Dear Kumru, where do you come from and what is your academic background? What is your current field of studies in Hamburg?
I am originally from Istanbul, Turkey. I completed my Bachelor鈥檚 degree in International Trade and Business Administration at Bah莽e艧ehir University and I am currently pursuing a Master鈥檚 degree in Business Development at HSBA here in Hamburg. In addition to my studies, I work at Hapag-Lloyd in the Revenue Management department, specifically in the Value-Added Services.
Since moving to Hamburg a year and two months ago, I鈥檝e experienced incredible personal and professional growth. Moving to a new country with new challenges has shaped me into a more resilient and open-minded individual, and I鈥檓 excited to share some of my journey with you.
Why did you choose Hamburg for your current studies? Why did you choose HSBA?
I chose Hamburg for several reasons. First and foremost, the city has a strong academic and professional ecosystem in my field, especially in logistics, which aligns with my career goals. Hamburg is also a hub for international trade and innovation, making it an ideal place to study Business Development. I always dreamed of pursuing a Master鈥檚 degree and continuing my education, it was something I knew I would do eventually, but the timing was unclear. My brother, who was already studying at 黑料吃瓜网 in the same programme, encouraged me to take this step. In a way, his experience and support were key factors in helping me decide to pursue my degree here.
The Master of Science programmes at HSBA are part-time. How sensible is it to combine work and studying towards an academic degree? Do the two benefit each other?
I鈥檓 already used to managing both work and studies at the same time. So, it was never difficult to arrange my work and study schedules because I work four days a week, and attending classes in designated weeks has not been a problem. I can say that this balance is quite healthy. However, during the weeks when I have classes, continuing with my regular routine on Saturdays can sometimes be tiring, but it鈥檚 manageable and not overly challenging.
Also, I do apply the knowledge I gain from my studies because it helps broaden my perspective and allows me to approach situations at work from different angles. This knowledge is not only useful in my workplace but also in various aspects of daily life and, since I work in the value-added services where innovation is always part of the job, I regularly use and apply what I鈥檝e learned in my studies.
Were there any particular hurdles or challenges that you had to overcome when moving to Germany?
In fact, I can say that Germany caused me to break my prejudices in this respect. I guess my biggest problem was that I did not know any German. I thought this problem would affect me more in my social life, but so far everyone I have crossed paths with in Hamburg has been very helpful and friendly to me. Also, as far as I have experienced, it is rather difficult to get a job without speaking any German. So, my biggest advice to anyone who wants to move to Germany: "Learn a little German beforehand鈥�. And also, as we are talking about challenges, I would like to mention the weather. Sometimes I feel low and think I am homesick, but then I realize that I only feel like that because I haven't seen the sun in a while. My second piece of advice is to be prepared for an overcast sky and the often grey weather of Hamburg.
What is particularly noteworthy about Hamburg in your opinion? What鈥檚 your impression? What do you personally like most about Hamburg?
One of the things that stands out to me about Hamburg is its balance between being a bustling metropolis and a city with incredible natural beauty. The parks, waterways, and green spaces make it a calming place to live, while the professional and cultural opportunities make it an exciting place to be.
Before I arrived, I expected Hamburg to be more formal and business oriented, but I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and friendly the people are, which makes adapting to life in a new country much easier.
What I personally love the most about Hamburg is its inclusive environment. Whether it鈥檚 through my university, my workplace, or events like the Welcome Reception for Internationals at the town hall, I feel that Hamburg values diversity and the contributions from its international inhabitants.
How well does the communication among German students and international students function, according to your experience?
In my experience, communication among international students functions quite well, but it does require effort and active participation. Of course, forming connections in an international environment takes time and effort. You need to be proactive by attending events, engaging in discussions, and stepping out of your comfort zone. But once you do, the relationships you build can be incredibly rewarding and meaningful.
One of the most impactful experiences for me was the study trip, which is part of my MSc programme. This course not only allowed us to explore sustainability-focused companies and gain professional insights but also helped strengthen the bonds amongst the students of my class.
There鈥檚 a saying in Turkey 鈥淵ou get to know your friend on the journey/travel鈥� and this couldn鈥檛 be more true. During the study trip, we shared so many moments and got to know each other on a deeper level. It created lasting friendships and a strong sense of community among us.
What are your future plans? Will you stay in Hamburg when you have finished or will you return home?
At the moment, I feel very happy and fulfilled with my life in Hamburg. My job at Hapag-Lloyd has been an incredible experience, offering me both professional growth and the chance to work in a supportive and inspiring environment. Additionally, my social circle here has grown over time, and I now feel a strong sense of belonging to this city. For these reasons, I plan to stay in Hamburg after completing my studies. Of course, life is full of unexpected changes, but for now, I see Hamburg as a place where I can continue to grow both personally and professionally.
If you are interested to study at HSBA please contact Juliane Michaelis for any enquiries regarding our Master鈥檚 programmes. If you鈥檇 prefer to talk directly to a student you could also contact Kumru 脰zkan.
* According to the latest figures from 鈥樷��, which were published in November 2024 by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Centre for Higher Education and Science Studies (DZHW):
