Pauline Baumberger began her part-time Master's degree at the Neustadt Wine Campus in the 2018/19 winter semester. The interview was conducted in February 2019.

Why did you decide to study part-time?

The part-time model allows me to continue my education at a scientific level without having to give up my dream job. The combination of practice and theory is the optimal form of study for me, because it gives me the opportunity to apply what I have learned and the fresh input directly in practice and real life provides me with questions and perspectives to understand and interpret theories. In addition, the exchange with fellow students from different fields of work and countries and their perspectives on the wine world and industry is incredibly valuable.

Why did you choose this degree program of all things?

The MBA program combines all the key areas in which I would like to expand and deepen my knowledge: Wine, sustainability and sales. I grew up in the small wine village of Mandel in my family's winery and after completing my Bachelor's degree in Communication Design, I quickly realized that wine is what I am most passionate about. In my job as a manager in the wine and communication department at an online wine store, I was able to combine my two greatest passions. Studying at the Weincampus in Neustadt builds on my current level of knowledge, shows me new perspectives and teaches me strategic thinking and methods that enable me to rethink situations in the family business, examine them for sustainability and make well-founded decisions.

How do you manage to juggle your job and studies?

It takes a certain amount of self-discipline and a thirst for research to make enough room for studying alongside working full-time. The big advantage is that I can organize myself and my time. The attendance phases give you the opportunity to concentrate on your studies and the content for six days and provide an incredible amount of input. The course content and examination requirements are structured in such a way that you stay constantly focused on the course content and research a wide variety of topics in your everyday life and professional life. It is definitely intensive and requires a certain amount of time management, which is good.

What's next for you after the Master's?

I have made the decision to work at our winery with my family. My main focus is on marketing and selling our wines. Our family business is currently run by my parents. My brother is studying viticulture and oenology in the Rheingau, and I am studying wine, sustainability & sales in Neustadt. Together we have a great basis for continuing and developing our winery. So after my studies, I'm looking forward to putting what I've learned into practice at the winery. It will be exciting!