The Global Pulse: Dominik Meier

Dominik, could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us how your journey to ZHAW began?

I’m 42 years old, married, the father of a son, and I live in Winterthur. My educational path wasn’t exactly straightforward: I originally started a degree program at Furtwangen University of Applied Sciences in Germany, but I never completed it. When I moved to Switzerland in 2012, that “unfinished” chapter in my biography kept bothering me. Eight years after my first attempt, my ambition kicked in again — I was determined to finally earn that bachelor’s degree. At the time, I was living in Dübendorf and working in Uster. I first looked into the FHNW, but after someone suggested I also check out ZHAW in Winterthur, the decision became easy. The Business Information Technology program was a perfect fit for my goals.

Why did you choose Business Information Technology?

I completed an apprenticeship as an IT systems electronics technician in 2003 — a highly technical education that I later applied for many years as a system engineer. But early on, I realized that IT is not an end in itself. It’s a tool to help companies succeed. I was fascinated by the bridge between technology and business. For me, the logical next step was to combine my technical background with a business perspective. It was also important for me to study while continuing to work. At nearly 30, I didn’t want to put my career on hold for a degree — I wanted to pursue both at the same time.

Where are you professionally today, and how did you get there?

Today, I work at isolutions AG in Zurich as a Senior CIO Advisor and Group Lead. What excites me most about the role is the combination of strategic client work, leadership, and the opportunity to connect business and technology in tangible ways. My path there included both highs and lows. I openly admit that I’ve failed at certain points in my career. But the most important thing for me was always getting back up and moving forward. That resilience is one of my greatest strengths today. In many cases, I learned more from difficult situations than from successes.

In addition to your main role, you now also teach at ZHAW yourself. Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to switch sides?

It’s actually a fascinating dynamic: some of my former lecturers are now my colleagues. For me, lifelong learning has always been an essential part of the profession. I’ve long been interested in didactics and the systematic transfer of knowledge. At some point, I felt experienced and confident enough to take that step myself. I wanted to support young adults on their journeys and share my experiences with them. I often tell my students: I know exactly how they feel because I’ve been in their position — and not that long ago. The fact that I completed my bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and CAS program at ZHAW reflects how connected I feel to the institution. As a student, I always felt extremely well supported there.

What hobbies or passions do you pursue outside of work?

I’m very active in a variety of sports, but my greatest passion for nearly 20 years has been long-distance running. I regularly run marathons. Running teaches me discipline, endurance, and mental strength — all qualities that translate directly into professional life. These days, I also enjoy involving my son in these activities in a playful way.

Have the connections you made at ZHAW helped you personally or professionally, and do they still influence your life today?

Absolutely. There’s a group of five to ten people from my bachelor’s program that I’m still regularly in touch with today. We go skiing together or spend time together outside of work. Over time, former classmates became real friends. So the network I built at ZHAW has definitely had a lasting impact.

What advice would you give to current or future students?

1. Take the leap: Don’t wait for the perfect moment — it rarely comes. If you want to continue your education, do it now.
2. Build a support system: A stable environment made up of family, friends, and a supportive employer is essential.
3. Stay calm: Set ambitious goals, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. There will be difficult phases. Setbacks are part of the learning process.
4. Use the network: Exchange ideas with others! You often learn just as much from your fellow students as from your lecturers. And enjoy the experience — it goes by faster than you think.

Any final thoughts?

At the end of the day, IT is a fast-moving business, and technologies are constantly changing. But business is still done by people for people. Authenticity, trust, and strong values are the foundation for long-term success. When you grow as a person, professional success often follows naturally.