Congratulations on completing your Master in Finance! Looking back, what originally motivated you to pursue this degree?

Thank you very much! After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Management & Economics at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, I initially planned to pursue a full-time Master’s degree in Finance. However, having already earned two Bachelor’s degrees – one in German Literature and Language, and another in Management & Economics – I had spent most of my twenties focused on academics. At that point, I felt it was time to enter the workforce and gain practical experience.

As my career progressed, my interest in finance continued to grow, and the motivation to pursue a Master’s degree resurfaced. Still, I was committed to staying in my current role at Aareal Bank, which I truly enjoy. I saw great value in being able to apply academic insights to my work and vice versa. 

With that in mind, I looked for a part-time program that met two key criteria:

• It had to be in-person and based in Germany.
• It needed to offer a specialization aligned with my professional focus – Risk Management and Regulation. 

The GBS Master in Finance program met both requirements perfectly.

Which specialization did you choose, and what influenced your decision?

I chose to specialize in Risk Management and Regulation, as it closely aligns with my current role at Aareal Bank in the Regulatory Affairs – Interactions and Requirements department. My work primarily involves bank resolution planning, where I’m responsible for resolution reporting and contribute to the coordination with resolution authorities. 

My professional experience has shown me how dynamic and complex the regulatory landscape is, and how essential it is to manage diverse risks. The program allowed me to deepen both my theoretical understanding and practical capabilities in this area.

Another key factor in my decision was the strong support system around me. My employer provided financial support, my manager actively encouraged my development, my team offered ongoing support, and my family – and especially my husband – gave me unwavering encouragement. Together, they gave me the confidence to take on the challenge of balancing work, study, and personal life.

Did it meet your expectations in terms of what you wanted – and needed – to learn for your professional development?

Absolutely. The program delivered both professionally and personally. Working alongside peers from diverse industries expanded my perspective, while also helping me build meaningful friendships beyond typical academic connections. Balancing studies with a full-time job pushed me to prioritize effectively and develop greater resilience – skills I now apply in both work and life. It was truly a holistic journey that strengthened not just my technical knowledge, but also my soft skills and personal growth.

Was there a moment, course, or experience during the program that had a particularly strong impact on your personal or professional development?

Yes – working on a team project in the “Alternative Investments” course, taught by Prof. Dr. Walz, was especially impactful. Acting as a venture capital firm, our team carried out the entire buyout process: from selecting the target company, conducting competitive analysis and valuation, performing due diligence, structuring the deal, to planning post-investment management and the exit strategy.

What made this experience especially memorable was the level of collaboration it required. Despite our jobs and differing schedules, we consistently made time – often late at night after work – for deep discussions, brainstorming sessions, and problem-solving. Those late-night meetings weren’t just about getting the work done; they were where the real learning happened.

It taught me the true value of teamwork, communication, and perseverance – and showed me how powerful collective effort can be, even under pressure.

You’ve just received the result of your Master’s thesis – the final step in the program. How does it feel to reach this point and to be the 1000th alumna in GBS history?

It feels incredibly rewarding – I’m relieved, proud, and deeply grateful. For my thesis, I focused on bank resolution under the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD), using the Banco Popular case to replicate a real resolution process. Since my professional work relates to resolution planning, I wanted to explore the broader resolution framework in depth. While my role covers just part of the process, the thesis gave me a much more comprehensive perspective, which has been both intellectually and professionally enriching.

Reaching this milestone after such an intense journey is truly fulfilling. And being the 1000th alumna in GBS’s history makes it even more meaningful – it’s an honor to be part of this legacy. I’m very thankful to everyone who supported me along the way: my professors, supervisors, classmates, colleagues, employer, and especially my husband. This accomplishment marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of an exciting new one.

What advice would you give to others who are considering this degree?

Come in well-motivated and with a clear sense of purpose. It’s a demanding but deeply rewarding experience – especially if you’re working full-time alongside your studies.

Self-discipline is key. You'll need to manage your time wisely, set priorities, and stay focused – even during the inevitable moments when you feel overwhelmed or tempted to give up. But if you stay committed, you’ll gain not just knowledge, but lasting professional and personal growth. The journey is absolutely worth it.

What are your next steps after graduation?

I want to fully focus on my current role in resolution planning, a complex and constantly evolving area. The work is demanding and requires continuous learning – especially as the regulatory environment changes and new challenges emerge.

My goal is to deepen my expertise and grow into a recognized specialist in this field. For me, learning doesn’t end with the degree – it’s a lifelong process, and I’m excited for what’s next.

And finally: what’s one thing you’ll always associate with your time at GBS – no matter how many years go by?

I’ll always associate this time with the phrase, “No man is an island.” The program showed me that success is rarely a solo effort – it’s built through teamwork, shared contributions, and open communication.

From group projects and class discussions to supporting each other during stressful times, I learned how powerful collaboration can be. That sense of connection and co-working is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career and life.