Success has many faces. Here, we take a closer look at what drives different people at the University of St.Gallen (HSG). As an athlete, Jessica was already familiar with competitive environments and knew what she wanted before she joined the University. At HSG, she pursued her goals with the same dedication and determination that had defined her as an athlete. In this interview, she explains how her confidence grew even stronger.  

Who are you, what do you do and where are you at today?
My name is Jessica. I am currently in my sixth semester studyingfor a bachelor in 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 manage my time efficiently between going to lectures, studying and training. The combination of ambition and discipline defines my day-to-day life, drives me and helps me always give my best in my studies and in sport. 

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 ways of thinking have you have you come across here?
The University of St.Gallen brings together incredibly ambitious and inspiring people. I have met not only students from different countries here, but also students from very different walks of life, ranging from young business founders to former professional athletes. This diversity makes the community unique. It shows me the different forms that 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, but that it is put to practice as well. On the one hand, studying gives you in-depth insights into your subject, on the other, it is also about personal growth. I have learned not only to recognise my own strengths better, but also to get the best out of everyone as a team, especially through group work of which there is a lot in our programme. The competitive aspect typical for the University of St.Gallen drives us to grow beyond ourselves. We challenge each other, learn from each other and develop further. This is how your individual knowledge ultimately turns into tangible impact – in your studies, in your career and beyond. 

Why did you choose HSG?
HSG was the perfect choice for me. It combines first-class education with international networking and gives me the opportunity to exchange ideas with ambitious and inspiring people. 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 predominantly male, there are many committed 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?
Studying Business Administration at HSG was a choice I made consciously, because I wanted to be in a demanding and dynamic environment to develop further. Of course, this kind of choice also brings with it questions and challenges, but I quickly realised that having the right attitude and being in the right environment help you to overcome any hurdle. The decisive thing for me was to stay authentic and go my own way. That’s how I've found the people who support and motivate me. In Business Administration especially, because teamwork plays such a key role here, it is important to make the right kind of friends and networks so you can grow 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 HSG as a woman*?   
In my experience, gender barely plays a role in everyday student life at HSG. 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 promote these networks. 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 subject 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 in their lives. Talking to them showed me how strongly 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 the field of finance or in 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.