Can you share some of your fondest memories from your time at Schiller International University? 

My time at Schiller was one of the happiest times of my live. Back then it was a home away from home because we lived on campus. Looking back now, besides having a solid education and foundation from Schiller, we were pampered and really looked after. We had our rooms cleaned every day and had the most amazing canteen and library. The TV room was where we all met up after class. My parents were happy and knew we picked the right institution, and I was in good hands.

Are you still in touch with your friends from your years as a student?

Yes, I am in touch with a few. Although life and work schedules keep us busy, we do reach out to each other from time to time. Thankfully the Schiller annual reunions will now make it more fun and memorable.

How would you describe the spirit and culture of Schiller during your years on campus?  

We were consistently coached to have a Global mindset. The spirit and culture were always from a Globalist stance. We felt like future leaders, had the mindset and behaved as such.

Did someone from the staff or faculty leave an impression that you still carry until this day?

Yes, the brilliance of Schiller is also the drop add period, so we were in courses with instructors we felt were a perfect match for the courses & curriculum picked. As such almost all the faculty had an impact on me.

The drop add period was a key learning process, for this is how Schiller molds you towards your strengths. You could like a subject and think that is what you should absolutely do, but during the drop add period at Schiller, that was the time when you could really test out and see whether that is really for you. If it is not, it is okay to drop and add another that is a better fit. They let you know it is okay, it does not mean you are a failure. Not many Universities do this. This creates confident young adults not afraid of change or innovation.

During your recent visit, what changes did you notice on the campus compared to your time as a student?

The campus is so high tech it is mind blowing and amazing. The students are fortunate to have all these tools now. It makes the world a Global village. We had one big computer room, on campus back then. Now the level of tech is impressive.

How do you feel about the evolution of the university and its facilities?

Schiller has stayed current and relevant. I saw innovation everywhere on campus. The Madrid campus for example blew me away. I am very proud of being a Schillerite. The students have every tool, to enable them to be competitive and even have an edge.

Despite the changes, what aspects of Schiller do you think have remained the same?

Schiller's international fabric and culture has remained the same and this is a good base for students to build on and work with throughout their careers as true Globalists.

Are there any qualities of the Schiller education that you believe continue to benefit students today?

The International exposure the students get is key and sets the stage for the future. The field trips, making the students meet big corporates, interact with leaders from various organizations, gives them a window into the work force of various industries whilst still being students.

With experience like yours in the banking and finance sectors, we would like to know how has your education at Schiller played a role in your life since graduation?

Schiller’s coaching and my time at Schiller made me open minded and versatile. Despite being an IR graduate, I started in PR with an International Fashion accessory company. Travelled the world meeting with fashion editors of the main international publications and gained more international experience.

Hence why I tell current students without compromising on your dreams, be flexible, be versatile, be open minded, have a plan B & C.

My versatile career, from dealing with fashion editors of the main global publications at the start of my career, to switching later to working in a firm like Euromoney that is the window on what's happening in the fast-changing world of finance, and the main partner to meet and influence the people driving it is due to the Schiller global mindset. Today I work with a firm like Euromoney, and we provide unique insights into the institutions and personalities that shape banking and drive global markets. The self-belief and leadership skills that got instilled in me whilst at Schiller played a big part in career path.

What do you consider to be the most valuable aspect of your Schiller experience?

Being a true international being, a true Globalist. I feel very at ease working with clients from various countries/continents. I make sure I educate myself on the various cultures and respect the differences. This is key in having a successful client facing international role. Also, embracing change and being innovative. This means laser focus on responding to our client’s needs for specialism, while also taking advantage of our scale to deliver better results for our clients and shareholders.

What advice would you give to current students to help them make the most of their Schiller experience? 

Be open minded career wise & in life in general, embrace different cultures.

Have a realistic view of the world and always have a Plan B and why not even a plan C.

Your degree is a base, a foundation but challenge yourself, and be flexible. Be open to trying out career opportunities that are not necessarily directly your degree subject matter. You can build work experience like that.