“Take advantage of the many opportunities available to you and be prepared to change the way you think”

Which factors motivated you to pursue a master's degree in Mannheim?

After completing my bachelor's degree in International Business Management, I looked for suitable master's programs in Germany. It seemed reasonable to me to first look at the rankings of various business schools and their connection to potential future employers. Mannheim always ranked at the top.

What do you particularly appreciate about studying at the University of Mannheim?

A whole range of things (laughs). First of all, I appreciate the fact that in the MMM program, students from different years study together. We are free to choose which courses we want to take each semester; thus, courses often bring together students from first and higher semesters. In my case, this was very helpful, because, at the beginning of my studies, I had a bit of trouble with the mandatory courses and the style of the exams, and I was able to benefit from the experiences and tips of my fellow students.

What I also like about my degree program is having some lectures taught by teachers with a background in business practice, which means that these lectures are not purely theoretical. In a marketing course, for example, Professor Homburg repeatedly cited examples from his former consultancy. This provided an entirely different perspective compared to someone quoting things from a textbook, and I was able to understand the content much better.

How do you spend your semester break?

During the semester break, I mainly travel around Europe. I love history, so being able to visit the places I learned about at school is a dream come true for me. Potsdam, for example, made a huge impression on me; you can feel the weight of history all over the city.
But the natural environment is also magnificent, especially for hiking. Before I came here, I had an idea of what Germany looked like, but I've discovered so many little treasures throughout the country, numerous small villages with historic architecture in the region around Mannheim and Frankfurt or in the Black Forest.

Is there anything that surprised you about German culture?

I thought that it would be difficult to make friends because abroad, Germans are considered to be quite reserved. But I didn't experience that at all. When I arrived in Mannheim, I didn't know how university life worked here and, to be honest, I felt quite lost. Then I ran into Hanna and one joke later, which made us both laugh, she introduced me to her friends, who are now my friends as well. People are very open and it's easier than I expected to integrate here. Sometimes it is a bit more difficult to communicate with older people or in smaller villages because of the language barrier, as I am not yet fluent in German and not everyone speaks English. But I have no problems with people my own age.

How does your life in Mannheim differ from that of your friends in Zimbabwe?

Overall, it is easier to access things like expertise and consumer goods here. As a result of the sanctions against Zimbabwe, many everyday items are luxury items there. Furthermore, in my home country, career opportunities are often determined by relationships rather than performance. In Germany, I can work, develop my skills, and work on my career with regard to the value I can bring to companies. In my home country, I would not have the same opportunities to earn a degree and gain experience for my career.

Where do you see yourself after finishing your master's degree? Do you plan to stay in Germany?

I definitely want to stay here for a few years after graduating. I am currently applying for junior management and graduate programs in Germany. During my studies, I gained experience in marketing and sales as a working student at Grover, among other things, and specialized in IT systems in the master's courses. I would love to combine these two fields. That's why I'm currently doing an internship in the Mobility department of Bosch, where I'm working with their software sales and business development team. I want to find out whether this is something I could see myself doing in the long term.

Do you have any advice you would like to share with other international students who are thinking about studying in Mannheim?

Be open-minded! Many international students choose their university mainly based on the size of the city and head to Berlin or Munich. Mannheim may not look as attractive at first glance, but the city has a lot to offer. Starting with the sports program and the wide range of opportunities to network with students from different universities, to the numerous student organizations and initiatives such as 180 Degrees Consulting, where you can try your hand at non-profit management consulting. On top of that, the University of Mannheim has a great network that can help you on your way to achieving your individual professional goals.

I would also like to encourage everyone who comes here: Try not to be too hard on yourself! Before I came to the University of Mannheim, I had excellent grades, but here, my grades were rather average. The education and examination systems may be new and challenging at times, so take advantage of what the university offers, such as courses preparing you for exams, or ask students in higher semesters for support. And keep in mind that it's not just your grades that make you attractive for companies, but also your extracurricular experience, for example as a working student.

A lot of things may not go as planned, but there is always a way to succeed and achieve your goals, so: Be open and flexible!

Interview: Julia Schöfthaler / March 2025