Maren Petry

2014 graduate of the UTS Master of Business Management

“I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Germany and I wanted to undertake postgraduate studies in an English-speaking country abroad for many reasons. I speak Chinese and have a special connection with Chinese culture. When I researched master’s programs, I liked the location of UTS, as well as the curriculum, choice of courses, and the modern and practical approach to a master’s degree. Plus, I had lived in Australia for six months after finishing high school and really enjoyed my time there.

“Having previously studied at one of the oldest and most traditional universities in Germany, it was a delight to study at such a modern, interactive and digital university. The quality of teaching was excellent, I loved the content and the related networking events. The close connection to industry and the practice-based approach were fantastic.

“I am Head of Department for Market Entry & Delegations at the German Chamber in Beijing, China. My team supports German companies to enter the Chinese market. I work across cultures every day and my masters included Intercultural Management, which has had a huge positive influence on my work. I also manage a team, and all the human-centered subjects in the course have supported me to be a better leader and mentor.

“The innovation subjects I studied also influenced my views on innovation and startup projects, and we are now holding successful innovation nights, innovation job fairs and created the Innovation Bridge China with partners, plus many more. We have created a vast network in this field here in China and in Germany.

“I got promoted from Project Manager, to Senior Manager to Head of Department, and last year I was one of only two people accepted into two-year career program in German Chambers worldwide. I am confident that these promotions are due to the knowledge I gained at UTS and that I put into daily use in my work.

“I advise future students to make the most use of everything UTS has to offer; the networks, the events, the contact with industry, the extra time professors will take if you just approach them, and the chance to take part in things not related to your study.”