Thai Tam Duong

© Thai Tam Duong

What did you study at Saarland University and when was that?

I studied Business Administration with Taxation, Service Management and Management Information Systems as my specialist areas from October 2016 to March 2019.

What job did you do after your studies?

After completing my degree, I started working as a regional sales manager for a wholesale group, where I took on managerial responsibility for a large team at an early stage. After holding a number of positions, I progressed to the role of Executive Manager and have managed large locations with full P&L responsibility (note: Profit-and-loss responsibility = a manager's responsibility for the financial performance of a specific business unit. Definition according to Wirtschaftslexikon.de (in German, URL: wirtschaftslexikon.de/profit-loss-verantwortung/), including the team, premises and strategy. My focus was on operational excellence, improving results and the further development of structures and employees.

Why did you study at Saarland University?

I specifically chose Saarland University because in my opinion it offers the ideal combination of academic rigour and practical application. The university has a strong focus on industry-relevant research and interdisciplinary approaches, which fits very well with my professional background in operational management and transformation. It was important to me that the content was not purely theoretical, but had a clear link to real business issues. On top of that, I'm from Saarland, which is why I wanted to study at Saarland University. For me, Saarland University was hands down the best place to study academically in the region.

Do you have any tips for current students?

Work out early on where you want to be – not in terms of a specific job or organization, but what sort of responsibility you want to take on. A career doesn't happen by chance; it's the result of conscious decisions. Do you want to be a specialist or generalist?

Do you have a special anecdote or story from your time at Saarland University?

While I was at Saarland University, we had a group project which involved preparing a presentation. On the day we had to hand it in, everything that could go wrong did go wrong. The laptop had somehow interfered with the format, the presentation was suddenly a complete mess and we only had about 20 minutes of time. To be honest, the first few minutes were rather chaotic, but that was exactly the moment when I said: Okay, I'll improvise. And I turned out to be the best presenter that day. At that moment, I realized once again that I am definitely suited to leadership roles. When I'm under pressure, I think very clearly, take responsibility and focus on what really matters. It was this combination of strong decision-making and communication that enabled us to turn the situation around.

What was your favourite place on campus?

My favourite place on the Saarland University campus was actually the staircase leading to the Business Science and Economics library. It was a sort of transitional space and meeting place during daily student life.

Why did you study this subject specifically?

I intentionally chose to study Business Administration because I wanted to be a generalist and understand how businesses function as a whole. What particularly appealed to me was that Business Administration doesn't just focus on one area, but helps you understand the connections between strategy, finance and operational business. It was this broad perspective that provided me with the foundation to later take on responsibility at management level, enabling me to later work as a generalist.

How did you make the transition to working life?

I organized the transition very strategically by seeking out opportunities where I could learn something new. I spent the final part of my Master's degree in Warsaw, which was made possible by an Erasmus+ grant. My focus was on moving as quickly as possible from the role of observer to that of explorer, which is exactly what hugely accelerated my development.

How would you sum up your time at Saarland University in one sentence?

My time at Saarland University was a mix of theory, practice and the realization that the best solutions often come about when the plan no longer works.

How would you sum up Saarland University in one sentence?

Saarland University is a place where a multitude of thoughts lead to clarity, and where clarity gives rise to the courage to actually put things into practice.

What did you particularly like about your studies at Saarland University?

What I particularly liked about Saarland University was the opportunity not only to develop academically, but also to meet people who would remain part of my life in the long term. Many of the contacts I made during my time at university have become more than just a network; they have developed into real friendships that have lasted to this day. My most important realization was that it is not the destination or the journey that matters, but the people who accompany you along the way.

What do you wish you had known when you started your career?

Looking back, I wish I'd realized sooner that you shouldn't let yourself be dazzled by the prestige of a role or a company, especially when starting out in your career. At the end of the day, it is not the job title that matters but the people you work with, because that is what has the biggest impact on your personal development and job satisfaction.

What surprised you during your studies?

What surprised me while I was studying at Saarland University was that everyone is the same, even if you feel like you're different. 
In the early days, I often felt as though everyone else had everything completely under control, but I soon realized that many of them faced similar challenges. That helped me to become more confident and to just get on with things.

What would you like to experience again at Saarland University?

I think I'd love to relive those carefree days at Saarland University – that combination of freedom, spontaneous moments and the feeling that anything is still possible.
Looking back, this phase when you try out lots of new things and at the same time form close friendships is something truly special.