zum Inhalt springen

“I like the holistic view”

Interview mit CEMS-MIM-Studentin Michelle Cheng

"CEMS MIM"-Studentin Michelle Cheng im Interview

Foto: Dustin Preick

Michelle Cheng wuchs in Taipei, der Hauptstadt von Taiwan, auf und erlangte ihren Bachelorabschluss in International Business an der National ChengChi University. Sie arbeitete nach ihrem Universitätsabschluss zunächst fast drei Jahre im Bereich Consumer Banking und International Business. Durch diese praktische Berufserfahrung wurde für Michelle deutlich, in welchem Bereich die sich am meisten interessierte. Sie begann daraufhin im Oktober 2015 ein Studium des Master in International Management/CEMS programme in Köln.  Am Ende ihres zweiten Semesters und bevor sie für ein Semester als Austauschstudentin an die Universität St. Gallen in der Schweiz wechselte, haben wir ihr einige Fragen zu ihrem Studium an der WiSo-Fakultät in Köln gestellt.

 

Interview mit Michelle Cheng (auf Englisch):

Michelle, why did you choose to apply for the CEMS MIM in Cologne?

I was considering a CEMS programme at several CEMS schools due to the programme’s international network and strong relations with businesses. I finally decided to come to Cologne because of the positive experience I had in Germany when I did a one-year exchange at the LMU during my bachelor studies. I planned to improve my German and expand my network in Europe.

How do you like Cologne and its people and the WiSo Faculty?

Cologne is a vibrant town with plenty of transportation connections to other major cities in Europe. The locals here are generally quite laid back and they get pleasantly crazier during carnival time. The WiSo Faculty is on very good terms with multinational companies such as McKinsey and Henkel. I find it beneficial that the Faculty offers many insightful guest lectures by lecturers from those businesses as well as interactive, informative events with companies. As well as supporting my academic learning, these events give me an opportunity to find out how things are done in practice.


What is your impression of the CEMS MIM programme at the University of Cologne?


Higher education generally requires a high degree of self-discipline and goal orientation and CEMS MIM is no exception. The advantage of CEMS MIM is that it provides a good structure with its compulsory exchange term, internship and third language requirements for graduation.  For me, the workload has been challenging but manageable. Besides the MIM courses offered by the University of Cologne, I also attended a CEMS forum in Stockholm this term and collaborated with students from other CEMS schools on several case study courses offered by businesses. The CEMS MIM at the University of Cologne allows me to polish my cross-cultural communication skills while expanding my network in Europe.


What do you like about this field of study?


I like the holistic view the general management courses of this programme offer. No matter what post I hold in my future career, I will be able to consider the different interests of and conflicts between different functions. I also like the fact that the programme provides six specialisations to choose from for each student to acquire more in-depth knowledge in the area they are interested in.


What do you want to do after you graduate?


After graduation, I plan to make use of my academic knowledge and cross-cultural negotiation skills in the area of supply chain strategy to leverage a company’s capabilities and resources for a more competitive supply chain through smoother transitions.

What do you do in your free time when you are not studying?

I learn German and Indonesian and spend time with friends – mostly cooking, travelling or for a few drinks. Coming from Taiwan, where mountains are ubiquitous, I also enjoy hiking.  

Do you have a favourite book you read for your studies? And could you also name a favourite book you like to read in your leisure time?

I read Daniel Kahneman’s book “Thinking fast and slow” when it was first out and found it to be very insightful. This term I had a course that relates to lots of behavioural aspects the book addressed so I’ve been rereading the book.
My most recent favourite book is a Chinese classic— “Art of war” by Sun Tzu in 5th century B.C. Although military strategy and tactics are the most direct subjects addressed in the book, the book also provides food for thought on how one could formulate one’s strategy in the modern business world, which is to some extent also like a battlefield. I’ve read it before but I go back to it and reflect upon my personal experience from time to time.

Michelle, thank you for the interview!

 

Interview: Sarah Brender