December 2022

André Meierling

MSc International Business 2021

1. Tell us about yourself
I was an exchange student and participant of a top-up-programme from the partner university UAS Landshut and graduated with a Master of Science in International Business at ARU and with a Master of Arts in Market-Oriented Management in 2021. During my final moments at ARU, I got an offer from Oracle Corporation and started to work as a Business Development Consultant.

2. What is your fondest memory of Anglia Ruskin University?
The collaboration with my professors and other students to support each other during the Covid-19 pandemic and taking on challenges we faced including these circumstances.

3. What has been your favourite job?
Every job, challenge and experience has led me to evolve into the person I am now which I'm grateful for.

4. In one word, how would you describe Anglia Ruskin University?
Sophisticated.

5. How did your time at ARU help you?
What helped me the most during my time at university, was the correlation of theory and hands-on projects as well as seeing real-life examples from the business world. Both approaches gave me a good insight into how things have been in the past, whilst also giving me the possibility of predicting where businesses and their technologies are moving to.

6. What did you love about your chosen course?
I really enjoyed the exchange with professors as these helped develop new trains of thought, and I really enjoyed reading the journals, books and case-studies they provided. Additionally, I enjoyed studying and working on projects with new people from all over the world and the cultural exchange.

7. What advice would you give to current students as they’re preparing to graduate?
Read as much as you can. Your professors are providing you with segments of knowledge so go all in for the sources they are providing you with. After your degree it will be much harder to find the time and motivation to do so.

Figure out your personality type and polish your skills which all starts with your attitude. Then, enhance your technological knowledge through e.g. LinkedIn Learning and develop a sense for processes and procedures as soon as possible, as you need to get used to the complexity of the market, and how things work. Competition is high as everyone wants to have a piece of the cake that is digital transformation.

6. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying?
That from the day you graduate from university and start working, you'll begin the next marathon that is to reach the goals you've set for yourself, and retirement!

7. Who was the biggest influence on your career?
Being the first one in my family to gain two Masters degrees from two different countries, I have had several Professors in my life who I've looked up to as role models. I've adapted everything I've learnt from everyone to figure out and accomplish my way of life.

8. What advice would you give your younger self?
Keep going and channel your energy in the right direction from the very beginning.

9. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I worked for more then five years as a volunteer in several areas and received three scholarships during my time as a student as no one else was able to support me financially.

10. What’s next?
I am planning to get senior/management experience to be able to sign up for an extra occupational Doctor of Business Administration.