After graduating in B.Sc. Medien- und Wirtschaftspsychologie (B.Sc. Media and Business Psychology, German only), alumnus Benedikt Hüsch joined the management consultancy Ernst & Young, where he works as a self-employed systemic coach.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Media University?
When I think of the Media University, I feel positive. I was able to meet many inspiring people – from fellow students to professors and cafeteria staff. First and foremost, however, I think of the statistics lectures by Prof. Dr. habil. Beckenkamp, which had a lasting influence on me. His way of thinking and imparting knowledge was unique.
You studied for a BSc in Media and Business Psychology. What do you do and where do you work now?
I am currently working as a Change Management, Communications & Learning Consultant at EY (Ernst&Young).
Have you already gained any professional experience that you would like to share with us?
After my internship at Vodafone Germany, I worked in logistics consulting. During my training as a systemic coach, I advised people on how to overcome professional and personal obstacles.
At what point during your studies did you decide on your career aspiration? Did the internship play a role in your career choice?
It was more of a continuous process than a specific point in time that led me to my career aspiration. I knew by the second semester in the statistics module at the latest that I enjoy working on different projects and tinkering with complex problems. In addition, I have enjoyed designing and presenting presentations since I started my studies. Looking back, it was clear to me that I wanted to go into consulting, but the stringent “red thread” appears as an illusion of the future.
My internship at Vodafone in the Learning & Development department made me realize that it is possible to change a large organization with narratives, good storytelling and a lot of communication measures. I wanted to change organizations, but didn't know how yet, so I had to learn. I looked for a role with various projects in the area of “change” and began my professional journey.
Benedikt Hüsch
Why did you decide to study for a BSc in Media and Business Psychology back then? And why did you decide to study at the Media University?
I was 17 when I graduated from high school and didn’t know what I wanted to do. I first tried my hand at an internship at Sony Music Entertainment in Vienna, then tried my hand at economics at the Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main and realized that business alone wasn’t for me. Psychology was my passion back then. I often read the German APA offshoot “Gehirn und Geist” (Brain and Mind) at home to better understand how my psyche works. The fascination for concepts of motivation, learning, conditioning and self-fulfilling prophecies drew me deeper into the subject. Then I saw the range of courses offered at the Media University. The combination of psychology, media and business appealed to me and was only offered at the Media University. Jackpot!
Which subjects from your studies can be found in your work or help you with your work?
Game theory and gamification from the digital gaming and learning module were also exciting. Many change management measures require the use of playful elements to motivate employees and encourage them to participate.
How did the job search and later application phase go?
After I completed my M.Sc. in Business Psychology at BSP Berlin, I met my current director at EY through a good friend and fellow student, to whom I introduced myself and sent my application. That same month, I had two more interviews with other senior managers and eventually became part of the company.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to learn how large organizations function in practice, how they are structured and how I can change them in line with the spirit of the times. To do this, I want to experience a changing world of work up close, with more agile, collaborative and playful companies. I want to write more books on topics that interest me, with a dash of philosophy.
What advice would you give to new students?
Actively seek out peers who expect the same from their studies and themselves as you do. I was only able to learn a lot about collaboration, discipline and friendship through one of my best friends, whom I met during my studies. You should not underestimate swarm intelligence.
Your buddy is already waiting for you, so talk to your fellow students and go through your studies together with them.
We thank you for the exciting conversation and wish you all the best in your professional life!
