What can a prospective student expect when applying to WHU? We speak to current bachelor students Laura Pedrini and Thassilo Seeboth who joined Germany’s #1 ranked business school in September 2020. What was the application process like for them and why did they choose WHU?
Who are you and where are you from?
Laura: I’m 19 years old and I come from Verona, Italy. Before WHU, I studied languages including German, Spanish, English, Latin, and of course, Italian.
Thassilo: I grew up in a town near Munich and graduated from high school in 2017. I wasn’t sure what to study after school, so I decided to use my gap year to pursue an entrepreneurial project with a friend. This developed into a start-up and I continued to work there full-time for two more years before applying for WHU.
Did you always have an interest in business?
Laura: Business is a subject that has always piqued my interest, but I never had the opportunity to explore it further at school. When I wasn’t at school, I always took time to learn more about business by reading newspapers and related podcasts.
Thassilo: I didn’t always have an interest in business, or at least not an apparent one. However, I was always fascinated by the start-up world which grew into a genuine interest in all facets of the business world.
How did you discover WHU and the bachelor program?
Laura: I knew when I graduated high school that I wanted to study abroad but in English. I felt more integrated into German culture after previously studying in Berlin, so I knew I also wanted to stay in Germany. After looking at the WHU website and international rankings, I saw it was one of the top schools in the country and had a very good reputation. I felt that the core WHU values were very closely aligned with my own.
Thassilo: I discovered WHU through alumni of the school. When you’re in the start-up community, you encounter WHU alumni quickly! I talked to a lot of them about the school, and I was convinced that WHU was the perfect next step for me. Its entrepreneurial focus was an important factor. Similarly important is the community aspect. Once you are part of WHU and arrive in Vallendar, you notice that everyone is welcoming and is interested in getting to know you. Vallendar becomes a home away from home.
What was your approach to the application process?
Laura: I knew WHU was the only school I wanted to apply to, very early on in the process. I talked several times with the admissions office which was very helpful. They kindly guided me through the process and answered all my questions, especially as I couldn’t cross the border at the time and come to the campus.
Thassilo: I only applied to WHU; I don’t think I was very organized, but I made sure I had all the required parts of the application ready, to make the entire process less stressful. I visited the campus for the first time back in 2017 as part of a Start-Up Academy workshop. I did not know I would eventually end up studying at WHU, but at the time I remember I was impressed by the campus and the attitude of the students. So those positive memories were enough for me to not need to revisit during my application!
How would you describe your WHU experience so far?
Laura: The environment at WHU is really motivating and allows you to challenge yourself. Studying here does require commitment and it is not always easy, but the benefit of the knowledge and skills that you gain is so advantageous that it’s worth the effort!
Thassilo: So far, I am impressed with how WHU has navigated through the COVID-19 crisis, particularly with the organization of the online formats that have allowed us to continue our studies as ‘normally’ as possible. I already made a lot of good friends here and I am excited for what is to come!
What advice would you give to applicants applying to WHU now?
Thassilo: I would suggest contacting students currently studying at WHU (which is possible directly through the WHU website) because it can be difficult to grasp the concept of the WHU spirit without being here! Plus, they can offer some great advice.
Laura: Read the application steps and admission requirements carefully. Once you receive confirmation that you are accepted to the program, you should join the Facebook group for students and start looking for an apartment – demand can be high! Then enjoy the best time of your life!