“The People I Met During My Studies Have Been the Greatest Enrichment”

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and what did you do before coming to Germany?

I come from northern Egypt where I grew up in the city of Damietta northeast of the Nile Delta and lying directly at the Mediterranean, about three hours from both Alexandria and Cairo. I spent my entire school years there before moving to Cairo to study Economics and Business Administration at the American University in Cairo. 

You worked for many years before returning to university. What was your professional background?

After completing my bachelor’s degree, I moved to Kuwait, where I also earned my master’s degree. I then spent ten years working in the FMCG industry—short for “Fast Moving Consumer Goods,” which mainly refers to products sold in supermarkets. My work focused on product management on both the sales and purchasing side. I first worked for four years at Procter & Gamble and later spent six years working for a retailer. 

Why did you decide to leave your job and return to university?

In September 2022, I started thinking seriously about making a change. To be honest, everything had become a bit overwhelming, and I felt it was the right moment to take a step back. I spent some time traveling through Southeast Asia, which gave me the opportunity to reflect on what I wanted to do next. During that time, I realized that my previous master’s program in Kuwait had not challenged me academically in the same way my bachelor’s degree had. At the same time, I was interested in experiencing life in Germany and finding out what pursuing a master’s degree in Economics here would be like.  That is why I applied to several universities in Germany in 2023.

Why did you choose the University of Mannheim?

Both the University of Mannheim and the city itself appealed to me for different reasons. The university has an excellent academic reputation. I once read that Mannheim is sometimes referred to as the “Harvard of Germany” when it comes to Business Administration and Economics. What ultimately convinced me, however, was the contact with the International Office. From the beginning, I had the impression that the staff genuinely cared and were willing to help with every question. And regarding Mannheim itself—one of the first things I looked up was the number of sunny days. Back home, the weather is also very sunny, so I was looking for a place with a similar atmosphere (laughs).

What do you like most about your program of study?

The people I met during my studies have been the greatest enrichment. The friendships and connections I built here have helped me enormously, both academically and personally. Without that support network, things would probably have been much more difficult. Academically, I particularly appreciate the strong connection to current research. Throughout the program, we work extensively with recent academic papers and learn about the latest methods and developments in the field. I value that a lot.

How do you spend your time outside lectures and seminars?

Most of my free time is spent studying, meeting friends, and doing sports. I am a huge football fan. Right at the beginning of my degree program, I discovered that there is a university league and a football team for Economics master’s students (Real Wage F.C.), and I played with them till last semester. I also occasionally participate in student activities and events.

What advice would you give to other international students who are considering moving to Mannheim?

Reach out to people and do not try to handle everything on your own. The support offered by the International Office is extremely valuable, especially at the beginning, when everything can feel a bit chaotic and overwhelming. Building connections really makes a difference. Once you start talking to people and getting involved, many challenges become easier to manage, and you quickly find yourself becoming part of a community that enriches your entire experience abroad. 

What stage are you currently at in your studies, and what are your plans after graduation?

I am close to finishing my degree and only have my master’s thesis left to complete. However, I am planning to stay for a seventh semester in order to do an internship. After graduation, I would very much like to remain in Germany, and I can definitely imagine working here in the region. 

Would you like to return to the industry you worked in before?

When I left my previous job, I initially felt the need for a completely fresh start. But now, with a bit more distance, I find myself increasingly curious about how the FMCG industry operates in Europe—and especially in Germany. I would really like to see what companies here have to offer.

Interview: Tamara Gminsky   I   June 2026