Where ESB Alumni Work - Top 10 Employers

Still in doubt about what opportunities you have as an International Business student at ESB?
Based on data from LinkedIn, here are the 10 most popular employers for ESB alumni:

1. Bosch

2. Daimler

 

3. IBM

4. Hewlett Packard Enterprise

 

 

  5. Erst & Young 

6. BMW Group

7. Siemens

 

8. ALDI SÜD

9. Porsche

 

10. Accenture

 

Alumni Q&A: Interview with Christoph Gukelberger - successful entrepreneur and former IB student

His name is Christoph Gukelberger, he studied at ESB Business School and now runs his own startup, BringLiesel, together with his friend Nico Jäschen. They built an online platform, through which they deliver body care products to retirement homes. They operate all over Germany, with a core team of eight people and another three people who help out with customer acquisition.

We had the honor of interviewing him last week to learn more about his company and experience as a young entrepreneur.

Q&A

What did you study at the ESB, and when did you graduate?

C.G: I studied International Business, and I did what is now called the Fast-track. I graduated in 2009 from California State University.

Looking back, what was the most valuable thing you learned at ESB?

C.G: Apart from the business knowledge, I learned how to be organized. The IB programme forces you to plan ahead. It also taught me how to work with different cultures and adapt to new people and new surroundings. This was very inspiring.

What did you do before becoming an entrepreneur?

C.G: I worked as a consultant in the pharmaceutical industry for two years, after which I joined a e-commerce startup in Berlin. I stayed there for seven months and then I went on to work for another e-commerce startup in Hamburg for one and a half years where I helped the company to expand their business internationally.

How did you come up with the idea for BringLiesel?

C.G: When I was working in Berlin I received a call from a retirement home in Leipzig who were wondering about an invoice issue. During the call, I figured out, there might be more than just an invoice issue. I decided to drive over there and spent the afternoon talking with the staff. It became clear to me that the people in the retirement home were having trouble getting everyday products such as shampoo and toothpaste. I realized, that the demographical change in Germany will significantly affect and even compound this situation in retirement homes. After I found out there was no concept on the market solving this, I started to work on a solution for it.

What does a normal day look like for you?

C.G: There really is no such thing. I’m responsible for marketing, PR and sales, so the tasks are quite varied. I meet with clients, make cold calls, work on PR and so on. I also still spend quite a lot of time on the road, usually 1-3 days a week.

What do you find most difficult about being an entrepreneur?

C.G: Being organized and staying focused. Entrepreneurship is all about execution, and you really have to get things done. You’re also pretty much on your own, so every morning you have to get up and be able to motivate yourself. Depending on the situation, this can be extremely challenging.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?

C.G: Before starting your company, talk to as many people as possible and get feedback on your idea. You need to have a lot of self-confidence and believe in your idea. Other people can help you as they “grind” your idea which helps you to stay focused. Through this, you might also meet people joining your path in the future and contributing significantly to your success - don’t underestimate this. And... you mustn’t give up!

What advice would you give to the IB students?

C.G: Stay open-minded, there are so many opportunities out there! Don’t limit your career options in the beginning. Keep your eyes open and try to get as diverse experiences as possible. Learn to listen.

If you want to know more about BringLiesel and its services, we welcome you to visit their website: http://www.bringliesel.de

Stay updated for more of our Alumni Q&A series!

Why should I be part of a resort this semester? - Answers to frequent questions

Hello freshmen and welcome to the ESB !

I hope you all had a nice time on your first days on campus! It's the beginning of the semester and your head is probably full of information and questions. Course handouts, exam regulations, assignment deadlines, information about the study programme, dozens of new interesting people you would like to talk to, 100 names to memorise.  All of these things pop up into your mind, while you are a little bit dizzy from the party last night. And above all, these guys wearing nice T-shirts with the ESB logo come to you and tell you that it's a really good idea to get involved in the campus life and become part of a resort. As if you don't have enough things on your mind already! As if you have time left between three lectures, an intensive self-study of math and the next party!

Well, here's the funny thing: you actually do have the time and it is a great idea indeed. Let me tell you why.

•  Being involved in the campus life of the university and sharing the ESB spirit around makes you more motivated and enthusiast about the student life.
• You have the chance to develop your managerial and communication skills while working in a team and organising events. Besides, you can be as creative as you want and come up with ideas. You may also discover new passions or interests.
• You have fun! You get in touch with many students from different semesters and it seems like all of you have the same goal: improving the campus life while having a great time together.
• It doesn't take much of your time. Actually not at all. There are some meetings you should attend, but luckily we have this technology, so many things are actually discussed virtually. Many of my fellow students joined at least one activity. The summer semester was even shorter and we had a pretty full schedule. But being involved didn't affect our studies and no, we are not perfect in time management, neither math geniuses.

