Experience Report – Bachelor's Degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Allensbach University

Image: Kevin Kerber

Why another bachelor's degree?

After my training as a bank clerk in 2018, I took the conventional path in the financial industry: First, the banking specialist, then the banking business administrator. However, at some point, I reached a point where I felt I needed to go further. I wanted to deepen my knowledge and gain new perspectives at the same time.

Currently, I work in sales management at an internationally oriented financial services provider. In this role, I lead strategic projects in product and process innovation, with the goal of driving innovative solutions and increasing company efficiency. I also manage the company's digital presence and develop digital communication strategies that position our company externally.

Another important component of my role is interface management with eleven savings banks, where I ensure that the diverse interests and needs of these stakeholders are successfully linked together. Furthermore, I specifically support strategic sales activities by conducting market analyses, developing campaigns, and taking over the evaluation of processes.

Even during my previous work as a commercial customer advisor, I dealt with startup projects. What fascinated me particularly back then was how much responsibility people take on when they dare to take the step into self-employment. These encounters have sustainably shaped my interest in the topics of innovation, business development, and entrepreneurship. It was precisely this interest that later motivated me to engage more intensively with these topics at an academic level.

Initially, I considered pursuing a degree in banking. However, I quickly realized that this would place me back in the same niche where I already have a lot of experience. In contrast, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management program at Allensbach University immediately appealed to me because it offers the opportunity to combine both worlds. On the one hand, I bring my many years of experience from the financial sector. On the other hand, I am learning how to professionally design innovation processes and how to build new structures or projects within an existing company. I find the aspect of intrapreneurship particularly exciting, meaning the opportunity to develop and drive innovation within the company in order to actively shape entrepreneurial development.

While researching suitable universities, I looked at various programs. The deciding factors for my choice were ultimately the flexibility, the recognition of my previous degrees, and the modern study concept of Allensbach University.

My studies at Allensbach University

The degree program was easy to reconcile with my job, even though it was demanding, of course. It was often difficult to find time during the week, so I mostly studied on Saturdays and Sundays. It was particularly helpful for me to schedule fixed study times on the weekends. When exams or coursework were approaching, I also created additional time slots during the week or took specific time off.

I successfully completed my studies within the standard period of three years. By crediting content from my banking and business administration qualifications, I was able to make my studies particularly efficient. Even though the results in the form of a promotion or salary increase have not yet manifested directly, I already clearly feel how much the studies are helping me in my daily work. I have significantly expanded my skills in strategic planning, can implement projects more efficiently and structured, and recognize how innovations can be implemented practically and sustainably. The insights gained enable me to solve complex challenges with a broader and more informed perspective, and that is precisely what the true value of the studies is for me. It has elevated not only my technical knowledge but also my personal development to the next level.

I particularly liked the flexibility of learning. The lectures are available online and are recorded, so you can watch them again if needed. I often took advantage of the opportunity to review material at my own pace a second time or to go through less complex topics more quickly. The support from the instructors was also very pleasant. Questions were always answered promptly, and I felt well-supported.

My tips for future students:

Set a clear goal:

It is crucial to know why you want to study from the beginning. a strong, personal motivation will help you persevere and stay focused even during challenging phases of your studies.

Plan study times and use weekends:

The study requires discipline and time management. It is worthwhile to integrate regular study times into your daily routine and to use the weekend in particular for intensive study, if work and private life allow.

Find a study buddy:

An exchange with fellow students can significantly enrich the learning process. It not only helps to better understand difficult topics but also to stay motivated and gain different perspectives. Difficult topics can often be tackled better together.

Bet on your employer's understanding:

It is of great importance that employers recognize the value of academic further education and understand how it benefits the company. If they understand that the student can enrich the business with new knowledge and practice-oriented ideas, they will likely support their studies favorably. The student not only brings theoretical expertise but also fresh approaches that can be directly applied within the company and integrated into professional daily life, which benefits the company as a whole.

Looking back, studying at Allensbach University was exactly the right decision for me. It has benefited me greatly, both academically and personally, and has broadened my perspective on the financial world with a modern, future-oriented view. Perhaps a Master's degree will follow in the future, but for now, I am simply happy to have successfully completed this important step.

Kevin Kerber