Success has many faces. Here, we take a closer look and shed some light on what drives different people at the University of St.Gallen (HSG). With her experience as an athlete, Jessica was already familiar with competitive environments and knew what she wanted before came to the University of St.Gallen. With the right attitude, she pursued her goals. In this interview, she explains how she became even more confident.  

Who are you, what do you do and where are you currently?
My name is Jessica. I am currently in my sixth semester studying Business Administration with a specialisation in Accounting, Controlling and Auditing at the University of St.Gallen (HSG). Along with my studies, I am an active competitive athlete. I need to structure my time between lectures, study and training efficiently. The combination of academic ambition and sport defines my day-to-day life, drives me and helps me always give my best. 

What drives you and what do you want to achieve in life?
I am ambitious and determined. I love challenges and I am always looking for opportunities to develop – academically, athletically or personally. For me, success also means creating an environment in which others can grow as well. In the long term, I want to pursue a career that demands both my analytical and creative skills – in the areas of finance or project management, for example. 

What kind of people and perspectives have you encountered here?
The University of St.Gallen brings together incredibly ambitious and inspiring people. I have not only met students from different countries here, but also students with very different paths in life, from young founders to former professional athletes. This diversity makes the community unique. It shows me the different forms success can take.

How has “From insight to impact” become reality for you?  
For me, “From insight to impact” means that knowledge isn’t just trapped in theories, it’s put into practice as well. On the one hand, you gain in-depth professional insights through your studies, but on the other, personal development is important as well. There’s a lot of group work in Business Administration in particular, which has not only taught me to recognise my own strengths better, but also to get the best out of everyone as a team. The competitive aspect of the University of St.Gallen drives us to grow beyond ourselves. We challenge each other, learn from each other and develop. This is how your individual knowledge ultimately turns into tangible impact – in your studies, in your career or beyond. 

Why did you choose HSG?
HSG was the perfect choice for me. It combines first-class education with international networking and enables the exchange of ideas with ambitious and inspiring people. The University of St.Gallen combines top international education with the charm of a city where you quickly feel at home. 

How has your view of the university and your studies changed? 
My image of the University of St.Gallen as a prestigious and competitive business university has been confirmed. At the same time, I have realised that it is more diverse than it seems from the outside. Although the student body is still dominated by men, there are many dedicated women who find their place here and actively contribute to the community. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of initiatives that specifically promote women and make them more visible.

How did you feel when you decided to study here?
The decision to study Business Administration at HSG was a conscious step for me, because I wanted to develop in a demanding and dynamic environment. Of course, this kind of choice also brings with it questions and challenges. However, I quickly realised that with the right attitude and the right environment, you can clear any hurdle. The decisive thing for me was remaining authentic and going my own way. That’s how I found the people who support and motivate me. In Business Administration especially, where teamwork plays an important role, it is important to form the right friendships and networks so you can grow and develop together. 

Who would you recommend this programme to and why? 
Anyone who is ambitious, thinks outside the box and wants to build up a strong network. 

What was your experience of studying at the HSG as a woman*?   
In my experience, gender barely plays a role in everyday student life at the University of St.Gallen. It’s your own attitude that counts. Anyone who makes an active contribution, takes responsibility and takes on challenges is recognised for their performance.

What’s your experience of the community for women at HSG? 
There are many great initiatives for women at HSG that create networks and specifically promote them. Personally, the thing that supported me the most was the cheerleading team  – the first university cheerleading team in Switzerland. There, I not only mastered sporting challenges, I also forged strong friendships that went far beyond my studies. The cohesion and mutual support within the team showed me the value of a dedicated community. 

What insights have you gained for your life? 
Success is multifaceted. Everyone has their own definition of it, and that’s absolutely fine.

How have your studies changed you? 
In my studies I have not only acquired specialist knowledge, I have also learnt to think big. This has made me more confident – in my decisions, in my way of working and in my ability to recognise and seize opportunities.

How have your studies inspired you to become an entrepreneur?  
Personally, my studies didn’t inspire me to be an entrepreneur. But I have many friends who have already achieved a great deal. Talking to them has allowed me to see how strongly the HSG promotes the entrepreneurial mindset and the opportunities it offers. Even though I’m not pursuing an entrepreneurial path myself at the moment, the environment has definitely encouraged me to think innovatively and take on new perspectives. 

How do you see the future and your next career steps?  
After completing my Bachelor’s in Business Administration, I will stay in St.Gallen to complete my Master’s in Accounting and Corporate Finance and concentrate on expanding my expertise. Professionally, I see myself in finance or project management. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity of taking on responsibility for complex projects and making a lasting impact. 

What advice would you give prospective students? 
Stay true to yourself and don’t be afraid of challenges. Failure is part of the learning process. Your studies are what you make of them. Take advantage of the opportunities that HSG offers.