Andrea Müller

After completing my studies, I started working at METAPOTT GmbH, a start-up based in Essen. The company specializes in IT consulting and advises customers from the retail sector and the public sector on digital issues and transformation projects.

I work as an IT consultant and support companies in the analysis and implementation of IT and digitalization projects. In addition to my consulting work, I am currently also involved in building the sales department within the company. In this role, I support, among other things, the development of sales structures, the identification of potential customers, and the positioning of our consulting services in the market.

During my first degree, I studied economics at the University of Duisburg-Essen. As early as my bachelor’s degree, I became deeply involved with the topic of artificial intelligence (AI), and wrote my bachelor’s thesis about the impact of AI on the labor market.

What particularly impressed me about SIBE was the strong project-based nature of the study program. Through the job-integrated study model, I had the opportunity to work full-time at Siemens Industry Software GmbH while pursuing my master’s degree. Additionally, the „SIBE-Digitalization-Master – M.Sc. in Digital Leadership“ program appealed to me because it combines current topics in the fields of digitalization, technology, and leadership. The combination of scientific foundation and practical application in the company was therefore a crucial factor in my choice of the study program.

During my job-integrated master’s degree, I worked in the account development department at Siemens Industry Software GmbH. A central part of my work was the „AI for Sales“ project, which aimed to identify the use cases of artificial intelligence in sales and integrate it into existing sales processes.

As part of the project, I was responsible, among other things, for integrating the initiative into the existing sales organization and for planning and conducting regular quarterly meetings. In addition, I designed and moderated various enablement sessions on topics such as ChatGPT, SiemensGPT, and Microsoft Copilot to bring practical use of AI tools closer to colleagues. Another highlight was the conception and management of the pilot project „AI-Driven Sales Bootcamp“, in which an AI-based sales tool was integrated into the sales process. Additionally, I developed my own sales agents that support the sales team in various tasks and streamline processes. In addition to these project-related activities, I was also involved in operational sales activities.

Through these diverse tasks, I was able to significantly develop my project management, technology, and sales skills. Particularly valuable was the support I received from my business mentor Jörn Selent, Head of Hub Sales Account Development at Siemens. Through our regular exchange, I gained valuable insights into strategic sales and management topics and was able to develop both professionally and personally.

I still benefit from the Experience Based Curriculum today, as I was able to gain valuable practical experience during my studies and develop my professional profile early on. Through the close integration of theory and practice, I was able to apply the technical content directly in the corporate context and at the same time develop important competencies such as project management, structured working, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. At the same time, I learned to quickly grasp complex topics, independently develop solutions to problems, and take on responsibility in projects.

I would recommend such a study program especially for students who want to gain practical experience during their studies and are interested in working on concrete projects within the company. Especially for those who want to closely combine theory and practice and want to develop their careers early on, the job-integrated study model of SIBE offers great added value.

A professional network is very important to me and has also played a major role during my studies. The exchange with my fellow students and faculty members was always enriching and has opened up many new perspectives. Even today, I still maintain contact with some of my former classmates.

I particularly remember the study trip to Brazil as well as the „Personality“ seminar in Berlin. The study trip was a very formative experience, as we were able to not only get to know another country and another culture, but also experience international economic perspectives.

The seminar in Berlin, in turn, provided many exciting impulses for personal development and for exchange within the group. Such experiences remain etched in memory long after the study period has ended.

I would recommend today’s SIBE students to actively use the opportunities offered by the program. It is particularly valuable to be open to new experiences, build a strong network, and take advantage of the opportunity to take on responsibility early on in projects. The combination of studying and practical work offers an excellent opportunity to develop both professionally and personally.