The Central Burgenland native became aware of the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences through a friend who was studying there. What convinced her was a very pragmatic factor: the compatibility of work and study. Sandi worked full-time during her studies, which was a challenge, but from today's perspective it was the ideal combination, as she says: "It wasn't always easy, but it was the best of both worlds: Having a job and studying at the same time".

Sandi deliberately chose the Master's degree programme in International Business Relations because of its focus on Marketing & Consumer Insights.

Before starting her studies, the marketing expert travelled her path in stages: After graduating from high school, she completed a college for fashion, design & textiles to really understand products before going on to complete a Bachelor's degree in economics. Her enthusiasm for marketing developed in part thanks to a key formative experience: a semester abroad in the USA, where she took the Fashion Marketing elective and her thirst for knowledge was finally awakened. An early professional highlight was an internship at the German magazine VOGUE, which gave her an intensive insight into the world of media and fashion.

The biggest challenge during the Master's programme in International Business Relations was time management. Attendance phases, project work and numerous tasks put her stamina to the test time and again. Looking back, Sandi also sees this as her most important learning:

She particularly remembers the lecturers from the field, a semester abroad in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, a research project with eye-tracking in the supermarket, but above all her fellow students. Even though her closest fellow students now live all over Austria, they are still connected by their time studying together.

After several years in publishing and three years as a marketing manager at Zalando, Sandi's path finally led her into the beauty industry. She has been working for L'Oréal Paris since 2023. Her conclusion: goals can change and that's absolutely OK.

She advises students to be brave: "A full-time job alongside your studies is demanding, but it pays off one hundred per cent." She clearly recommends Burgenland University of Applied Sciences, especially for those who want to gain professional experience and continue their education at the same time - not least because of the family atmosphere and personal support.

The young manager is always on the lookout for interns. If you are interested, please contact her via LinkedIn.