Petra May Koran-Büchner

Petra Mey Koran-Büchner shares insights into her time as a distance learning student at FERNFH and explains how she applies the knowledge she gained to her professional practice.

Your Distance Learning Program

To start off, we’d like to give you the chance to tell us—in whatever way you’d like—what you’d say to a friend about your most memorable moment at FERNFH.
The overwhelming fear that I wouldn’t make it because of my age and my full-time job as a manager—and then, three years later, hearing Dr. Wahl say during the BA exam: “Congratulations, you’ve passed the exam!” 

What led to your decision to start a part-time degree program?
Right after graduating from high school, I began studying business administration at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU). Because of my full-time job working shifts and the many required class sessions, I had to drop out after one semester. The years went by, I became a mother, but the idea continued to be on my mind. At age 45, I decided to just give it a try.

How did you end up at the Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH back then?
Through the research of a classmate who wanted to study there with me. We took the entrance exam together; I figured I’d give it a shot since I was really well prepared, and it worked out. 🙂 

What was the deciding factor in your choice of degree program?
My personal interest, but also my leadership role, for which business administration and business psychology proved beneficial and helped advance my career.

For many people, balancing work, daily life, family, free time, friends, and school sounds like a huge challenge. What helped you manage it?
Absolute discipline, an iron will, and a supportive environment. 

We’ve all been there—during college, there are courses that always leave a lasting impression and really captivate you. Which ones were those for you, and why?
It was the introductory lecture on the first day with^{Prof. (}FH) Mag.^aDr.ⁱⁿWalenta, an impressive woman who always supported us. 

What changes have you noticed in your job since graduating, or have you perhaps changed jobs?
I haven't changed jobs, but the team sees me differently now. When certain topics come up, they ask me for my opinion and let me contribute my expertise. 

Which topics from your studies continue to influence your day-to-day work?
All economic topics, as well as aspects of psychology, play a role in my day-to-day management work. 

The world of work is changing. How are you experiencing this change in your industry or professional environment?
We’re particularly focused on the issue of generational diversity; in my company, up to four generations work side by side. The employer brand, too, must constantly adapt and evolve to remain attractive. 

To what extent did your degree program prepare you for the changing world of work?
The courses were up-to-date; of course, academic theories from the past were necessary as a foundation, but it was still possible to apply them to today’s professional world and gain a lot of practical experience.

Time Travel: Go back to the time before you started college. What would you have liked to know back then, and why?
How little free time you have left, and how much joy it brings to expand your knowledge and to be able to achieve everything in a focused and ambitious way. 

Looking back on your studies, what was the biggest lesson you personally learned?
Learning to think differently, to work scientifically, and to find the right literature in a targeted way. This was a big problem for me at first.

What advice would you give to first-year students and/or prospective students?
Get involved right from the start—you can’t catch up later. Develop a good study plan and stick to it. Ask questions if something isn’t clear. Find fellow students who share your ambition to succeed in their studies and work together as a team. That’s the only way to get through the numerous group projects.