20 years of the study programme International Management
20 Years ago, the pioneering English-language study programme International Management started in Olten with 11 students. Today, 560 students are preparing for a globalised work environment at the FHNW campuses Brugg-Windisch and Olten.
The current Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (International Management) started in 1999 to address the noticeable globalisation and – inspired by the Bologna reform – to put the idea of student mobility into practice. This required classes taught in English, a wide and specific network of partner universities and lecturers with the right profile: they need to have the scientific background, but also practical international experience and fluent English language skills. When the study programme started, the Euro-zone was just being created. In 2019, globalisation has become a fact. “In today’s business world, internationalisation is a must”, emphasised Prof. Dr. Crispino Bergamaschi, president of FHNW, in his welcome address.
Students not only gain international management knowledge, but also the skills to apply it in a global environment. There are numerous opportunities for an international experience, for instance exchange semesters, summer schools, short-term internships with international companies or intensive programmes like the FHNW School of Business’ flagship student projects Insight China, Focus India, connectUs and explore ASEAN. After a thorough preparatory seminar, these programmes take students on an intensive two-week study tour of the respective countries.
The FHNW School of Business invited alumni and former and current colleagues to celebrate the anniversary on 28 November 2019 at FHNW Campus Olten. Over 200 guests, the majority alumni of the study programme, reminisced, reconnected with old friends and made new acquaintances. Moreover, they developed new ideas and perspectives for the degree programme. “The constant renewal is inherent in the programme – new modules, new forms of study, new perspectives”, says Prof. Dr. Antje Leukens, head of the programme at FHNW Campus Brugg-Windisch. In the future, students will increasingly tackle subjects like sustainability in a digital world, life-long learning and applying knowledge and networks in an international context. “A global awareness and regular reflective experiences in an international environment lead to a better understanding of yourself and others. This is an important requirement for demanding managerial positions, especially in an international setting”, explains Prof. Dr. Anya Nikoulina, head of the programme at FHNW Campus Olten.
Website of the BSc Business Administration (International Management)