M.A. Business Administration and Management at Allensbach University of Applied Sciences Konstanz

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by Lucas Vogt, M.A.

Why I wanted to complete a Master's degree by distance learning

I work in the field of "education in sports management" and already had several years of professional experience when I decided to study for a Master's degree. My goal was clear: to take the next step in my career - without sacrificing salary or taking a longer break from my job. It was important to me to deepen my knowledge of business administration and management in order to be able to take on more responsibility in my position. At the same time, I wanted to apply what I had learned directly in my job in order to create direct added value.

How I made my decision

Before I decided on Allensbach University, I compared several distance learning universities. In the end, three points were decisive:

  • Accreditation and recognition of the degree program in order to obtain a high-quality and recognized degree.
  • Maximum time flexibility to optimally combine studies and work.
  • Direct line to lecturers and study support to get quick and competent assistance with questions.

I didn't choose other providers because either the study structure was too rigid or the support seemed too anonymous.

How I experienced studying at Allensbach University

I spent between 8 and 12 hours a week studying. Thanks to the flexible online structure, I was able to adapt my learning times individually - sometimes in the morning before work, sometimes in the evening or at the weekend. The clearly structured study letters, the digital learning portal (Moodle) with additional materials and practical videos and the option to schedule exams flexibly were particularly helpful.

The examination formats were practice-oriented: Instead of pure memorization, the focus was on the application of knowledge. One of my most impressive experiences was that I was able to implement content from the "Project Management" module directly in an ongoing project in the very first week of my studies - with immediately noticeable success. On another occasion, the newly acquired knowledge from the "Personnel Management" module helped me to structure a complex team, which would have been much more difficult without the course.

What it has done for me

I was able to successfully complete my studies within the planned time frame, including the one-year free extension. I gained a total of 120 ECTS and maintained a positive grade trend throughout. The benefits were already apparent during my studies: After a few months, I took on additional tasks, and upon successful completion, I was given more responsibility as well as a salary increase. The "time-to-value" was therefore extremely short - the course paid off for me very quickly, both professionally and financially.

Challenges during your studies

The biggest challenge for me was time management. Balancing work, studies and private life at the same time requires discipline and organization. I scheduled fixed study times, but also left a buffer for stressful phases. My employer's support with funding also made my decision easier. Looking back, I would perhaps focus even more on continuous learning routines to make exam phases more relaxed - but overall the balance was good.

My advice to future students

I can give three tips from my experience:

  • Clear time planning: Schedule fixed learning blocks and treat them as important dates.
  • Strategic module selection: Start with modules that can be directly applied to your current work - this motivates and immediately shows the added value.
  • Use study support: Actively seeking direct contact with lecturers and support is a major advantage of Allensbach University.

Conclusion

Studying at Allensbach University was the ideal opportunity for me to gain a recognized Master's degree while working, expand my knowledge in a practical way and advance my career at the same time. I was able to use what I had learned in my job from day 1 - and it paid off in every respect.