On 18 November, around 170 graduates from the various degree programmes offered by the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics at Paderborn University gathered for a festive event in the packed Audimax. The "Day of Economics" offered the graduates, their friends and families a worthy platform to celebrate their academic successes.
A student video with quotes from the students opened the event. Dr Kostja Siefen, 2nd Chairman of the Alumni Association Paderborner Hochschulkreis e. V., then led through the rest of the programme. Before the ceremonial presentation of certificates, the dean of the faculty, Prof Dr Burkhard Hehenkamp, and Prof Dr René Fahr, Vice President for Knowledge and Technology Transfer at Paderborn University, provided insights into current developments and challenges in an interview. The focus was on interdisciplinarity, digital teaching and sustainability. Fahr also emphasised the relevance of the reflective, analytical and strategic knowledge acquired during studies, which is also important in the age of artificial intelligence. He also emphasised the new appreciation of the on-campus university that has arisen as a result of the experiences during the coronavirus pandemic.
His advice to the graduates triggered spontaneous applause: "Become aware of what you really want and define a higher purpose for yourself. In the business world, we often talk about 'purpose'. Develop a personal strategy with clear intermediate goals and celebrate every milestone you reach! Trust in your own abilities. The belief that you can bring about positive change will give you the resilience needed to save this world we've messed up!"
Prof Dr Burkhard Hehenkamp was aware that it would be difficult to top these words. However, his appeal with a nutshell view of the current political situation struck exactly the right note: "Remain open to other cultures and actively engage in dialogue. Only this can give us the peace that we need and that has protected us in the centre of Europe for 70 years."
Dr Yvonne Groening, Managing Director of myconsult GmbH and myndsoft GmbH, enriched the event with inspiring words as a guest of honour. Groening emphasised the importance of authentically presenting one's own personality in one's CV and encouraged the graduates to set clear goals while remaining flexible and courageous and seizing opportunities.
This year, the programme was expanded for the first time to include exciting insights into studying through quiz questions. Attendees had the opportunity to use their mobile phones to guess the correct answers to questions presented to them in the form of video messages from the professors and staff of the faculty.
The day culminated in a gala dinner at the Schützenhof, where the best students were honoured. Our heartfelt thanks go to our generous sponsors, in particular to Techniker Krankenkasse, which took over the printing of the yearbooks and for the first time shortened the waiting time until the award ceremony with a smoothie stand. We received further support from myconsult GmbH, fellowmind, Connext, S&N Group AG, Phoenix Contact, Weidmüller and Sparkasse Paderborn-Detmold-Höxter.
The Faculty of Business Administration and Economics would like to congratulate all graduates on successfully completing their studies and wish them all the best for their future careers.
