Moore School Master of International Business alumna Natalia Niewelt (’17 MIB) decided to enroll in the Double-Degree program to get a broader and more worldly education. From Wuerzburg, Germany, Niewelt received her Master of International Business from the Moore School and Master of Science in management from the University of Mannheim in Mannheim, Germany. Now living in Los Angeles, Niewelt is a financial analyst for BMG, an international music company owned by the German media conglomerate Bertelsmann. Niewelt reflects below about her experience in the MIB Double-Degree program.
Why did you initially choose to attend the Moore School?
I loved the idea of getting two degrees from two different universities in two different countries. The Moore School has great course offerings, making it hard to select from. I enjoyed the smaller size of the classes and the teaching format with case studies and in-class discussions; it has been a pleasant difference to the theory-focused German education I am used to.
Why did you choose the Double-Degree program?
The Double-Degree helped me not only professionally to start my career in the U.S., but it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to study in a diverse cohort with students from all around the world and build long-lasting friendships. I am still in contact with many of the students and professors I met during the Double-Degree program and am grateful for having been able to build those relationships.
Why did you choose to study at University of Mannheim?
The University of Mannheim has consistently ranked No. 1 in Germany when it comes to business studies, and most subjects are taught in English, which is inviting for international students. I loved the international atmosphere and the campus experience.
Who wouldn’t want to study in Europe’s second largest baroque palace? The university has a diverse offering of extracurricular activities and groups you can join. I was part of the Mannheim Investment Club (MIC) and VISUM, a program that connects local and international students to provide opportunities for cultural exchange.
What are your favorite memories from your time at USC and the Moore School?
There are so many to choose from! The best memories were probably the trips we did with other students. One time we drove up to Washington, D.C., and rented a large house for the whole cohort; another time we went to Asheville, North Carolina, for a retreat in the mountains. With five students from the Mannheim Double-Degree program, we even flew to Portugal for a week. It was fun to travel together and get to know each other even better. I am grateful for how welcoming the American students were to us international students; we were invited to many events, from football tailgates to Thanksgiving dinners. With such great friends, there was no time to feel homesick. Overall, it was one of the best times of my life.
What skills did you gain that you continue to use in your career?
I believe my studies were important to form my critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. I am approaching business problems in a more comprehensive way and feel confident in my decision-making ability. Those skills have been a game-changer for my career as a financial analyst.
Why would you recommend the Moore School to prospective students?
It’s not just the [U.S. News & World Report’s No. 1 International MBA] ranking that speaks for the Moore School but also the diverse course offerings, the practical teaching format with real-life business cases and the engaged professors. The professors went above and beyond for us. They truly cared about preparing us for our professional careers and providing us with the best educational experience possible. Being surrounded by outstanding professors and open-minded, bright students that became lifelong friends has been a wonderful experience.
What is your current position/company? What is your role within that organization?
I am a financial analyst at BMG and evaluate music assets to help executive management make investment decisions. I feel confident that my degree prepared me well for my professional career, and I love what I do.
-Claire McGrath