The world needs men who take responsibility.

Emmanuel Knes, Graduate of the Bachelor’s Program in Disability & Diversity Studies

I have learned to critically examine social structures, strengthen my communication skills, and interact with people with openness and empathy.

Emmanuel Knes has extensive training in the culinary arts, both as a chef and as a pastry chef. He has worked at renowned establishments, including in a leadership role as chef de cuisine. After many years in fine dining, he planned to open his own brunch spot on Lake Wörthersee. However, since he couldn’t find a suitable location, he decided to pursue new career paths and establish a second, long-term source of income.

His strong interest in interpersonal relationships – particularly in supporting men in crisis situations and in couples counseling – led him to social work. He enrolled in the part-time Bachelor’s Program in Disability & Diversity Studies at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences.

While studying, Emmanuel initially continued to work in the restaurant industry but later switched to Querkopf, where he began providing intensive family support. Today, he supports families in crisis situations, works closely with children and parents, helps them structure their daily lives, and assists them in achieving emotional stability. 

Balancing work and school was particularly challenging during exam periods or when working on major projects. Emmanuel is all the more grateful for the support he received from faculty, colleagues, and his personal circle, which helped him navigate even the most difficult times successfully. With structure, self-organization, and motivation, he was able to successfully navigate these phases. It was especially helpful that much of the course material could be directly applied in practice. The self-support scholarship also helped him balance his studies and work effectively.

Emmanuel is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work: Developing & Shaping. “I see both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees as a solid foundation for a future career in counseling,” he explains. Both Programs equip him with the professional and personal skills needed to provide professional support to people going through difficult life phases.

Particularly formative for him was the Master’s project #Gfuehlsgschichtn, which he launched together with five fellow students. The goal of the project is to encourage men to talk about their feelings while also raising societal awareness of the issue. Emmanuel warmly invites everyone to join in: “Feel free to follow us on Instagram using the hashtag #Gfuehlsgschichtn.” For Emmanuel, it’s far more than just an academic achievement: #Gfuehlsgschichtn could be the starting point for a future in self-employment, which he hopes to pursue. In the long term, he plans to complete his training as a life and social counselor and start his own practice in this field.

For Emmanuel, his studies were a significant milestone both academically and personally. It was important to him to remain authentic and voice his opinions, even when he didn’t always find agreement. Especially in the context of disability and diversity, he has found that diversity sometimes ends where a different perspective begins. Emmanuel advises future students to be open to new experiences and to actively bring their personal and professional backgrounds into their studies. “Take every opportunity for reflection and exchange – the Program thrives on a diversity of perspectives,” he emphasizes. In social work, authenticity, empathy, and critical thinking are essential. He particularly recommends the Program to men, as there remains a shortage of male professionals in this field. “The world needs men who take on responsibility and actively help shape social processes,” says Emmanuel.

In his free time, Emmanuel enjoys sports, particularly ice hockey and volleyball. He also loves to travel and spends a lot of time with his family, friends, and his girlfriend.