From an Online Degree to a Career in Finance - Is It Really Possible?

Potsdam, April 15, 2026 - "Register Now." The mouse pointer hovers over the button. A click that could change everything. Berkin Vincent Varlik clicked. And began his bachelor's degree in Financial Management at the German University of Applied Sciences (DHAW). Today, he works in asset management. His conclusion: This path isn't for everyone. But for the right people, it becomes a ticket to success.

A DECISION AGAINST THE NORM

For Berkin Vincent Varlik, it was clear early on: a traditional degree wasn't for him. Fixed schedules, prescribed routines? That didn't align with his idea of academic freedom. What drew him to an online degree instead was something else: control--over content, pace, and depth.

But choosing an online learning program was more than a personal preference. It was the first step in a deliberate strategy. Because he had a clear goal: breaking into the finance industry.

FREEDOM? YES--BUT ...

Online learning promises maximum flexibility--no fixed lecture times, no rigid schedules. For him, that was exactly what made this path appealing: "The program does away with rigid structures and instead relies on students' ability to organize themselves."

But that freedom comes at a cost. While his days were flexible, they were also highly structured. A program like this--on demand, much like a streaming service for education--requires discipline and willpower. And most of it takes place alone, in front of a screen.

What initially sounds like "I can do whatever I want" can quickly turn into a source of stress. Anyone who relies on external pressure and structure to stay motivated will struggle with this model. Or, as he puts it: "Anyone who simply looks for predefined paths and the path of least resistance won't do justice to the freedom offered here."

WHY GIVING UP WAS NEVER AN OPTION

The program wasn't always easy. But Berkin Vincent Varlik had a clear goal--and aligned everything around it. His plan: full-time studies combined with a part-time role as a working student in the very industry he wanted to enter. Academic learning and professional experience all in one.

Despite tightly structured study days, this approach worked. In an online program, he had full control over his time--and that was exactly what kept him motivated and on track:

"The freedom to manage my own time was my biggest advantage. If I wanted to move quickly through a complex module, I could take the exam earlier. If a topic really caught my interest, I allowed myself to spend two extra weeks exploring it in depth. This level of autonomy over my schedule is the greatest luxury the DHAW offers."

At the same time, he benefited from a strong sense of community. At first, he had expected a solitary experience--just the glow of the screen, the course materials, and himself. But that wasn't the reality. Interaction was actively encouraged, whether through chat groups or spontaneous one-on-one video calls: "You're never really alone if you're willing to reach out."

And yet, as the university grew rapidly, there were moments when accessibility didn't quite match the level he had experienced at the beginning. While this improved quickly, his studies didn't pause. So in the meantime, he found his own solutions.

That same independence shaped the way he learned. What stood out most were the formats that went beyond memorization. Case studies and projects pushed him to truly understand the material. Today, that mindset directly informs his work--especially when making concrete investment decisions.

A TICKET INTO THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY

His strategy paid off after graduation. The transition into his career was seamless: his degree became his "ticket into the financial industry." Today, he structures and manages portfolios for high-net-worth clients.

He draws on the foundation he built during his studies every day--portfolio theory, macroeconomics, and financial statement analysis. But perhaps the most valuable skill he developed is the ability to make complex strategies easy to understand. In finance, the ability to persuade is essential.

AND NOW? DOES THIS WORK FOR EVERYONE?

The honest answer: no. Online degree programs are not a guarantee of success. They're a system that works--but only for those who actively engage with it. The degree itself isn't the ticket; it's the strategy and determination behind it.

For those looking for exactly that--freedom combined with real-world relevance--this path can work. Because what a distance learning program offers goes beyond course content. Berkin Vincent Varlik calls it "radical personal responsibility." And in the end, that's exactly what determines whether clicking "Register Now" truly leads to the career you're aiming for:

"My advice: Anyone who values true academic freedom and is willing to proactively and independently manage their own skill development will find the perfect platform here. Here, you don't just learn specialized knowledge, but above all, radical personal responsibility--and in the end, that is arguably the most important skill for a fulfilling career."

For more information on the degree programs offered by the German University of Applied Sciences (DHAW), please visit: https://deutschehochschule.de/

m.bolduan@deutschehochschule.de

Germany

The German University of Applied Sciences (DHAW) is a modern university with a clear vision. We aim to teach first-class expertise that stands out for its quality, practical relevance, and up-to-date content. Our goal is to equip students with the theoretical and practical tools they need for a successful professional career. As a result, our university's alumni should be regarded as highly sought-after professionals in the job market.

This release was published on openPR.