Success stories - former students tell their stories

What career advantages does experience in other countries during your studies bring?

We interviewed two former FHNW School of Life Sciences (HLS) students to understand how their experience abroad influenced their career development. Both took the opportunity to take courses at foreign universities during their studies.

Profile:

What motivated you to go abroad during your studies?

Selina: I have always been driven by curiosity to explore other cultures and countries. I believe there's a significant difference between a brief travel experience and living in a foreign country for an extended period. It allows you to experience the way of life more profoundly and provides an opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level, who can then become friends. Additionally, I value the international environment as it puts you in touch with fascinating individuals and offers opportunities to learn new things.

Alain: After completing my full-time bachelor's degree, I had the chance to do my master's degree part-time while gaining professional experience in biomedical engineering as a Research Assistant at the FHNW. Having called the HLS my academic home for six years, I felt the desire to challenge myself and prove my skills in an unfamiliar environment. It was also essential for me to work on a topic that was only indirectly addressed during my studies.

During my time abroad, I learned to be more independent and self-reliant. These qualities have been of great benefit to me both personally and professionally.

How has your career path evolved since graduating from the HLS?

Alain: After obtaining my master's degree I worked as a Testing Engineer and FEM Specialist at Straumann Group in Basel for two years. There I developed an interest in standards, regulations and quality improvement. Consequently, following an internship in quality management at Thermo Fisher AG, I transitioned to the quality management department of Advanced Osteotomy Tools (AOT) AG. First I worked as a Quality Engineer whilst simultaneously completing the CAS in Clinical, Regulatory and Quality Affairs for Medical Devices and In-Vitro Diagnostics at the HLS. In the autumn of 2022, I was promoted to QA Manager, overseeing the QA & RA department at the firm. To take the next step in my career, I joined Sentec AG in May 2023. In my current role, I am responsible for the entire company headquarters and lead my team in all processes and optimization relating to our quality management system.

Selina: After my bachelor's degree, I worked as a Technical Service Operator at Abbott Diagnostics. I then decided to do a master's degree and studied Biopharmaceuticals at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Following that, I returned to Switzerland and now work for a smaller company in the metabolism research laboratory.

In your opinion, what are the benefits of international experience for one's career?

Selina: In international corporations in particular, I believe that experience of studying or working abroad is highly valued. It demonstrates the ability to collaborate successfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, an open-minded approach and a willingness to learn. Moreover, it often signals a strong command of the English language, which can be especially advantageous in global companies.

Alain: Through overseas experience you have the opportunity to broaden your horizons, experience new cultures and enhance your language skills. I also took the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, something that is becoming increasingly important in today's rapidly changing professional world.

I find it extremely inspiring to immerse myself in different life and work environments and cultures, and actively to seek challenging situations.

Alain and Selina strongly encourage taking the opportunity to go abroad during your studies. "If you have a desire to experience studying abroad, you should seek information early and begin the organization process in plenty of time" emphasizes Alain. Both found the stay abroad and the associated experiences enriched them and created unforgettable memories.

Thank you to Selina and Alain for the conversation.

I want to go abroad!

Would you like to study abroad for a semester or do your thesis project outside Switzerland? Find out all you need to know here.