Overall, it is a great experience! Feeling that you do more for the university  makes you feel like you are part of a great community of people. Imagine your first days here at ESB without anybody to show you around the campus or share their experience with you. Boring, huh?

There is still time to apply. Check out the presentation updated on the facebook group for more information about each resort or activity. Then send us an e-mail with your motivation until Monday, September 26th at esb.ib.application@gmail.com and tell us why you think you are suitable for the position. No, it doesn't have to be a one-page personal statement. Just briefly ;)
When it comes to self-development, studying is never enough! Looking forward to your applications!

- Karina - 

Why I think ESB is the right place to study

When I started at ESB my expectations were pretty high.  I had made a research about the university and found out about this cool IB programme which combined theory with a practical experience. Then I went through the whole admission process, which made me realize that the university has very high learning standards. So I had my reasons to expect the best.
They say : "dont expect high because you will be dissapointed". Well.. not this time. This semester was an amazing experience for me, as an international student.
It's even nicer than I expected. It's like when you buy a pizza and it looks good but when you try it,  it tastes even better.

Here are some reasons why :
First, let's start with the academic part

The professors are great and the information you learn is relevant in the business world. Maybe because our profs have worked on big companies and they know what skills we will need in our future work. Working in small groups of maximum 70 makes the learning more efficient and active process. We basically get involved in the class, answer and ask questions.

The International Business Fair which takes place every semester on campus gives you the chance to meet representatives from big international companies  such as Porsche, Daimler, Bosch or Deloitte. You also have the chance to find information about student jobs or internships.

The library offers all the necessary tools you need for learning. Computers, self and group study rooms and oh, those confortable seats :D. When the weather is nice you can study outside in the sun.

There are tutorials that students teach so if you are having trouble with math or microeconomics, don't worry that no one will help you out. Moreover, you can become a tutor yourself if you perform well in one subject.

And the more fun part...

You receive a warm welcome from the IB Vision and StuCo students. They make sure you feel integrated and have fun.
Everyday is a cultural rollercoaster. Talking to your friend from the other corner of the world while eating at the cafeteria and learning about his/ her habits just makes your lunch more fun.
ESB has it own spirit. You can become part of the IB Vision and StuCo student organisations and get involved in making the student life here more interesting and fun.
You don't have time to get bored. Reutlingen may be a small city, but if you have your party people with you, you can have fun practically everywhere.

If you have just been accepted at our university, you will have a blast for sure!
Stay tuned for more tips about the student life at ESB!

- Karina -

Ready for elections? Get to know ESBest StuPa Candidates

Just two days left before the Student Parliament Elections!  And the question is who should you vote for? As the StuPa members are the students’ representatives, you will want to consider your choice wisely. Two outstanding gentlemen from our IB Programme are candidating : Max Scheller and Florian Großschmidt.We asked them to share some thoughts with us. Turns out they want us to have a blast next semester!

1.      Why did you choose to candidate?

Florian : That’s an important question, so I always wanted to do more than just studying. I would like to help people reach their goals and to make an impact on the future of the university. With all these boards and bodies (senate, school council, StuPa) it is possible to shape the next years of the ESB Business School and the University. And I would be really proud to represent the ESB and the University in way which they deserve. 

Max: I chose to candidate because I want to do something for the students, connect the students from all faculties. I want to get the best benefits for all of us.

 2.      What are the tasks you will have as a StuPa member?

Florian: It depends on which committee you’re joined. For example, in the senate you’re talking about Examination Regulations, in the ESB School Council you’re have an impact on further decisions about study regulations at ESB or about the allocation of School funds.

Max: For example if the students have a new idea of promoting the university and they need a certain budget for it, we discuss and decide how to allocate this budget to them and if it is helpful for the university as a whole.

3.      What does the StuPa do?

Florian: Overall StuPa takes decisions on all fundamental student questions, such as which projects should receive financial support, where the next trip takes place or about a campus festival.

Max: The student parliament is the highest decision-making organ of our Student Body. We basically support the activities of all students from Reutlingen University, we represent the ideas of students and try to make their wishes possible.

 4.      What impact does it have on students? What new ideas would you bring ?

Florian: Maybe student-friendlier examinations, more Trips, more fun... :D

Max: We are eager to make campus life as interesting as possible.  My main goal is to repair the gym. Students expressed their will to play football in the gym and I am eager to making this possible for them. I am very fond of sports, so I understand how important this is for them.

5.      What bonuses do you have as a parliament member?

Florian: The bonus is that you can be part of something special. All these committees are voluntary work and I think it is a great way to help others and to sharp the University’s and the students future.

