30.09.2026

IB Welcome Day 2026

From the perspective of Sandra Baumeister, IB graduate, HR: From sitting in this auditorium as a student to standing in front of it and sharing my story with the next generation. Today was a very special full-circle moment for me. As an alumna of the International Business Program at Technische Hochschule Nürnberg, I had the honor of being part of today’s welcome for the new first-semester students and sharing my experiences as part of the Alumni Experiences. Standing at the front of that auditorium and looking at a new group of students who have this entire chapter ahead of them felt a little surreal. I got to share my own journey: from studying International Business, to my internship and semester abroad, to the decisions I made afterwards – and, most importantly, where this path has taken me today.

When I started IB, I somehow imagined the classic path: big international corporation, highly specialized role, clearly defined area of responsibility. Well… life had other plans. I now work as an HR Generalist at HT Group, a mid-sized company – and I genuinely couldn’t be happier about where I am.  “Mid-sized” definitely doesn’t mean “small” when it comes to responsibility or opportunities to grow. Quite the opposite. My role allows me to work across a broad HR portfolio, take ownership, get involved in very different topics and continuously learn. And I'm incredibly grateful for that.

Being back at TH Nürnberg also meant seeing Stefanie Bartenstein, Katrin Eckstein and Prof. Helen Rogers, who shaped this program so very positively! I was also especially happy to share the stage with Polly Ivanova – a truly spirited woman who continues to be one of my biggest role models when it comes to public speaking.

Thank you, Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm, for inviting me back and giving me the opportunity to share my experiences with the next generation of IB students. And who knows – maybe this was just the beginning of some exciting future projects between TH Nürnberg and HT Group. To all the new IB students: enjoy what’s ahead of you, stay curious, take the opportunities that come your way – and don’t worry too much if your path looks completely different from what you imagine today. That might just be the best part.