Personal support during your studies - Experience report Master's in Business Education

Allensbach University in an interview with the Master's student Lena of the Business Education degree program:

Why did you choose Allensbach University?

I first found out about the courses offered by Allensbach University at an online information evening. During this initial phase, I also considered other universities. I had previously considered a Master's degree course in Business Education and received a lot more information about it that evening. After this information evening, it was clear to me that I wanted to study at Allensbach University.

The university's offer enables me, as a young professional, to continue working at a bank at 100% and at the same time to study with complete flexibility in planning and without attendance requirements. This course opens up the possibility for me to possibly teach at a vocational school later on. At the same time, I am gaining professional experience at the bank and am open to the opportunities that arise within the company. This opening up of different opportunities is exactly what I was looking for and what I think makes Allensbach University unique in Baden-Württemberg.

What is your motivation for studying?

Shortly after completing my dual degree in business studies, I actually started thinking about whether I could imagine gaining a further qualification in the form of a Master's degree. In my opinion, the Master's in Business Education combines "the world of business" with "the world of teaching" very well. I am motivated by the idea that, on the one hand, I can delve even deeper into business administration, which I am already familiar with, but at the same time enter completely unfamiliar territory, namely pedagogy. This gives me a fascinating new perspective on my everyday working life and I can also reflect on my own time at secondary school.

How can you reconcile your studies, career and private life?

I also asked myself this question at the beginning of my Master's degree, as I have always enjoyed doing sports and socializing in my free time. I also want to spend time with my partner. I was aware from the outset that if I were to do a Master's, my career would always take priority over my studies. Especially as a young professional, I am currently gaining a lot of experience and am confronted with new challenges every day. Even during my dual Bachelor's degree, I learned how to combine my studies, career and private life as well as possible, as work and studies were closely intertwined there too.

I learned early on to plan ahead. I always try to estimate a few days in advance how much time I need for work or my Master's degree. This approach has always worked very well in the last few months and so far neither my work, studies nor private life have been neglected. The fact that I am not required to be present at certain times and places is invaluable to me. This allows me to organize my studies very flexibly without missing out on my social life or career.

How satisfied are you with the study model and how do you cope with the online portals?

Right at the beginning, I received a module catalog from the university, in which my chosen course of study is well structured. Even now, this helps me to keep an overview. It is a particularly nice feeling when I have successfully completed a module and can continue to "browse" through the catalog and thus systematically complete my studies.

Although the online portals were new to me at first, I was able to get a comprehensive overview very quickly with just a few clicks. In addition to organizational matters, you can also find information on the respective subject, such as lecture notes, literature recommendations, exam registrations, etc. In my opinion, the program has been designed intuitively.

How satisfied are you with the learning materials, the support provided by lecturers and the university administration?

I am surprised myself at how satisfied I am. At first I was totally skeptical about how contact with the lecturers and the university as a whole would turn out, as contact would only take place at a distance. It quickly became clear that regular contact with lecturers and students is important not only to me, but also to Allensbach University. As it is impossible to just "bump into someone in the corridor" at a distance learning university, I don't hesitate for long and write an email to the lecturers if I have any concerns or questions.

Can you already estimate the added value that the course will bring?

The added value that I currently perceive from my studies can be seen on very different levels. On a personal level, I am learning to assess myself better and improve my time management. I set myself personal goals, work towards them and then reward myself for them. This motivates me, even if I still have to do a bit of work for my Master's degree after a hard day at work. When I finally reach another milestone, it gives me a wonderful feeling. The Master's program also broadens my knowledge horizons enormously at a professional level and develops my cognitive skills in particular. The course is very exciting and challenges and encourages me.

What tips would you give new students?

It is certainly useful to be aware in advance that distance learning also means "work". I decided to study alongside a full-time job. If you also decide to do this, I recommend that you inform yourself thoroughly in advance about the structure and content of the course. The university administration provides friendly support at the beginning of the course and also later on.

What do you wish you had known before starting your studies?
Personally, I would have liked to know whether and how strong the contact with the university and the lecturers would actually be, as personal contact was and still is very important to me during my first degree. If I have any uncertainties, questions or concerns, I can easily contact my lecturers at any time and receive qualified support within a short time. The personal, friendly and professional nature of the support I receive during my studies is what makes Allensbach University so special in my eyes. I did not expect that to this extent.