Max: I can get to interact with students from different faculties. They are all very different and not always the same people as my “business people” from the ESB.  That’s the most challenging part I would say.

6.      Can you really change something?

Florian: By now, I’m sure and how was a Prof always saying: „Let’s did it!“  but please ask me next semester again.

Max: Yes,of course! As a member, you need to discuss any new idea or project with the other members and then you can ask for funding or support for these projects.

7.      Why should we vote for you?

Florian: First you should vote for the candidate which you think represent your interests and expectations the best. By now, I talked with many persons and they know, I really like to talk (sometimes a little bit too much) but in the end I always do my best for a specific task and you can be sure that I’m not afraid to confront others with that.

Max: Why should you vote for me? Because I’m old but gold. ;) I will represent our university at its best and I will connect all faculties. I am proud to be a student at Reutlingen University and I am motivated to support the students and put their ideas into practice. And of course, I will repair the sport hall. ;)

8.      Thoughts before the elections?

Florian: Every student of the University Reutlingen, please go to the Aula on Thursday (10:00am – 04:00pm) and vote. I would be really proud to represent your interests in the near future. à Vote 2x Senat + 1x ESB School council

Max: Internationality is truely the greatest good we have! Vote for us and you will find out why!

Professor Q&A - Prof. Yoany Beldarrain

This is the third post in our Professor Q&A series. The aim of the series is to allow present and prospective students to better get to know our amazing professors. This post features Prof. Yoany Beldarrain, professor of Business Communication and Head of Languages of the IB Programme.

    1.    In what roles have you contributed to ESB Business School?

Business Communication professor—too many specific points to list them all!

      Here are some of them:

-Coordinator of the ESB-wide language program (ESB Zentralsprachen),
-coordinator for languages for IB, IBD, IAT

-In total, I am responsible for about 19 language lecturers
-Speaker of the ESB Curriculum Committee
-Member of the core AACSB accreditation team

-development and implementation of the Assurance of Learning process,
  ESB-wide
-FIBBA accreditation process
-Drafting the latest ESB mission statement

-ESB´s SEP (strategic plan)
-Employability study
-Sharing e-learning best practices in multiple workshops, blended learning initiatives

-Grant writing

-Benchmarking projects with partner university

-Collaborative projects with partner universities

-liaison with several key companies

-International publications
-Student intake

-contributor to internationalization strategy
-much, much more…..

2.    What makes a good professor? (qualities, personality, skills etc.)?

In my view, a good professor is someone who inspires his/her students to be successful. This person sees the success of students as his/her own success. A good professor is a content expert, but above all, actively engages students in the learning process so they themselves can discover new connections. A good professor learns as much from the students as the students learn from him/her.

3.    Is there anything you would you like to change about your job?

More collaboration among colleagues is always positive.I would also like to have one ESB-wide calendar, it would help us coordinate the semesters more smoothly. We are working on it!

4.    What kind of student were you in university?  

I love to learn. During my university studies I was the one who forced my classmates to sit down and study before partying. I was organized and self-motivated. I actually finished the program ahead of all my classmates because I took extra courses each semester. I fell in love with e-learning because it gave me the flexibility to do things faster if I wanted to. I took the opportunity to take special exams so I would not have to take the actual course!

5.    Based on all of your experience, what is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
I have learned to see every glass as “half full” instead of “half empty.” In other words, always remain positive no matter how bleak the situation may seem. Be flexible, because positivity is the key to success.

6.    What's the most important word you would teach someone, if they couldn’t learn more than one?

Perseverance

7.    What one thing would you change in the world if you had absolute power?

People have free will, so you can´t force them to love or to care. I would try to promote tolerance through education. If I had absolute power and unlimited resources, I would establish a global education system that included compulsory exchange programs for every child so they would get to know different cultures and perspectives from an early age. I would hope that children would grow up more open-minded and willing to engage in cross-cultural dialogue as adults---which in turn would hypothetically promote peace, address poverty, etc. Right?
 

8.    What are your hobbies?

     Photography, writing, traveling

9.    What’s your favorite quote?

I actually have three:
Religious reference: I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians  4:13
Pop culture reference: Never surrender—song by Corey Hart
Philosophical reference: The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up. Paul Valery, French poet and philosopher

10. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

      Dance to the beat of your own drum.

11. What’s the most important advice you would give to the ESB students?

Joy and happiness are a personal decision. Don’t wait for anyone to bring you either one.

12. What are your three favorite books?

They are actually all children´s books. They teach great lessons.
The Little Red Engine that Could. Watty Piper

Love You Forever. Robert Munsch

The Giving Tree. Shel Silverstein

13. What do you like most about being a professor? 

      Learning new perspectives from my students.

