Studying International Business Management at Berlin School of Economics and Law: Shruti's Student Journey

Shruti completed her M.Sc. in International Business Management at the Berlin School of Economics and Law. She discovered her programme using Online Result's platform. We caught up with her to discuss her process of researching and applying to universities abroad.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from?

Hi, Online Result team! First, I want to thank you for selecting me as a student ambassador for Europe. I am Shruti Kamalapurkar from India, currently residing in Berlin, Germany. I am 23 years old and a proud student at the Berlin School of Economics and Law.

Where are you studying now? What programme are you enrolled in? What degree and how long is your programme?

I am pursuing an M.Sc. in International Business Management, a 15-month programme which I am set to complete in March 2015.

I am currently in the final stages of my degree, focusing on my Master's thesis. It has been a rewarding experience studying at this prestigious business school.

Why did you want to study abroad?

Choosing where to study was a significant decision, as my goal was not just to study abroad, but specifically to earn a Master's degree in Germany. I would like to share why Germany was the perfect choice for me.

Coming from India, I had been studying the German language for nearly a decade, starting in 2004. After studying it as a third and second language throughout school and college, I eventually completed my Bachelor's degree in German Language and Literature.

Alongside my Bachelor's studies, I achieved a B2.2 certification from the Goethe Institute. To further refine my proficiency, I attended the Communicación Akoun & Scholten, an institution affiliated with the University of Duisburg-Essen, where I attained C1-level fluency.

Germany was always my top priority, and the application process was seamless thanks to Online Result. Their intuitive filter system helped me pinpoint the exact International Business Management programme that aligned with my career goals.

How did you find your study programme? Why did you choose this particular university? How did Online Result help you?

I specifically searched for opportunities in Berlin. I chose this city because it is an international hub, offering a wealth of internship opportunities and a diverse job market for graduates.

Moreover, Berlin offers a more affordable cost of living compared to other major business hubs like Munich, Stuttgart, or Frankfurt. The Berlin School of Economics and Law is highly regarded, notably being the first in Germany to receive FIBAA accreditation.

On what stage of your application were you using Online Result? Did you miss any important information on Online Result?

I relied on Online Result throughout my application journey while still in India, and their support was invaluable. I highly recommend their services to any student aspiring to study abroad!

What were your main priorities when choosing your university and your programme (e.g. academics, accommodation, university services & facilities, personal & professional development, city & culture, cost & funding, practicalities, social life)?

Since my first visit in 2011, I fell in love with Berlin. It is truly the most vibrant and hip city in Germany, and I am proud to call myself a fan of the capital.

Having spent time in Duisburg, Hattingen, and Hamburg, I found that nowhere else captures the unique atmosphere of Berlin. The lifestyle, lower cost of living, and rich social scene make it an ideal place for students.

Was it your first study choice? What other universities did you consider? What was the main reason of your final choice?

Germany was my first and only choice. Berlin, in particular, stood out due to its rich cultural history and diverse urban environment.

Did you already know from the start that you wanted to study in that particular country and city? Why did you choose for this particular location?

I was committed to studying in Berlin. While I kept the University of Duisburg-Essen as a backup, Berlin remained my top choice for its unparalleled career prospects and city diversity.

Did you do a language test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) when applying for the programme? If yes, which one did you choose, why and how was your experience with it?

Yes, I took the TOEFL exam as it was a mandatory requirement for my programme in Germany. It was much more manageable than I had initially anticipated.

What would be your advice for students from your country that consider to study abroad?

I encourage all Indian students to explore international education, as it significantly broadens your horizons. Living and studying in a different country builds the confidence needed to excel in multicultural professional environments.

I encountered several rejections during my application process, but I learned that these are often stepping stones to success. Do not be discouraged; remain focused on your goals, my fellow Indian students—you are closer than you think!

How did you finance your stay abroad and what financial advice would you give to future students?

I funded my education through my parents' support and an educational loan. Investing in your future is a calculated risk that pays off when you take the initiative to excel in your chosen field.

Why would you (not) recommend this particular city / university? How would you rate your experience on a scale from zero to ten (0 – It was a total disaster, 10 – I had the time of my life)?

I highly recommend the Berlin School of Economics and Law to any business management students, especially those who have gained at least two years of professional experience back home.

In Europe, professional experience is highly valued after completing your degrees. A strong academic foundation paired with work experience makes you highly competitive in the European job market. I would rate my programme an 8 out of 10.

Is there anything that you would do differently if you could do it all over again?

If I were to do it all over again, I would choose the same programme while focusing even more on gaining extra work experience during my studies.

What was the biggest surprise in your study abroad adventure?

The biggest surprise was transitioning from linguistic studies to management. The Berlin School of Economics and Law designed this course perfectly for students from versatile academic backgrounds, making the transition much easier than I expected.

This experience has prepared me well for the next chapter. I am currently actively searching for an internship and am confident in achieving my career objectives.

Were you inspired by Shruti's study abroad journey?