“Study Where and How It Fits”: Nicole Janisch on Her Distance Learning Program at FERNFH

Nicole Janisch, mother of a blended family with four children, a working professional with a 40-hour-a-week job, and a student in the bachelor’s program in Business Administration & Business Psychology at Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH. How does she manage to juggle it all? Nicole gave us an inspiring glimpse into her daily life as a student and her reasons for studying at FERNFH.

“A colleague of mine in the music industry also completed her degree at the Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH, so after doing some research, that’s where I ended up,” Nicole explains. It was right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Nicole was affected by the associated reduced work hours. The employee, who works in administration at Vienna International Airport, used those twenty-four months for her own professional development. She applied for the FERNFH bachelor’s program in Business Administration & Business Psychology. “I figured I’d give it a shot,” she recalls. Despite her already packed schedule—with work, family, and hobbies—Nicole wanted to continue her education. “I was already pretty busy at the time, but I felt like trying something new.”

Effective Time Management: The Key to Success

As a working mother of a large family, Nicole had to be well-organized. “At first, it was the biggest unknown—would I be able to manage it all? Now, looking back, I have to say: Yes, it all worked out perfectly.” Studying while raising a child and working is always a collective effort—one that involves your entire social circle and support network. That was true for Nicole as well. Both her husband and her circle of friends supported her on her journey to earning her bachelor’s degree.

But her fellow students and her own time management also played a crucial role: “Right from the start, I entered all my appointments and deadlines into my calendar. My study group, ‘Café Lupe,’ was also especially helpful—it gave me motivation and support.” Another tip for success from Nicole: “I always scheduled one day a week without studying so I could pursue my hobbies, like playing music or biking, and spend time with my family.”

It's all about the mix: distance learning and in-person sessions

For Nicole, one of the strengths of studying at FERNFH is the university’s own learning model—a combination of distance learning that can be done anytime, anywhere, and a few, predictable, two-day in-person sessions. “I always looked forward to the in-person sessions—to seeing my fellow students again, exchanging ideas, and enjoying our time together,” she says, explaining that the combination of flexibility and personal interaction was exactly what she was looking for: “I liked the mix of digital learning and personal contact right from the start, and it was one of the main reasons I chose FERNFH.” Nicole preferred to attend seminars and coaching sessions in person: “It’s just more tangible when you’re there in person.”

Going to college? Go for it!

What advice does Nicole have for other prospective students? “Go for it! It’s never too late to start something new. Don’t let anyone make you doubt yourself or steer you off course. This journey is worth it, and you’ll discover new sides of yourself.” Looking back, Nicole describes her college experience as “a truly wonderful experience”—both personally and academically. “I can’t recommend it highly enough. Start your journey toward a new future today!”

Personal, flexible, digital—and always there to help

She has been part of the FERNFH family since 2021, which has allowed her to experience firsthand the values of FERNFH—personal, flexible, digital, and smart.

For Nicole, the flexibility offered by distance learning was the key factor in her decision to attend college in the first place: “The program was only feasible for me because I could manage my study time flexibly and work while on the go. Even when personal or professional obstacles arose, a solution was always found.”

Nicole's Tips for Successful Distance Learning:

• Plan dates and deadlines from the very beginning.
• Find a motivating study group.
• Plan some time away from studying so you don't neglect your hobbies and family.
• Seek support from family and friends.