Selma Zobu's Professional Career
International Business Alumna of 2005
When I started my studies for International Business at Pforzheim University in 2000 I never dreamed that it would really make a difference and pave the way for my future career to such an extent as it actually did. Currently I am working in an international transition project as part of a large scale Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) deal in Manila, Philippines. But let me get to the beginning.
Prior to my academic studies at Pforzheim University I successfully completed an apprenticeship at the Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW) where I gained my first work experience within the finance industry. However, I became aware that this career path would offer me only limited potential for international exposure. Based on my bi-lingual background and my general interest in learning languages I have been very keen to experience different cultures and to improve my language skills. That was one reason why I joined the Business Administration programme with focus on International Business. I also paid much attention to what sets Pforzheim University apart from the numerous business degrees available at other universities and chose this programme based on its reputation ranking among the top 3 nationwide.
Meanwhile most universities not only label their taught modules as “international” but also deliver respective theoretical knowledge I learnt that a significant difference derives from individual and tailored support you get from your university for your personnel and professional development. Throughout my studies I got the opportunity to work in real life projects within international teams developing my intercultural competence and leadership skills. However, it requires some degree of proactive action of your own as well to get the most out of your studies and to convert the theoretical foundation into business know-how and real life knowledge. I was able to broaden my horizon through various internships during the semester breaks as for instance the
- Lekagape Organisation where I developed a Financial Information System in South Africa,
- Siemens where I got involved into SCM optimisation project in Barcelona,
- Panalpina, Inc. in Nashville, USA where I worked in the Sales and Marketing department and last but not least
- Lufthansa Cargo in Italy where I did my thesis.
The semester I studied at the Universidad San Pablo-CEU in Madrid where I was able to consolidate and improve also my Spanish language skills made the international orientation of the programme perfect and was one of the cornerstones to be fluent in four languages at the end of my studies.
The Business Administration degree in International Business from Pforzheim University proved to be very beneficial and had a significant impact in order to succeed in getting my first job at arvato logistics services, a Bertelsmann company, as a Key Account Manager responsible for the banking and insurance industry after my graduation in 2005. With my engagement at arvato's UK&Ireland organisation arvato finance services as a Consultant International Finance in 2006 I completed the cycle starting in the finance industry at the LBBW.
Though I already gained some years of work experience in an international environment now I am still facing new challenges almost every day. Looking back I really learnt to appreciate the setup of the Business Administration programme at Pforzheim University considering content, multilingual teaching, the semester abroad and practical experience through real life projects. Sure, theory and praxis are always something like miles apart but the comprehensive academic knowledge about proven methods and techniques applied in international businesses I gained during my studies enabled me to adopt quickly the right approach and frameworks for the case at hand in my professional life. I would encourage everybody who wants to work in a multinational organisation to study at Pforzheim University which in my opinion offers first-class education and opportunities you can’t get somewhere else. However, as we live in a more and more globalised world international education becomes an imperative regardless the job you might want to do.”
Selma Zobu, alumna of 2005
February 10, 2010