As a student, Melanie Rrustemi received the university's Family Award in 2018 for her outstanding achievements in the area of balancing studies and family. The mother of four also received one of the coveted German scholarships and was nominated as a scholarship holder for the German National Academic Foundation. During her final year of study in summer 2019, Rrustemi initially worked as a trainee in Controlling at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, where she then wrote her final thesis "The design of fixed costs in companies undergoing structural change", which was awarded top marks. Since successfully completing her degree programs in Controlling in summer 2020, she has been working as Executive Assistant to CSO & CMO at the Heidelberg-based world market leader for sheetfed offset printing presses.
You completed your Bachelor's degree at the university with flying colors and were involved as a semester speaker, tutor for macroeconomics and in the university senate during your studies. Do you have fond memories of your time at HWG LU?
M. Rrustemi: Definitely, I wouldn't want to miss those three years! I got to know great students, committed professors and university staff with whom I am still in contact. I remember challenging lectures with a high practical relevance, but also funny and serious conversations.
What made you decide to study in Ludwigshafen back then?
After several years of professional experience in retail and managing a store at the age of 20, I wanted a career change, which meant new challenges and being open to new things. The decision to study Business Controlling was quickly made, as I am particularly interested in data analysis and the interplay between strategy and corporate management. The Ludwigshafen University of Applied Sciences and the University of Mannheim came into question. After receiving confirmation of admission from both universities, I attended a counseling interview at each. In the end, I chose Ludwigshafen because I was warmly welcomed here, even though I wasn't a "typical" student, and the university has an excellent reputation for family-friendly working and study conditions.
You have now been at the renowned Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG since September 2019. What brought you there?
The university is in close contact with renowned companies. In spring 2019, I took part in a factory tour at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, which was organized by Professor Dr. Kirchner-Khairy and Professor Dr. Kihm. After a warm welcome at the headquarters, we were introduced to the company and the student trainee program and then given an insight into the modern, high-precision production of printing presses. I was immediately impressed by the culture and potential of the Group and ended up applying for the trainee program.
Today you are there as Executive Assistant to CSO & CMO. What does that involve?
I support the global Head of Sales, who is also Head of Marketing and Managing Director of the Heidelberg Digital Unit. In addition to tasks such as creating presentations and reports, I work mostly on various projects in different teams. I gain insights into many areas, such as Sales Excellence, Sales Analytics, Sales Controlling et cetera. The integration of the Digital Unit also gives me exciting insights into the world of digitalization and big data, such as data science or data intelligence. Every day, I work with highly motivated, helpful and, above all, very talented young and young-at-heart colleagues from all over the world in a modern working environment. The topic of "New Work" is very important here, which is reflected in the corporate culture and therefore has a positive effect on performance. I can only say: "I am grateful for where I'm at and excited about where I'm going."
What skills from your studies have been particularly useful to you?
The practical and English lectures, PowerPoint presentations, answering business questions in Board and Tableau et cetera were helpful. However, the learning doesn't stop with the degree, it really starts now. I was given the necessary tools, but you only learn how to use them in your professional life.
Did the Family Award or the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship help you with your studies or career start?
As I had last spoken English at school over 20 years ago, I quickly realized that I had deficits here and invested the scholarship money in English courses, which helps me a lot in my professional life today.
Is there anything else you would like to say to the university management or your old Department?
I would like to thank the university management, all professors and staff for the great lectures, organization and open ears. I would especially like to thank Professor Dr. Kirchner-Khairy and Professor Dr. Kihm for their unique commitment. My special thanks go to Professor Dr. Kronenberger for the opportunity to lead the tutorial and for the unique supervision of my Bachelor's thesis. I wish all employees of the university all the best for the future and, above all, good health in the current challenging situation regarding Corona.
We wish you continued good luck and success! Thank you very much for the interview.
Interview: Elena Wassmann
