Assia Cappiello

After completing her dual bachelor's degree in business administration at the DHBW, Assia Cappiello decided to pursue a professionally integrated master's degree at SIBE. In collaboration with Bachmann GmbH, she successfully completed the SIBE Management Master, which she completed in 2024, in her role as a project manager, specifically in the Project Management Office (PMO) with a focus on development projects in the field of hardware for data centers. Today, she is a consultant in the PMO and at the same time works as a project manager in the IT department at Hartmann AG.

First degree: BWL
Program: SIBE-Management-Master
Course: SMM207
Final year: 2024

Which company are you working for now, after completing your studies in 2024?

I have been working at Hartmann AG since my graduation. Originally, I had a takeover offer from my previous partner company, the Bachmann GmbH, but then I consciously decided to change jobs to take on a new challenge.

What are your responsibilities and what is your most important project at the moment?

I work as a consultant in the Project Management Office (PMO) and at the same time as a project manager in the IT department. In the PMO, we create project portfolio overviews, oversee the onboarding process for new projects, and train new employees. Additionally, I support project managers with questions or challenges.
As a project manager, I am responsible for IT projects, such as the introduction of new software, applications, or interfaces between systems. Most recently, I led a project in which we developed a gamification app for sales. The app enables sales employees to regularly update and recertify themselves on products – in addition, they can compete against each other in what are called action weeks in a playful way.

What did you study in your first degree?

I studied business administration dual-degree at the DHBW. My partner company at the time was an Audi car dealership, where I, for example, developed a customer app for contactless communication during the Corona pandemic.

What convinced me most about SIBE was the job-integrated approach to professional development – especially the flexibility compared to block-based formats. The content structure and the English-language orientation were also a major plus for me.

What did you do in the two years you spent on the SIBE master's program integrated with your company, the Bachmann GmbH? In what ways did this further your career?

I worked at Bachmann in project management, specifically in the PMO with a focus on development projects in the field of hardware for data centers. There I led two projects myself and for my master's thesis revised and optimized the project management processes and methods within the company.

Overall, my time at SIBE has greatly advanced me professionally and personally. I was able to specialize in international management in the professionally integrated SIBE Master’s program, and all modules were practically relevant and useful. My English improved significantly, and the competency training sessions, such as those in Berlin, helped me better understand my own strengths and areas for development.

In what ways do you still benefit from the Experience Based Curriculum of SIBE?

I still benefit greatly from the accumulated experience and expertise today, because I now know exactly where my strengths lie and what areas I still want to work on. This also helps me select targeted further development measures.

To whom would you recommend studying at SIBE?

I would recommend this study program to anyone who not only wants an academic degree, but also places value on personal development. The combination of expertise, personal development, and practical experience is a great opportunity
– if you use them.

How important was and is your professional network for you? Are you still in contact with the university or with individual fellow students?

My network has expanded significantly through my studies. Through LinkedIn, I have connected with many of my former classmates – some of whom I still meet in person. One of my fellow students even works at Hartmann.

I still keep in touch with my former colleagues from Bachmann and we meet regularly.

There is currently no close contact with the university itself, but I find it nice that there are events like the Alumni Graduation Night, where you can meet old acquaintances again.

What do you particularly enjoy remembering when you think back to your time studying at SIBE?

I particularly appreciated the opportunity to decide for myself whether to attend events online or in person. I remember the seminars in person more fondly – because these dates were often more intense and personal than online modules, as you could make many new connections and exchange ideas better.

Unfortunately, I didn’t take part in any study trips abroad because I had to take on a lot of responsibility early in my career. Nevertheless, I recommend everyone to take part in the Berlin trip – it was a very valuable experience.

Is there anything you would like to pass on to today's SIBE students?

I would definitely recommend staying on top of things and really making the most of the time. Two years fly by faster than you think. Those who plan well in advance and use the flexibility of studying properly can achieve a lot and avoid a lot of stress. And: Enjoy the time; it really is enriching!

Further testimonials

Andrea Müller

„The professional-integrated study model of SIBE offers great added value.“

Alena Müller

„The Experience Based Curriculum of SIBE was ideal for me.“

Kjell Wohlenberg

„The mix of theory and practice gives you the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally.“