Nicole, would you like to briefly introduce yourself?

I grew up near Zurich. Even during my school years, I was fascinated by other countries – at 15, I spent a year abroad in the U.S., which sparked my curiosity and openness toward different cultures. That’s why I decided to study International Management at ZHAW, including an exchange semester in Taiwan. After my bachelor’s, I wanted to further deepen my international experience, so I pursued a Master’s in Global Business in Antwerp, with additional study periods in India and a final thesis in the U.S. Today, I work at On as a Senior Lead for Future Talent Programs, where I lead a team and oversee, among other things, our talent development programs. My drive for new experiences and cross-cultural exchange continues to inspire my work every day.

Why did you choose to study at ZHAW?

Before studying at ZHAW, I did an internship. During that time, I realised I definitely wanted to work part-time while studying. Of the universities of applied sciences that offered this, ZHAW – and especially the BSc in International Management – appealed to me the most.

The program is practice-oriented, taught in small classes, and entirely in English – with an option to spend a year abroad, which was very important to me. The admission interview made ZHAW even more attractive: you not only need to like the program, but they also assess whether you’re a good fit for it.

Are there any skills you acquired at university that are especially important in your work today?

Thanks to group work during my studies, I learned how to give and receive feedback and how to apply it constructively. This wasn’t taught as theory in class – we picked it up more organically. The business projects in collaboration with companies also introduced me to a hands-on, learning-by-doing approach.

Intercultural research was another key aspect – particularly inspired by our lecturer Prof. Petra Barthelmess, for example, through our work on the “American Dream.” That later helped me a lot in everyday HR work. But the other skills I gained are also things I use daily in the dynamic, team-oriented environment at On.

What kind of connections did you make at ZHAW – personally and professionally? Do you still keep in touch?

I formed close friendships, for example with members of my project group. Although I lost touch with some people after graduation, many former classmates still keep in regular contact. During my Master’s, I was also able to expand my personal network in a more international direction.

Do you have a special memory from your time at university?

In my group of friends from university, we regularly hosted small dinner parties. Everyone took turns cooking for the others – a bit like the show “The Perfect Dinner.” On the flip side, I definitely had a few frustrating moments working in teams. But that’s part of the experience and ultimately helped me grow personally.

Looking back, what was the most underrated course or topic during your studies?

Maybe not a specific course, but Prof. Petra Barthelmess’s classes have stayed with me. I learned a lot from her about intercultural collaboration and navigating the nuances of different cultures. These lessons were incredibly valuable for my international career in Germany, the U.S., and Switzerland.

What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?

I’m very sporty and love being active in nature: gravel biking, hiking, running, snowboarding, ski touring. Most of my colleagues at On are active too – it's something that’s contagious and that I really value about this environment. I’d say: sport isn’t a must at On, but being active is definitely encouraged. And it brings people together.