How summer courses in Switzerland and Austria transformed my career perspective

MSc Engineering Management graduate and British Council Women in STEM scholarship recipient Natalí shares her experiences of attending summer schools in Europe while studying at ARU.

In the summer of 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in two transformative programmes: Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR) in Switzerland, and Digital Leadership at the University of Vienna in Austria.

These courses have been invaluable in shaping my career perspective, providing fresh insights, meaningful connections, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Here, I share my journey through these enriching experiences and how they have influenced my aspirations as a Woman in STEM.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Switzerland

Arriving in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland, I was thrilled to embark on a journey of new experiences and lasting memories. Over two intensive weeks at the renowned Haute Ecole de Gestion Fribourg (HEG-FR), I received hands-on training in entrepreneurship and innovation from their exceptional academic staff.

The experience was incredibly enriching and left a profound impact on me. Here are five reasons why.

1. Connecting with diverse cultures and entrepreneurs

I had the chance to network with entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world, gaining exposure to a variety of perspectives and problem-solving approaches. Beyond professional connections, I built wonderful friendships with classmates from different countries, sharing many memorable moments.

2. Presenting my social impact idea

A standout moment was developing and presenting my social impact business idea aimed at reducing youth unemployment in Colombia. This project, which leverages young talent to create employment opportunities, reinforced my confidence and deepened my commitment to social change through entrepreneurship.

3. Attending the MSMEs event at the United Nations

One of the highlights was attending the MSMEs event in Geneva, hosted by the United Nations and the International Labour Organization. It was inspiring to celebrate global entrepreneurship and gain insights into both the potential and challenges it presents in diverse contexts.

4. Insights from CEO speakers

I had the privilege of engaging with CEOs from prominent companies such as Montblanc, BMW Group, Swiss Aeropole, and Liip, who shared invaluable insights on business growth, sustainability, and strategic innovation. Hearing directly from these industry leaders enriched my understanding of effective business strategies.

5. Immersing in Swiss culture

Beyond academics, I immersed myself in Swiss culture. I explored stunning landscapes, such as the Moleson mountain, enjoyed a day trip with alpine views and iconic Swiss cows, visited chocolate factories, sampled local chocolates, cheeses including fondue and raclette, and charcuterie, and discovered the heritage of the Swiss watch industry.

This cultural exchange highlighted the value of tradition in innovation and inspired me to consider how heritage can enhance business impact.

This journey equipped me with valuable skills and empowered me to pursue my entrepreneurial ambitions. I am deeply grateful to my mentors, classmates, and everyone at HEG-FR who made this experience possible.

Digital Leadership in Austria

Continuing my journey, I joined the Digital Leadership programme at the University of Vienna, adding a new dimension of learning and growth. The NEMO summer school, an intensive two-week programme, focused on digital innovation through a mix of lectures and hands-on projects. The course emphasised conceptual modelling for the design and engineering of digital ecosystems, allowing us to work in multicultural teams on industry-based case studies.

This experience deepened my understanding of digital ecosystems and innovation processes, equipping me with the tools to approach problems with a structured and abstract mindset. Equally impactful was connecting with brilliant minds, forming friendships, and enjoying Vienna’s vibrant culture.

I explored the city’s iconic landscapes, palaces, and monuments, savoured its exquisite gastronomy and wines, visited museums steeped in history, experienced the classical music festival at the Wiener Rathaus, and tasted traditional Viennese dishes like schnitzel and classic pastries like Sachertorte. This cultural immersion enriched my experience, allowing me to appreciate Vienna's charm while bonding with peers from diverse backgrounds.

Personal and professional growth

Both courses were invaluable in fostering my personal and professional growth. I gained confidence in my vision, honed my leadership abilities, and left with a renewed sense of purpose to create a meaningful impact through technology and innovation. These experiences have inspired me to embrace a global outlook and pursue meaningful contributions in STEM.

Reflecting on my summer in Switzerland and Austria, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. These experiences have solidified my commitment to a career that blends technology, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their dreams, embrace new perspectives, and use their skills to drive positive change.

A special thanks to ARU and the British Council for sponsoring me on this journey. Your support has been invaluable in making this experience possible. I'm feeling inspired and ready to apply these learnings in the next chapter of my journey!

Natalí studied MSc Engineering Management at ARU in Chelmsford. You can find out more about this, and other postgraduate courses we offer, at an Open Evening.