Question about German (undergraduate) universities
The following question is directed primarily at people from Germany.
Long story short, I've applied to the WHU to do the BSc in IBA (if admitted I'd be an international). I hope to start there as an undergrad later this year (Sept).
Off the bat, I'm aware WHU's got one hell of a reputation on fora like WSO (and its rough German equivalent, WiWi-TReFF)- and judging by a ton of Linkedin stalking it's got a seriously impressive placement record, too.
However, what's bothering me, sort of, is its general reputation in Germany/Europe. Private universities, I'm aware, have well-deserved bad reputations for being the alma maters of the "dumb rich" in most of Europe- however, there are exceptions (SSE, ESADE, Bocconi), and my essential question is if the WHU is one of those exceptions. Is it considered a respectable and/or "mainstream" university in the eyes of the German public, or according to the average gymnasium student who wants to do BWL? Or (assuming I attend) am I going to have to deal with "privatuni" stigma for the rest of my life?
Part of me thinks I shouldn't care- I mean, of what significance is arbitrary "prestige" when the programme seems likeable and the placements are great?
I might as well ask, though, so here I am.
>Trusting Weichei-Treff
NGMI
>Going to WHU for IBA
NGMI
>Giving even a singular fuck about what pre-Abi spastics are thinking of you
NGMI
Diagnosis: Permanent Dumbfuck-Rich-Kid Syndrom
Remedy: Immediate sudoku and application to Mannheim
Wait. What’s wrong with WHU’s IBA programme?
Wait. What’s wrong with the WHU’s IBA programme? Isn’t the WHU supposed to be a target?
Don't get triggered by this guy. Obvious trollpost (should be Seppuku instead of Sudoku…)
I don't think people care as much as you think they do.
I know plenty of people who went to WHU and had great careers afterwards, I wouldn't worry too much.
They have good placement, locations are good, quality of education is -from what I was told- also good. A good choice if you want a decent career in the D/A/CH region (and I am sure they place well in international regions also).
As you know, they are ranked as and allowed to use the protected name of "university" and only a few private schools in Germany are able to do this.
It was founded as a FH (Fachhochschule) - but if that doesn't bother you, it shouldn't be a problem. Some students are focused on attending a more traditional and older university.
Oh, okay. That’s reassuring.
Of course, I’d have to pick up fluent German as quickly as I can, but WHU’s compulsory language lessons combined with the fact that I’d be living in the middle of nowhere (and my general love of learning languages- I’m conversational in three after English) should make that easy enough.
On that note, I’d like to ask a follow-up question; what (to you) is the best way to pick up basic/conversational German ASAP (I’d like to have a foot in that door before I fly out if I’m admitted)?
First of all, you are not in the middle of nowhere. Neither Vallendar/Koblenz nor Duesseldorf are small places, there is enough action going on. Loads of opportunities for business, travel, sightseeing, dating, etc. - in fact, those cities are so interesting, they might even be a detraction from any learning activity (I used to live in Duesseldorf). Koblenz and area are nice also. These locations were picked up on purpose for their campuses when the school was founded a few decades back, they wanted a magnet town nearby so more students would be interested. And Duesseldorf is known for having large international businesses that often source candidates from WHU.
If you don't know anything about German at all, I would start with something like Duolingo and then see how quickly you can pick up basic German grammar and basic vocabulary. A family friend in the US is also learning German with it and can now understand basic languages.
Out of interest and because I am also into languages - which ones do you speak?
Best of luck for your application to WHU.
Among the general populous, the name WHU is not as well known as Mannheim, Heidelberg, etc. as private business schools are quite niche in Germany, especially compared to the highly developed public university system.
However, those that know respect the reputation of WHU due to the reasons mentioned above. The „dumb, rich kid stigma“ applies mostly to EBS (+ Frankfurt School to some extent) and other private education groups (CBS, SRH, etc.).
Yes, you will meet some people like this at WHU. Unfortunately, it simply comes with the turf. It is up to you to reinforce the good reputation by performing well, placing great and generally being a down-to-earth, likeable guy/girl.
Best of Luck on your future endeavors.
1: Thanks! I found your reply rather helpful
2: I notice you’re a WHUler yourself. Were you dead-set on WHU while applying to universities, or did you pick it over a state uni? If yes, what made you choose WHU?
3: Any final (personal/post-KIRA) interview tips? I’m at that stage right now :)
If you wish, you can PM me some of your details so we can talk privately.
Blanditiis et assumenda quo cum. Similique reprehenderit aut odit. Numquam labore consequatur fugiat numquam aliquid. Est iure nostrum quis nemo. Voluptatem ratione harum quia nemo cumque maxime. Eum ut vitae omnis aut.
Autem ut enim temporibus laborum. Quas ut nisi sed consequatur. Libero ut illo ea quisquam. Et et sunt molestias quae fuga.
Qui iste provident ut cumque ipsa. Et repellendus sapiente ipsam qui. Accusamus est qui vel ut ab laudantium incidunt. Et veniam autem consequatur et quisquam optio. Nihil aperiam vero optio soluta ipsam delectus in.
Sapiente inventore unde doloribus vitae aspernatur voluptatibus veritatis. Saepe nihil pariatur perferendis corporis possimus. Eos culpa et fugiat eum et dolorem mollitia quidem.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...