From Uni to Big Business: German Finance Graduate in New York

How much responsibility do bank executives bear in managing the global financial markets? Internationalization and sustainability are two of the many questions that occupy 29-year-old Tom Thiel from Bad Rodach and have led him to the heart of the financial sector. After completing his banking apprenticeship, he went on to study business administration at Coburg University of Applied Sciences and then to Bayerische Landesbank (BayernLB) with his Bachelor's degree. There, the university alumnus was accepted onto a trainee program and, following his permanent position, was sent to the USA for six weeks via a talent program._

Mr. Thiel, what were the biggest challenges and highlights during your almost two-month stay in New York? _

As part of an internal development program, I had the opportunity to complete a six-week internship in the capital markets division of our foreign branch of Bayern LB in New York. Apart from the daily work and communication in English, the biggest challenge was getting used to the new environment. The first few days I experienced a real sensory overload due to the constant noise, crowds of people and permanent events around me. The city simply never stands still. Professionally, the timing couldn't have been more exciting. I followed the presidential elections on the ground with both personal and professional interest and the outcome raises many questions: Will the US now continue to invest in renewable energy? What will the future customs system look like? What impact will the election have on Germany? That's what moved me.

How did your education at Coburg University of Applied Sciences prepare you for your career?

The training lays a fundamental foundation for my future career. My practical semester at Brose Fahrzeugteile gave me valuable insights, which complemented the theoretical training very well and was crucial for my first professional steps. For me personally, Prof. Dr. Victor J. Randall's lectures were particularly interesting and helpful in terms of topics, such as general business administration or finance and capital markets.

What made you decide to pursue a career in the financial sector and how do you perceive the global financial world now? _

As a trainee at a cooperative bank, I came into contact with the financial sector early on. For me, the financial world is a central hub of the global economy that exerts an enormous influence through the management of capital flows. It enables us to keep our finger on the pulse of the times. The challenges facing the financial world are diverse and range from internal issues such as digitalization to external aspects such as sustainability and regulation. This dynamic ensures that new topics and challenges are constantly emerging and that we never stand still.

Sustainability was one of your topics during the trainee program. Can you tell us more about how you integrated this topic into your work? _

Sustainability has become much more important in recent years. In view of different climate targets and global challenges, it is highly relevant from a political and regulatory perspective. As banks manage capital flows, they have to integrate such important topics into their operational and strategic orientation. As a financial institution, we have to take responsibility, for example by issuing "green bonds" on the refinancing side that are backed by sustainable loans.

Where do you go from here? _

In the new year, I will be taking up a position as an analyst for international real estate at BayernLB. I am looking forward to getting to know and analyzing the different facets of the international real estate markets and the various asset classes. This challenge will allow me to expand my expertise and gain valuable insights into the dynamic market.

What advice would you give to current students pursuing a similar career? _

While a university or college degree is an important foundation, it is ultimately the combination of methodical understanding, practical experience and teamwork that contributes to success. It is equally important to leave your comfort zone in order to continuously develop and take on new challenges. These aspects are crucial for long-term professional and personal development. In addition to the lectures on offer, I recommend experiences abroad, such as the Erasmus program. The Coburg location offers ideal conditions for effectively combining theory and practice, whether as an intern or working student. You quickly gain valuable experience. I, for one, really enjoyed my time there.

Business administration can be studied at Coburg University of Applied Sciences full-time, part-time or part-time, as well as in combination with vocational training. It is possible to start in the winter or summer semester. You can try out the course content in an orientation semester. Those interested can now __apply and enrol__. Further information is available at www.hs-coburg.de/studieren/._

Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Coburg
Friedrich-Streib-Straße 2
96450 Germany
Germany

https://www.hs-coburg.de/

impetus@hs-coburg.de

"We train more than just skilled workers. We educate people and develop personalities who play a responsible role in social, economic and ecological development." This is the core of the practice-oriented Coburg University of Applied Sciences, which educates around 4,700 students at four locations in the region (Coburg, Lichtenfels, Kronach, Bamberg).
With modern teaching and learning formats, and in cooperation with partners from the regional economy, the experts and specialists of tomorrow are prepared for their future activities.

Application-oriented knowledge is taught in the Faculties of Applied Natural Sciences and Health, Design, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Social Work and Economics.
Part-time teaching in the Faculty of Continuing Education and cross-faculty work in the Science and Culture Center round off the offer.
Since September 2023, the university has also had its own two doctoral centers: "Analytics4Health" and "Sustainable and Intelligent Systems" (in cooperation with the TH Würzburg-Schweinfurt and the TH Aschaffenburg).

Sustainability, diversity and transfer are at the forefront of this constantly changing and evolving institution and are firmly anchored in the Strategy Paper 2030.

This release was published on openPR.