Studying in pairs

Damla and Yasin Egri graduated together from the Bachelor's degree programme in International Business Relations last September. The joint graduation was a special and emotional moment for them.

Studying alongside a full-time job was a major challenge for the couple, which they nevertheless mastered skilfully. They describe the changes caused by the coronavirus pandemic in both positive and negative terms.

Her husband adds: "I can only recommend others to form fixed learning groups in distance learning, with whom you can meet and exchange ideas." Both have specialised in the field of controlling. "The degree was a milestone for me on my way to becoming a tax consultant," confirms Damla, who works at KPMG. For Yasin, who works for the Kirchdorfer Group, the degree also opens up new opportunities. "I would like to specialise further in the field of blockchain," he says.

They made the decision to study together very spontaneously in the summer of 2018 and were all the more pleased to get hold of two remaining places at Burgenland University of Applied Sciences.

Both remain loyal to FH Burgenland and are continuing their studies on the part-time Master's degree programme in International Business Relations. "There was a lot of understanding and support from our employers, but also from our personal environment," they both thank.

For their families in particular, their time at university was accompanied by many hardships, says Damla: "We worked during the week and studied on Fridays and Saturdays. Housework, cooking, shopping... that was only possible during breaks. But then we decided to always dedicate Sundays to family and friends. That soon worked out."