A Master’s program that lets you shape your own path

Evelyn Stele, MA, Business Model Development, KELAG-Kärntner Elektrizitäts-AG, Graduated in 2023

The unique combination of a practice-oriented study design, international opportunities, and inspiring people allowed me to shape my own study experience and grow both personally and professionally.

When Evelyn Stele chose the Master’s program in International Business Management in 2021, she wanted to deepen her business knowledge while developing new skills and gaining an international perspective. Looking back, three aspects stand out in particular: the practice-oriented study design, the extracurricular opportunities, and the people she met along the way.

The boutique-sized classes created a learning environment where personalized teaching, open discussions, and close interaction between students were part of everyday life. Industry experts and guest speakers brought practical insights into the classroom, while company excursions and opportunities to study abroad added further international perspectives. The job-friendly structure of the program also gave Evelyn the freedom to gain professional experience alongside her studies, challenge herself through projects, and broaden her horizons.

Beyond the curriculum, extracurricular activities allowed her to actively shape her own development. Participating in Deloitte’s Project Management Championships, completing a two-week language program in Ljubljana, and receiving a scholarship to attend the European Forum Alpbach helped her strengthen her skills, expand her network, and explore new perspectives.

Equally important to Evelyn were the people who inspired and challenged her throughout the program. She particularly highlights the influence of IBM program director Dietmar Sternad, whose passion for international business, focus on critical thinking and problem-solving, and encouragement to look beyond familiar boundaries left a lasting impression.

Today, Evelyn works in Business Model Development at KELAG-Kärntner Elektrizitäts-AG in Klagenfurt. For her, the IBM experience was about more than preparing for the job market—it provided the freedom, opportunities, and environment to shape her own path and become the person she wants to be.