Yet another top talent forged at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts!

by Prof Dr Imke Keimer, Head of MSc International Financial Management, Prof Dr Stefan Hunziker, Head of MSc International Financial Management, and Waldemar Boos, Master’s Assistant at the Institute of Financial Services Zug IFZ

Vanessa Tschuppert, a master’s student in International Financial Management at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, successfully participated in the 30th round of the WiWi-Talents programme. The programme for highly talented students was launched in 2005 with the aim of providing ideal support to students in economics and related fields and to promote cross-regional networking between companies and the next generation of specialists and managers. In a highly competitive environment, that encompasses all universities and colleges in the German-speaking area, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts has succeeded to prevail over the competition.

Today, Vanessa is here to introduce herself and to share her experience in an interview with the IFZ as well as to answer some related questions along the line.

Could you please introduce yourself briefly?

Hello there. I am 27 years old and have just started my last semester of the IFM master’s programme at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). My field of interest is corporate finance, for a few reasons. Not only do I relish the analytical aspect of it, but also the fact that finance revolves a lot around planning which creates an excellent basis for logical and creative thinking. In addition, I love doing different kind of sports, mostly netball and running. During my free time and vacation, I enjoy traveling and getting to know new cultures as well as spending time with my family and friends.

Have you already had the chance to collect some practical experience in the field of corporate finance or any other related area next to your degree? Are you currently working?

Yes, I have nearly twelve years of working experience, not exactly in corporate finance but in banking, marketing as well as product and process management. My interest for it evolved over time. Back then, I was more into banking, which is why I started my working life with the apprenticeship with vocational baccalaureate in a bank, which lasted 3 years. This was followed by 2 years of work as an assistant in private banking and then a 4-year extra-occupational bachelor’s programme in business administration with a focus on banking & finance at HSLU. After graduation, I proceeded to work full-time for one year as an assistant before I started the master’s programme in International Financial Management at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Currently, I am working as an assistant to the head of product and process management in the same bank as where I started.

How did you deal with challenges in the past while trying to juggle work with education and private life?

I have encountered many challenging situations during the past of which some required a few sacrifices on my part, but it was important for me to be autonomous and independent right from the start. It was precisely these situations that allowed me to grow personally and taught me that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is key to organizational efficacy.

Could you tell us the requirements for the WiWi-Talents programme and what is it that you think made you stand out compared to other applicants?

The prerequisites for admission to the programme are mainly based on four pillars – outstanding academic achievements, goal-oriented career planning, practical and international experience as well as social and public commitment. Furthermore, the organization puts a huge emphasis on a letter of recommendation from a professor. In hindsight, it is hard to say what made me a successful participant in the programme, since I believe that all applicants had strong academic results in their studies as well as other individual strengths in their CV. However, I am very certain of a few qualifications. For a start, I have received an exceptional letter of recommendation from my professor Imke Keimer. She was also the one who brought this to my attention and who supported me all the way through. On another note, my years of practical experience certainly played a major part in it and perhaps my social activity. I am active in the local netball club as a coach and co-organizer of the yearly tournament and for a couple of months, I was teaching the German language to refugees.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to use my degree to take my professional career one step further. After many years of education, I would like to apply what I have learned and exploit my potential. That is why I’m looking for a new challenge where I can not only apply my knowledge, but also develop myself, get involved, learn new things and take responsibility. In the medium term, I would like to further deepen my previous knowledge, gain practical experience and develop myself professionally and personally. In the long term, I see myself in a position with responsibility that challenges me and allows me to prove myself repeatedly.

How can recruiter contact you; can you be found on social media?

Recently, I opened a Linked-in profile where you can contact me.

Vanessa, we wish you the best of luck and thank you so much for your time.

Thank you, it has been a pleasure.

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