On the dual, fully English-taught International Management programme, you combine an internationally oriented business studies degree with exciting practical experience in a company. You will learn to think about economic relationships in global terms and to understand cultural differences – essential skills for working in organisations with an international presence.
During your theoretical phases at HSBA, you will acquire sound business knowledge with a clear international focus. In the practical phases within a company, you will apply this knowledge directly and experience how global markets, strategies and teams function in reality. With our personalised, AI-powered coach PINKpro and in-depth modules on artificial intelligence, you will develop exactly the skills that companies are looking for today. In your third year, you will have the opportunity to set your own specialisations and prepare specifically for your future in internationally oriented companies – whether in Hamburg, Europe or worldwide.
Bachelor students rate HSBA above average and are very satisfied with their studies.
Our dual university is in the top group in 12 out of 12 categories.
You can find more information here.
The cooperate study programme integrates phases of theory at the university (on average 32 weeks a year) and practical phases of training in their training company (on average 20 weeks a year).
Students acquire practice-oriented business knowledge with a special focus on international management. During the course of studies, a further focus is also placed on teaching methodological skills. In the first two years of study, basic business management knowledge is taught and supplemented by method modules, the basics of business informatics and an introduction to international management. In the second and third years, selected core subjects are dealt with in greater depth (Financing, Strategic Management, International Accounting and Sustainability). The third year of study is characterised by electives (specialisation/minor, compulsory elective subject, excursion) and the bachelor thesis.
Graduates in International Management have access to a wide range of fields of activity in a dynamic and global environment: You can work in industry, trade, the service sector or in consulting. Possible career fields include project management, marketing management, export management, logistics, consulting or management. A career at the global level is also possible, as companies are always looking for professionals who can master intercultural challenges.
With her enthusiasm and open nature, Sydney Kloppenburg enriched HSBA for three years. She studied International Management together with our partner company HELM AG. From the very beginning, Sydney was also involved in the HSBA Executive Committee, working on behalf of her fellow students and the university. As a panel participant, she discussed the future of dual studies at the anniversary celebration and at the annual reception of the Friends and Sponsors of HSBA. We spoke with Sydney about her studies, her daily challenges and her personal highlights during her time at university.
Dear Sydney, first of all, congratulations on your graduation and your new position! Immediately after your graduation ceremony, you started working as Product Manager Ethanolamines at your partner company (HELM AG). Can you briefly tell us what your responsibilities are? What exactly does that mean?
Thank you very much, that's very kind! Yes, my new position involves managing the ethanolamine product group. This includes purchasing and sales, tank management and market research. Basically, it's a commercial job where we have to be in constant communication with every department at Helm to keep day-to-day business running as smoothly as possible. I find it very interesting to observe the market and calculate supply and demand accordingly – very similar to microeconomics (one of my favourite subjects).
Why did you decide to study International Management rather than Business Administration?
Three things were always clear to me: I wanted to study management, do a dual degree and study in English. That's why the International Management programme was a perfect fit for me. I was already interested in the English language before I started my studies, but now I have to admit that my English has improved considerably. By that I don't necessarily mean colloquial ‘small talk English’, but rather ‘business English’. Since Helm is an international company, we work with teams, suppliers and customers all over the world. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to study in English, as it has given me even more confidence to communicate (linguistically) in a business context.
How has the international focus of your studies helped you in your work environment?
There are, of course, some international modules that are only offered in the International Management programme. These include, for example, International Trade & Regional Studies, International Management 1 & 2, and International Group Accounting. In terms of my current job and my prospects at Helm, International Trade & Regional Studies has been very beneficial. The topics ranged from Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) to various trade agreements. We also talked a lot about risk – an issue that cannot be avoided in trade. I notice this every day at Helm. I always found it interesting to buy in a different currency than the one I was selling in, to observe the fluctuations in exchange rates and to minimise the risk through hedging.
Did your studies prepare you well for your current job? Are there any particular modules or projects that you would highlight?
I would say it definitely did. Depending on the industry and profession you end up working in, the different modules have varying degrees of relevance. For example, Accounting and Principles of Finance provided a good foundation for financial topics. However, as I mentioned before, I would say that I liked Microeconomics and the international module International Trade & Regional Studies the most, and that they prepared me best for my current job.
Despite the demanding coursework and practical phases, you were always very committed and invested a lot of time during your time at HSBA: you were Head of the Executive Committee, participated in various panels... Where does this motivation come from?
Yes, that's true. I think it's just in my nature. I love getting involved, being able to support others and participating in events. I tried to do that wherever possible at HSBA, and I enjoyed it immensely every time. But it also had a certain personal added value: you become more confident and meet new people. And if I've learned one thing, it's that making contacts and networking are very important. So here's a little tip from me: be brave, go to events and talk to people.
Is there anything you particularly like to look back on?
The HSBA spirit, of course – how could it be otherwise? For me, that includes Arielle (the traditional HSBA student trip organised by the student representatives, editor's note), but also every single end-of-semester party. It's so nice to see that, in addition to studying, the students have built a community where they can feel comfortable, exchange ideas and celebrate. Ultimately, that's what you often like to remember: being together and having fun during your studies. And that's definitely guaranteed at HSBA!
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Do you have questions that you would rather discuss with our students? In our Ask a student format you will find contact persons for each of our dual degree programmes: Jennifer Kerßens (Business Administration), Clara Wendrich and Yasch Gahi (Business Informatics), Luca Lenniger (International Management), and Kai Hemp (Logistics Management).
As part of the Dies Academicus celebrations, the HSBA Best Paper Award was presented yesterday to our Professor Dr Sönke Hartmann. The award was given for the article “Fifty years of research on resource-constrained project scheduling explored from different perspectives”, which appeared in the renowned European Journal of Operational Research. The co-authors of the article are Christian Artigues, Directeur de Recherche at the University of Toulouse, and Mario Vanhoucke, Professor at Ghent University.
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No, you apply directly to the company. If you have successfully completed a selection procedure and are offered a place, the partner company will contact HSBA and register you. You can find all current study place offers from our partner companies on our Study Place Exchange.
Our Hamburg Business Speed Dating offers an additional opportunity. It takes place twice a year.
If you have any questions about an admission test, you are welcome to contact us.
Yes. Most HSBA Bachelor students spend time abroad during their studies, sometimes several times. For example, in one-semester exchange programmes at our partner universities, in the one-week study excursions in the third year of study, or by participating in a summer school. Some partner companies also enable students to spend time abroad during the practical phase. Internationality also plays a major role in everyday study life in Hamburg, as HSBA attaches great importance to the internationality of the course content and offers a wide range of English-language seminars.
It is best if you fulfil the admission requirements for our Bachelor's degree programmes beforehand. Or if your previous grades at degree level are in the right direction. Otherwise your application will not usually be successful. IF you have to take an admission test and would still like to apply beforehand, be sure to mention this in your letter of application. Then it will be clear to the company representatives that you know what you are doing!
