Theresa Ruf, M.A.
Current job:
Senior Associate in Strategic & Reputation Communication
Studies in Mannheim:
Media and Communication Studies
Highest degree:
Master's degree
Career
I am currently working as a Senior Associate in Strategic & Reputation Communication at FGS Global. FGS Global is one of the world’s leading consultancies for strategic communications. We advise clients on all aspects of communication—from transactions and government affairs to corporate reputation, crisis management, transformation, and change.
My professional journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Media and Communication Studies at the University of Mannheim. During this time, I gained valuable practical experience through a marketing internship at a start-up and later gained insights into internal corporate communications at SAP. I then decided to pursue a master’s degree in Communication Management at the University of Leipzig, one of the leading programs in the field of strategic communications.
Alongside my studies, I worked as an academic staff member on reasearch projects exploring current trends and challenges in corporate communications—including the impact of societal and technological developments on communication practices, as well as topics such as financial communication and corporate reporting.
Since 2021, I have been part of FGS Global, where I advise companies on all aspects of strategic communication—from transformation and change projects to CEO positioning and the development of integrated communication strategies.
Tips for starting your career
For students and prospective students interested in pursuing a career in strategic communications, I recommend gaining practical experience as early as possible and staying curious—the industry is constantly evolving and thrives on fresh ideas. If you have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad, take it—the perspectives you gain will prove invaluable later in your professional life. And finally, it’s worth developing both analytical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, as strategic communication combines the two. Stay open to new paths—it’s precisely the diversity of experiences that makes this profession so exciting.
Relevance of the studied program
Studying at the University of Mannheim provided me with a solid, interdisciplinary foundation for my career in communications consulting. I found the analytical and methodological skills I acquired there particularly valuable. A special highlight was my semester abroad at the National University of Singapore. The international experience and the insights I gained into global communication structures and cultures significantly broadened my perspective and prepared me well for the demands of international communications consulting.
Credit: Stefanie Aumiller