VIA Impulse with Katja Tiltscher

"You don't have to plan everything – the important thing is to take control of your own path."

Is it the right degree at the right time? This question preoccupies many first-year students – including the "newbies" who came to the VIA Impulse lecture in the Walter Witzenmann lecture hall on March 4, 2026. The program included an insight into study and career paths from a practical perspective: Katja Tiltscher from TRUMPF openly shared her experiences, doubts, and decision-making processes – and encouraged the first-year students to go their own way.

Between doubts and a new beginning: Starting university
Tiltscher recalled her own start atuniversity more than two decades ago: "I had so many questions in my head – what should I study? What will become of me? Will I be able to complete my studies?" She didn't have a finished career plan at the time. Instead, she found her way by trying things out. A degree is not a contract for eternity, but a starting point that provides orientation.
A solid foundation such as a degree in business administration can help because it opens many doors: "You can jump off this foundation, but you can also return to it at any time." It is important to take your time and not jump to the conclusion that things must be better elsewhere.

Courage to change: detours as opportunities
During her studies and later professional life, Katja Tiltscher learned one thing above all else: decisions do not have to be final – and a fixed plan is overrated. "Sometimes you only know what you want once you have experienced what you don't want."
Her career has taken her through various stages – from consulting at the beginning of her career to her current role in research and development. It is precisely these detours that are valuable: they make you more open, courageous, and independent. "It's about getting the best out of yourself and staying true to yourself – both in your studies and later in your career."
International experiences also shaped her path. A stay in São Paulo was challenging at first, but later became one of the most important building blocks of her life. "I learned to appreciate what I have in Germany and understood what I stand for."
At 29, she was at a turning point: she wanted to leave human resources – but then she was offered the chance to take on a management position in HR. She accepted the challenge and mastered it while completing a master's degree in process management. Her advice: "Even if it feels bumpy at first, it's worth it."

Feedback as a guide – and the role of communication
An important part of her career path were the people who accompanied and supported her. Today, Katja Tiltscher shares her leadership position in innovation and technology with a tandem partner. This close collaboration means constant, direct feedback – a big advantage: "Things are addressed more clearly and quickly than in the private sphere." She has been working in
this constellation for more than four years on the transformation of machine tool manufacturing in research and development. This change was also a leap into the unknown – one that paid off and further highlighted her strengths.

New perspectives and finding your place in change
Careers today rarely follow a straight path – Tiltscher described a changing world of work: shaped by innovation, technology, and ever-changing requirements. Roles are changing, as are visions of the future – and no one has to be an expert in everything right from the start, because that is simply not possible.
It is much more important to ask yourself questions: What drives me? What inspires me? What do I want to achieve?
Dreams and paths may change – and that is perfectly normal. "There may be a detour or two," said Tiltscher, "but you shape your own future."