14. If you hadn’t chosen a career in teaching, what would you be doing now?

I would be a journalist. It was actually my first major in college.

15. Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I have three for you…three seems to be my lucky number!
--I wrote a weekly newspaper column at age 12.

--I hosted a weekly radio talk show (1 hour long) at age 13.

--I interviewed Gloria Estefan and Ricky Martin at age 15.

Get ready for IBF – “The spirit goes business"

Just 3 days left before the International Business Fair starts! We are all really excited to welcome  71 first class companies on two fair days on ESB campus. The fair is an excellent opportunity for students to approach international and local companies from various industries and to build strong connections. We made a little research on the web, brainstormed ideas from students and came up with some helpful tips for our students.

The 5 tips every ESB student should consider during IBF

1. Seize the opportunity! Maybe it’s the first time you meet representatives from big companies, but don’t hesitate to get as much information as possible. Get in touch with the companies. Strong connections are always important, no matter in which semester you are.

2. Talk to alumni employees of the company who have been former ESB students. You can learn a lot from their experiences and stories. After all, they have been in the same place where you are.

3.  Ask interesting questions. In this way you'll show that you are well informed and interested in their work. It also makes them feel good about what they do. 

4.   Always remember that you represent yourself and ESB Business School. We want to live up to our reputation. When they communicate with you, the companies make an impression about ESB and its students.

5. Talk to impress. Be confident, motivated  and act professional when you’re talking to the representatives of companies.

For  those who are applying for internships, these days are a real challenge! Now it’s their time to seal the deal.  Here are some tips for “ the most challenged ones”.

1. Take your time to make a research

In today’s world, content is king.  So make sure you check the company on their web site, blog and any social media means. Most companies have a website with plenty of background information about the founders, company history, company mission statement and so on. Take some time to make a little research. Knowing more about the company shows your interest and enthusiasm about what they do . Moreover, knowing the company’s background you will know which skills you should highlight. 

2. Create a story statement

Though most interviews start with the same prompt (“tell me about yourself” or “walk me through your resume”), we blow it off with boring answers like: I studied [major X] because I really care about making a difference as you can see through my last job at [company Y]…This answer is like tearing out the first 200 pages of your autobiography. You leave out everything that gives meaning to why you want this job in the first place. What inspires you to work in a specific field? How did your childhood influence you? Why does this job move you? Most people don’t answer these questions. They start and end with their professional experience, leaving little to inspire the interviewer.

3. Use Social Sweepster App to clean your Facebook

Nowadays, 91% of employers search your social media for any red flags. While most people tell you to watch every single thing you upload, there’s a much easier solution. Use Social Sweepster, an app that detects pictures of red solo cups, beer bottles, and other “suspicious” objects.

4. Think about 3 PAR stories

Many people have fascinating experiences but forget them when they’re on the spot.  To remedy this, have three stories ready to plug into your interview. Your stories should follow a simple format:

1.      Problem – what was the situation?

2.      Action – what did you do to solve it?

3.      Result – what changed afterwards?

With this format, you can adapt your PAR stories to fit a variety of questions such as “tell me about a time you worked with a team”  or “tell me about a challenging situation you faced".

5. Think aloud on analytical questions

Some interviews include tough analytical questions. It’s important to talk through your thinking. Don’t just give an answer; show how you got there. Explain the entire way through, sharing your calculations and assumptions. It’s like solving a math problem, the result does not count if you can’t explain how you obtained it.

6. Prepare for the “What’s your weakness?” question

Most people overthink this question and give a canned answer like “I’m too much of a perfectionist!” Others give a genuine answer but still fall short of what this question is really asking. It’s not about admitting your weaknesses. It’s about showing how you overcome them.

7. Write an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a 30-second blurb about you: who you are, what you offer, what you can bring to the business. It helps you focus on your essential skills and strengths.

8. Don't apologize for your lack of experience

After all, we all start from the bottom. They saw your resume and everyone is in the same boat. Instead, point out the merits of your education, your personal strengths, the skills you can bring and your motivation to succeed. 

Student's opinion

I made great experiences during the last IBF and the FIFO in November. These events were two really great opportunities for me. By making contact with the companies during the fair, I eased my way into two internships. So, my advice for everyone is to look at this event as a chance to build a network. You can strongly benefit from doing a couple of interviews ( which are even helpful if you are not that interested in the firm, since it will prepare you for interviews) or even just talking to the firm representatives. Of course they can give you valuable information but more importantly, if you can get their contact information and use it wisely, it will be a lot easier for you to get a position in that company. ( Louisa Zapf, IB3)

Bring your business spirit and be ready to capture the next opportunity!

Sources

www.forbes.com

www.investopedia.com