr. Williams. - Were you involved in any extracurricular activities (student council [Fachschaft], organizations, sports, etc.)? If so, which ones?
Eventually, the student council was founded during my time at SDI. I had the honor of being elected as spokesperson for my class first, as well as later for the entire WiChi course.
- How has your career evolved since graduation?
- Right after Graduation:
I had quite a rough start after graduation. Going through a lot of mini-jobs, such as working as a camera assistant (Bavaria Moviestudios), working as a dispatcher at Lieferheld, and working in a storage house. - Way Abroad:
I did an international internship at BMW Group during my 5th/6th semesters at SDI. With my contacts from there, I received the possibility to do another internship at BMW Headquarters about a year after my graduation. From there on, I was hired locally by BMW Austria Ltd. and started my first position as a Sales Analyst. I managed to move on to BMW Central & Southeastern Europe after about 3 years, where I worked as an International Sales Specialist, taking care of all Eastern European BMW/MINI markets from Poland to Malta, covering logistics, invoicing, and ordering operations. - Back to Munich:
In 2021, I joined the headquarters at BMW AG as a Product Owner, taking over the development of a global Vehicle Configuration Application. After completing this task, I decided to move to a completely new department in 2024. Ever since, I have been part of the Governmental Affairs & Foreign Policy Department.
- Right after Graduation:
- What skills or knowledge from your education have been most valuable in your career?
Mainly: English, Presenting Skills, Intercultural Awareness. - Have you encountered any challenges or obstacles in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?
The hardest part was finding a stepstone to begin with. It took me almost a year after graduation.
- What piece of advice would you give to current students or recent graduates looking to start their careers?
Practical experience is a must-have! If you have any chance, use your holidays to do short-term internships. If you do not know what field you want to work in, try out as many different companies/departments as you can. If you already know where you want to end up, go for as much practical experience as you can. Even though people tend to say “it’s an employee market,” you will still face plenty of competition that has either more experience or a golden-star degree on their resume (or both).
- How has your experience at International University SDI München shaped who you are today?
“Shaped” is a word that is too strong. After all, the experience of working (part-time as a working student) and studying plus learning each day made me kind of ready for the work life after graduation. - What do you hope to accomplish in the next 5–10 years in your career or personal life?
I do hope to finally get the chance to work abroad, preferably in East Asia. This is something I really hoped to do before I turn 30. However, plenty of global crises as well as a lack of job opportunities prevented it from happening so far. - How do you stay connected with the SDI München community or fellow alumni?
I used to be in direct contact with some former students/teachers.
- What do you enjoy doing outside of work (hobbies, volunteer work, personal interests)?
I am an aviation enthusiast. Furthermore, I do head the BMW “eSports” department. - Are there any causes or organisations you're passionate about that you would like to share?
I am politically active (CSU). Furthermore, I used to be a Taekwondo coach in Germany as well as in China. However, since I started working full-time, this is not possible anymore.
- Share something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know.
I know how to operate an Airbus320.
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