Experience Reports
"Hard work is valued and rewarded in Paderborn, however, laziness not!"
Motivation:
Not too long ago I was asked if I could write a review on the master's program at the University of Paderborn. I did not hesitate and said, "Yes, it is my pleasure!"
I really like to write this review, since I know how difficult it can be to make major decisions. Reviews have helped a lot and now I hope that my review will help some one else.
In the following sections, I will give you an "honest" but also "subjective" impression of the master's degree program at the University of Paderborn, the university itself, and the city of Paderborn.
City:
I've been living for several years in Paderborn, which perhaps explains my commitment to this city. Paderborn is my hometown, even though it may not offer 20 cinemas, clubs, malls etc. like Berlin, does it still have most of what I spend my free time with, at least once. Should you still miss a thing or two, you always have a good reason for a day trip to Bielefeld (40km), Hannover (150km) and Cologne (200km).
University:
For sure, from the outside the University of Paderborn can not compete with the Oxford University, and probably from the inside either, and yet I like the architecture of the University of Paderborn, as it is very practical. The distances from class to class are short and everything is easy to find. In most cases, I can relax in the cafeteria until three minuets before class starts. Moreover, all administrative bodies are to be found within the shortest possible time. Shouldn´t you have any clue which way to go to reach the desired destination, the service center has answers to most of your questions.
Master's program:
If the city and / or the university building do not completely satisfy one, I can assure: "The professors and the staff are going to completely compensate one´s dissatisfaction."
All professors I have met so far are very nice and helpful. I often notice how much fun they have holding lectures and how hard they try to explain difficult concepts in a simple manner. The lectures are a good mix of information and entertainment.
Some courses are taught by external agents, such as by accountants. These events can help you getting in touch with companies who might be interested in employing you one day.
Personal Conclusion:
As already mentioned in the introduction, my review on the master's degree program in Paderborn is based on my personal experiences. I do not want to say that everything is perfect. Studying in Paderborn also includes stressful periods of learning and lectures in which one might understand less than one would like. Still, I have chosen the University of Paderborn. But why?!
The biggest advantage I saw for myself was university´s staff. I got to know many professors during my bachelor phase and knew their way of teaching.
They are always interested in the students having understood the material taught and appreciate hard-working students.
Conclusion:
So far I am very satisfied with the master's program at the University of Paderborn and can only say: "Hard work is valued and rewarded in Paderborn, however, laziness not!"
The great range of modules allows both, a broad diversity as well as a specialization
During my bachelor studies at the University of Paderborn, I've learned to appreciate the university and the teaching methods at the faculty of economics. Therefore, it was an easy decision for me to decide myself for the University of Paderborn for my master’s degree.
The great range of modules offered by the three Business Departments "Management", "Taxation, Accounting and Finance" and "Production and Information Management," supplemented by the departments “Business Computer Science", "International Economics" and "Law" allow both, a broad diversity of studies and a specialization in only one department. There is no predetermined rigid curricula. This way the possibility is given to think outside the box.
A master's degree focuses on many theoretical concepts. Nevertheless, the University tries hard to present this rather "dry" content in an interesting way by inviting professionals to hold a lecture, and presenting case studies or simulations. The Master of Business Administration at the University of Paderborn also advances students’ soft skills through group work and presentations. Low student numbers also allow a more intensive contact with the professor and result in a more pleasant learning environment than the “mass events” with several hundred students during the bachelor's degree.
The University of Paderborn is very attractive, as all lecture halls and seminar rooms are located within walking distance ("University Campus") and the integration of new media in the learning environment is very advanced.
Excellent IT facilities and diverse leisure opportunities
I have deliberately opted for the master's degree in Paderborn. The campus atmosphere, the excellent IT facilities in the library and the faculty, the diverse leisure opportunities at the university and the city of Paderborn have convinced me.
Clear structure
The Master of Business Administration is exactly what I wanted. Above all, the clear structure and career prospects for graduates were crucial for me to continue my studies in this field at the University of Paderborn.
Numerous prospects
I have chosen the Master of Business Administration, since it is interesting, and offers a variety of future prospects.
At the University of Paderborn I like best the fact that I can pick classes from a broad spectrum of courses. This way it is possible to not only focus on just one specific subject, but also acquire a broader knowledge.
With regard to the business world, I believe that an internship should be integrated as it is very important for ones future career. Taking off one semester is therefore a good option.
My overall recommendation is quite positive especially due to the broad spectrum of courses. Everybody is enabled to attend classes in which he/she is good and interested in.
Advantageous module structure
I chose the Master of Business Administration, as it is fits best to my studies so far and helps me to develop my skills.
I really appreciate the ability to independently chose my classes and enjoy the teamwork projects at the University of Paderborn. Even though the module structure is challenging, it has the advantage that the duration of one´s study is short. I am completely satisfied with the courses offered and the materials and technologies available. Still it is important to attend the introductory courses to get to know all available possibilities. Moreover the support of most modules is very satisfactory.
Since the introduction of tuition fees students have to work harder. But the universities also offer more options to choose from and professors are obliged to invest more in time and performance. The bottom line is that students are expected to participate in many projects and presentations, which are very time consuming. An internship during the semester is almost impossible due to the tight schedule. But you can do an internship during the semester break.
The range of job opportunities after graduation is very wide and my future prospects are very good, especially in the "International Project Management", where experience abroad and foreign languages are in demand. In addition, an university degree in business administration in general is seen as quite useful by most companies. For all these reasons, I would recommend to study Business Administration at the University of Paderborn.
Unlimited possibilities
I've decided to study Business Administration, because I have always been interested in business studies and have already got an insight into the economy through my previous business education. After that, I just wanted to learn more in that field. Paderborn was my choice because it is relatively close to my home and it is simply a beautiful city. For me it is the smallest big city. I like best the unlimited possibilities in terms of employment after graduation: working in many industries is possible for me after all.
I can find almost all materials I need in our library and the e-library. I am also quite satisfied with the service and especially the professors who take always time to answer my questions carefully.
For my professional life, I feel very well prepared, especially as I had various jobs while studying. I have also completed several internships. As I already mentioned, I see many, almost unlimited possibilities in terms of job opportunities or alternatives that are open to me after graduation. All in all I am very satisfied with the University of Paderborn and that is also why I can recommend the master’s program at the University of Paderborn to everyone.