On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the East Asia Institute (OAI) of the HWG LU and its support association hosted a study information day. Around 80 visitors - current students as well as prospective students - took the opportunity to find out more about studying at the OAI and subsequent career prospects. The event offered a variety of insights into everyday study life and reflected the institute's lively community.
Institute Director Prof. Dr. Frank Rövekamp opened the information day with a warm welcome. Using successful graduates as examples, he outlined the diverse career paths that studying at OAI can open up.
This was immediately followed by an alumni round table, moderated by OAI alumnus Max Schröder. In a lively interview, seven alumni talked about their student days and their current careers:
- Franka Askani - Portfolio Brand Leader Chocolate & Ice Cream at Mars Snacking
- Sarah Feiertag - Associate in the Financial Services division at Oliver Wyman
- Paul Gebel - Senior Business Process Consultant at SAP SE
- Daniel Huschens - Global Key Account Manager at Wipotec GmbH
- Marie Christine Gahn - Assistant Manager at KPMG
- Andreas Da Graça - Analyst at LBBW
- Julia Harkcom - Operational Excellence Specialist at Merck KGaA
Despite the different industries and positions, they all agreed that the OAI course provided an excellent basis for starting their careers. In particular, the project-oriented work during the course and the close network within the institute were highlighted as extremely valuable.
The year abroad in Asia is an integral part of the OAI program. In exciting presentations, current students took the audience on a journey to their host countries. The experience reports led to:
- China - presented by Olga Temnov and Maximilian Polap
- Korea - presented by Melissa Hentschel, Alicia Decker and Laura Trassl
- Japan - presented by Felix Pohl
The students shared their impressions of everyday study life and leisure activities in Chengdu, Seoul and Tokyo. They also gave numerous practical tips on preparing for their stay in the respective host country - from language acquisition to cultural etiquette.
Of course, campus life away from the lectures was not neglected either. Chiara Will and Melanie Bista from the student council - the student representatives of the OAI - gave an insight into student life at the university. They emphasized the numerous opportunities to get involved alongside your studies: from participation in the OAI student council to the student parliament (StuPa) to the general student committee (AStA) and other university groups. This commitment, they emphasized, enriches the study time immensely and promotes cohesion among the students.
The OAI's support association then introduced itself. Prof. Dr. Barbara Darimont and Max Schröder explained the tasks and activities of the association in their role as board members. The association supports the institute and students in a variety of ways - for example through scholarships, events or the expansion of the alumni network - and is also open to external interested parties. All guests were invited to join the association, make a donation or support its work in order to further strengthen the OAI community.
Another highlight of the info day was a look at the degree programs themselves. M.Litt. Christine Liew, Deputy Director of the Institute, presented a comprehensive overview of the course content, admisson requirements and the application process. In her informative presentation, the prospective students learned first-hand what the OAI degree program focuses on and how the application process works.
The day's program was rounded off with an entertaining quiz in which all those present were able to test their newly acquired knowledge in a fun way. The main prize went to Hanna Wehrmeier from the second semester of OAI, who was the quickest to answer all 9 questions in the quiz correctly.
There was also plenty of opportunity for informal discussions during the Info Day. During the breaks between the program items, the guests took the opportunity to talk to each other. Different colored Tyvek ribbons served as icebreakers, making the affiliation of those present visible. This made it possible to see at a glance who is currently studying at OAI, who is an alumnus and who is interested in studying. This system led to many stimulating conversations and newly established contacts across all groups.
At the end of the day, everyone agreed that the successful mix of information, exchange and entertainment made the student information day a special experience. Many thanks to all participants and contributors who helped make this event such a success!
