Apply for that job, apply for that specialization, apply for that exchange semester.

Doing an exchange semester was one of the things that I was most excited about when I stared my bachelor’s in International Business at the Vienna University of Economics and Business in 2018. Even though it came to a delay due to the Corona pandemic, I am now finally on my exchange at Arizona State University, USA and couldn’t be happier with my decision to go through with it. New beginnings are never easy – going out of my comfort zone and flying half across the world, away from my family and friends was definitely scary. However, exactly these experiences are the ones that one never forgets and always looks back to.

A few semesters ago, when it was time for me to choose my specializations, Entrepreneurship & Innovation was the one that stood out to me and excited me the most. However, at first, I was shy to apply for E&I, knowing that the students who get accepted there are one of the best at WU. But I am so glad that I did because it showed me that my fear is the only thing that is actually standing on my way to success. I had the same fear of not being good enough when applying for an exchange semester, but just like E&I, it turned out that I underestimated myself. This is something that a lot of people unfortunately do and by that stand in their own way to happiness and success. So, one thing that I learned from both E&I and my exchange semester is to just go for it, because there is nothing worse than regretting the things you never even tried doing.

The E&I specialization allowed me to develop valuable skills that I benefit from both at university and in my professional life

During my time in the E&I specialization I gained valuable experience working in diverse teams, working with various project partners, developing my creativity and keeping an open mind. These qualities have been essential not only at university and work but also now, during my exchange semester in the US. Being openminded, exploring a new place and getting to know new people is absolutely essential in my opinion. Doing that and getting out of your comfort zone can teach you so much about life, business and especially entrepreneurship. No matter what sort of business you work in or would like to work in, learning to adapt to your clients and their needs is absolutely essential. It has been especially valuable for me to now learn about entrepreneurship and innovation from an American point of view.

No matter what sort of business you work in: learning to adapt to your clients and their needs is absolutely essential

There are many successful entrepreneurs in this country, and I can definitely see why. College students here are constantly motivated to go above and beyond and actually do something with their life. A professor here at ASU once said that it’s absolutely pathetic if our goal in life is to get a job, because anybody can get a job. It’s much more about what kind of job we want to do most importantly why we want to do it. Starting with the “why?” is essential for one’s career and also business venture.

I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to be part of the E&I specialization at WU, because it allowed me to develop valuable skills that I benefit from both at university and in my professional life. Furthermore, applying what I’ve learned during my exchange semester has been absolutely essential and rewarding. So, if there is one thing that I can advise anyone reading is to just go for it. Apply for that job, apply for that specialization, apply for that exchange semester. If you never try, you’ll always fail! Just go for it!