Julia Daum
Graduate year 2008
- Why did you decide to study for the part-time bachelor degree in “Facility & Real Estate Management”? What do you think is special about this degree?
Besides obtaining real estate-specific knowledge, achieving an interdisciplinary education in business, technology, law and social skills with a high practical relevance were decisive reasons for choosing this degree program. Additionally, the lecture blocks on Friday afternoons and Saturdays make it possible to get a university education and still enjoy the satisfaction of a work life.
- Which courses and lectures have you attended so far and what have you learned?
Besides the real estate-specific subjects (real estate management, real estate financing, real estate project development, etc.), I have attended a wide range of business management lectures (facility management, marketing, tax law, controlling, etc.) and technical lectures (building services engineering, structural design, integral planning, etc.). Additionally, we were able to improve our knowledge of English during three semesters and our knowledge of either Italian or Spanish during two semesters. What I have learned during six semesters of study at the FH Kufstein can, fortunately, not be summed up in one sentence. What I benefited from most was being able to develop the ability to integrate various disciplines into one coherent whole.
- Have you already taken part in a project at the University of Applied Sciences? What was it about? What was your contribution?
During the fifth semester, in a 4-person team, we used an integrative case study to conduct a market research study for an internationally active logistics company. The study investigated the economic viability of exploring a new logistics area and opening a new subsidiary at this site. The project was both demanding and exciting because the study formed part of the information on which the respective company based its decisions.
- In your opinion, to what extent is it possible to reconcile a job, a degree course and private life?
Reconciling family, job and degree studies is a big challenge which can only be mastered with strict time management, a high level of self-discipline and good resistance to stress. Recognizing at an early stage that it is impossible and even unnecessary to be perfect at balancing family, job and studies is equally as important as support from the family, good friends and an understanding employer who supports your studies.
- Which career opportunities do you expect as a result of your bachelor degree?
The real estate industry is one of the most important sectors of the Austrian economy. There is an increasing need for well qualified specialists who can meet the ever increasing management requirements. An additional advantage of the degree program is the interdisciplinary education and the associated broad range of career opportunities. Despite the weak economic situation and the tension on the employment market, I think that the career opportunities for people with a degree in real estate management are very good.