Ibrahim's journey through academic and personal development
After completing his Bachelor's degree in Aleppo, Ibrahim Fares continued his academic career and successfully completed his Master's degree in International Economics and Management at the University of Paderborn in 2019. Today he works as an M&A Finance Manager at Metro AG. His time at the University of Paderborn shaped him both in his academic and personal development.
After completing several German courses at Paderborn University, Ibrahim began his Master's degree programme in 2017. The two years that followed were an exciting journey full of challenges and unforgettable social experiences: ‘The university is a good place for inspirations, if you choose to get inspired.’
He recalls his favourite modules with enthusiasm: ‘I'm very glad I took the course IFRS Group Accounting by Prof. Dr. Kosi because it has proven to be one of the many essential things in my career. This module as well as Business Analysis and Valuation by Prof. Dr Sievers have been the top two most beneficial courses I've taken during my master studies.’ In addition to intellectual challenges, Ibrahim also remembers successful team presentations and puzzles from Prof Dr Haake. The ‘MicroEconomics’ mug he won is still a memento of his time at Paderborn University.
Tailor-made Master's programme and fundamental lessons for the profession
According to Ibrahim, the International Economics and Management Master's programme at Paderborn University offers unique flexibility. With few compulsory modules and a wide range of electives, the programme can be individually tailored and adapted to professional goals and personal abilities. In addition to the academic diversity, Ibrahim emphasises the outstanding support of the professors and the lively student community: ‘The university offers you everything you need as a student, and the professors are particularly very helpful and kind. Plus, Paderborn is a university town. Alongside the degree that you'll be studying, you can have an amazing social life with lots of local and international students. It'll easily become your little home.’
Ibrahim reflects on the most important lessons he learnt during his studies, which have proved fundamental to his career. In particular, he emphasises the relevance of valuation methods such as the discounted cash flow (DCF) model and group reporting as useful knowledge. This knowledge proved to be extremely helpful when entering the field of mergers and acquisitions of a company.
Ibrahim believes that everyone has the choice of their own career options and encourages them to recognise and promote their own strengths. ‘The important question is not ‘what is the easiest path for my graduation?’, the important question is ‘who am I becoming here?’’
Career start at METRO AG: overcoming language barriers and efficient working methods
After graduating, Ibrahim completed an internship in valuation and transaction consulting at a renowned financial services company in Düsseldorf. He then expanded his skills with a 2-year trainee programme at an energy company. There he was able to gain valuable experience in various departments before joining the Business Controlling department.
Through his diverse experiences, he realised his passion for project work related to mergers and acquisitions, which eventually led him to his current position in M&A Finance at METRO AG. Ibrahim is particularly proud of the automation of processes that were not part of his main responsibilities. By utilising various tools, he was able to automate monthly calculations and develop a dashboard with performance indicators.
Ibrahim endeavoured to complete his tasks efficiently and to use the time he gained to read as much as possible about the company and its business model. A list of targeted questions for his line manager helped him to familiarise himself quickly and gain valuable insights. He overcame the challenge of the German language by specifically reading German emails and familiarising himself with the most common expressions used in business communication. He also asked his line manager to hold some of the team meetings in German to further improve his language skills.
Prospects for future students
For future students, Ibrahim sees a Master's degree at the Faculty of Business and Economics as a crucial step on the road to success. The wide range of modules allows students to tailor their degree to their own needs and future visions. The Faculty's outstanding teaching staff would play a crucial role in this and have a lasting impact on students' education and future careers.
For Ibrahim, it wasn't just the study but also the social aspect of student life that was of great importance. The university not only offered him an academic education, but also a lively student community and unforgettable experiences: ‘University education will have a major impact on the person that you'll become and the friends that will be around you.’
Do you want that too?
More information about the Master's degree programme in International Economics and Management.
