Celebrating 20 years of the International Management programme
Twenty years ago, the pioneering English-language study programme International Management started in Olten with 11 students. Today, 560 students are enrolled and preparing for a globalised work environment at the FHNW campuses Brugg-Windisch and Olten.
Inspired by globalisation and the Bologna reform
The current Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (International Management) programme began in 1999 to address the trend towards 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 needed to have a scientific background as well as practical international experience and excellent English-language skills. When the study programme started, the eurozone was just being created. Now, in 2020, 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.
International expertise put into practice
Students not only gain international management knowledge, but also the skills to apply it in a global environment. There are numerous opportunities for international experience, for instance exchange semesters, summer schools, short-term internships with international companies and intensive programmes such as the FHNW School of Business’s flagship student projects Insight China, Focus India, connectUs and exploreASEAN. After a thorough preparatory seminar, these programmes take students on an intensive two-week study tour of the respective countries.
Constant innovation is a must
New ideas and perspectives are regularly considered for the degree programme. “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 such as sustainability in a digital world, lifelong learning and applying knowledge and building networks in an international context. “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.
Publisher: www.fhnw.ch/study-im