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“Why Germany?”
As an American studying in Germany, I often get the question, “how did you hear about Frankfurt School? Why Germany?” Well, when it came time to graduate with my bachelors from Washington State University, I was very nervous about my ability to find a decent job.
I needed an edge and I thought that grad school would give me one. A quick Google search for the best Master of Finance program in Germany told me that Frankfurt School was the place to be. Moving across the world was a huge step, but I think the Frankfurt School, its reputation, and the quality of education was worth it.
What’s it actually like?
Studying in Germany is not terribly different from studying in the US. You spend countless hours studying and pretty much want to tear your hair out or cry (or both) when it comes time for exams. You make friends, lose friends, join clubs, and overall, learn and grow.
I think that a lot of the differences I have noticed could be between a large, public university and a small, private one. For example, at Frankfurt School, I feel like I can really make a difference. I was extremely engaged at my previous university but because of its sheer scale (30,000 students), I was basically only known within the two colleges that my programs were in. Here at Frankfurt School, everywhere I turn there‘s a familiar face and a new opportunity to get involved and make an impact.
Obviously the country culture peeks through in the educational environment although I think that the cultures are much more similar than they are different. Both countries are individualists which means the education systems tend to place a big emphasis on group work and communication skills to compensate. These skills are really put to work here at FS where you may have five different nationalities and ways of thinking coming together for a group project.
A big adjustment
Frankfurt School uses the “3-Day Model” which means you only have class three days of the week (and only two weekdays). This is quite different from the US where you usually have shorter classes, 5 days a week. Knowing that you have three workdays free a week for most of the program allows for the opportunity to also work part time. I took advantage of this and although it definitely ups the difficulty level of the program to work while studying, it’s a good lesson in time management.
Perks of the program
The Master of Finance program advertises a lot of perks. So far, I think they have really delivered. The workshops and seminars hosted by the school are second to none, and the career services has been really helpful with helping me convert my US Resume to a German CV. I love how international our program is and I’ve already made some lifelong friendship with people all over the world. It’s so nice to know that wherever life (or business) takes me, there’s a friend nearby.
Hard work pays off
The admissions process at Frankfurt School is extremely competitive so I feel very lucky to be here, surrounded by students and professors that challenge my perspectives on the industry and the world. As students here at FS, we all share the same desire to learn, to grow, to explore, and to make a name for ourselves out there in the world of finance. Together we are learning the skills and making the friendships that will last a lifetime. I’m just happy to be a part of it all and to call myself an FS Bull.
Frankfurt School gGmbH
Adickesallee 32-34
60322 Frankfurt am Main
