No matter how many tasks, how many appointments Sophie has in her diary, she never loses sight of her friends – that is just one of her success formulas. Another one is to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by contacts directly during her studies or in the global community of the University of St.Gallen (HSG) as often as possible. It is not that easy to be involved in several of the 140 associations, clubs and initiatives at HSG and to have a job alongside your studies. In the interview, she reveals how she does it all.
What does the University of St.Gallen (HSG) stand for?
HSG offers me a strong network and the freedom to customise my academic journey. This great flexibility allows me to make valuable connections while pursuing my interests.
What makes the Bachelor in Computer Science at HSG special?
If I were to highlight one special feature of this programme, it would be the many contacts and the transition into the professional world as a result of them. In other words, the fact that it is easy for me to develop real career prospects while still studying, which I can ultimately discuss with experienced people in the entire global HSG community that is always open and happy to discuss all business-related topics.
Why would you recommend the programme?
Practical experience plays a central role in my studies. The many projects integrated into the courses enable me to apply my theoretical knowledge directly. This combination of practice and theory, as well as the wide range of business and law courses, prepare me perfectly for the world of work. I would therefore choose to study computer science at the HSG again any time and recommend it to anyone who wants a broad-based course of study. In other words, a course that offers a wide selection of different courses with attractive content.
What personal successes have you experienced through your studies?
Thanks to the course I chose, I have achieved personal successes that have allowed me to get to know my own limits better. I am currently working 60 per cent and studying at the same time, while taking over the management of the Tech and Innovation team at START Global, which organises Europe's now largest and most important student-organised start-up convention every spring. Being able to apply the knowledge I have gained in my studies in a startup-like environment has not only deepened my expertise, but has also fostered skills in me that go beyond my studies.
What insights have you gained for your life?
Despite all the challenges of the BS in Computer Science, I still find time to do things with friends in the evenings. And that is really important – no matter how much is on your plate, you should never lose sight of your social life and friendships.
Since many of my friends are on different degree programmes, I hardly see them during term time. Due to my busy schedule, I sometimes do not manage to attend all the official lectures. So I just learn the material covered there electronically and at my own pace.
How has the programme changed you?
Through the experiences during my time at the HSG, I realised that I have become a lot more open. Today, I can better assess my own abilities. This allows me to pursue my own goals and to estimate how much time I can spend on other things.
How do you see your future and your next professional steps?
I am currently in the fifth semester of my computer science degree at the HSG. Alongside my studies, I am involved in various clubs at the HSG and work, among other things, in the SG Joint Innovation Hub of Sunrise and Huawei. Together with the skills I have learned during my studies and all the entrepreneurial opportunities, I see my future as full of opportunities. But now I have to continue with my workshop on AI-supported technologies in management.