Learning, adapting, and finding your own voice

Laman Ibishova, Azerbaijan, Class of 2024

The IBM program constantly challenges me to reflect, adapt, and rethink—not only what I learn, but also how I work, collaborate, and grow.

Laman Ibishova came to CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences expecting an international master’s program with valuable discussions and a structured approach to business education. What she discovered was a much more immersive experience—one that constantly moves between learning and applying, thinking and doing.

The practical orientation of the program means that ideas rarely remain theoretical for long. Students work together on presentations, projects, and business challenges, continuously refining their approaches based on feedback and new perspectives. For Laman, this process has taught her that finding the right solution is only part of the challenge. Communicating ideas effectively, responding to feedback, and adapting when plans change are equally important.

The international composition of the student community makes this experience even more valuable. Working with people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds requires students to understand different perspectives, know when to lead and when to step back, and remain open to changing their own ideas. For Laman, this constant exchange has strengthened not only her ability to think critically, but also her communication and collaboration skills.

Guest lecturers, company excursions, and the program’s experienced professors add another practical dimension. Insights from professionals who have faced the challenges discussed in class make business concepts tangible, while the lecturers encourage students to question assumptions, explore different approaches, and develop their own voices.

For Laman, the international experience extends beyond the classroom. Although Villach is a relatively small city, its international student community creates an environment where people from different cultures come together and connect. Looking back, she feels that the IBM program has given her more than academic knowledge—it has given her a new lens through which to view the world and the confidence to keep growing in unexpected ways.