Diversity as a Strength – at Work, in College, and in Life

Sonja Begusch, Graduate of the Bachelor’s Program in Disability & Diversity Studies

The part-time program fit perfectly with my life circumstances, and I appreciate the wide range of academic opportunities at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences.

Sonja has had a diverse academic and professional career that began at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences. After graduating from high school, she first moved to Vienna, where she worked at the Volksbank Academy for over a decade. During this time, she held roles in various areas, including content development and e-learning tutoring, leading teams of tutors, and managing learning and development. Sonja made efficient use of her time and, while working, completed continuing education courses in communication training, financial and investment consulting, and trainer certification. She also completed the “Human, Corporate & IT Competence” executive education program at Danube University Krems while working full-time.

In 2013, Sonja decided to return to her hometown of Klagenfurt, where she now works in the Department of Quality Management & Data Protection at autArK Soziale Dienstleistungs-GmbH. During her professional journey, she began her studies in Diversity & Disability Studies at the Klagenfurt campus in the fall of 2016. She values the direct applicability of the course material to her professional practice and emphasizes the opportunity to expand her expertise and skills.

She overcame the challenge of completing her studies as a single parent thanks to the support of her family, friends, and employer. Sonja wrote her thesis on the topics “The Implementation of the GDPR at autArK Soziale Dienstleistungs-GmbH” and “Everyday Challenges Faced by Single Parents.”

She wholeheartedly recommends the Program because of its versatility and flexibility. She particularly appreciated the opportunity to apply the skills she acquired in various fields and industries.

Sonja is currently continuing her academic journey by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Disability, Diversity & Digitalization at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences while working at autArK Social Services GmbH.