Sophia Holzer, a graduate of our bachelor degree programme in International Business Management (formerly Export-oriented Management), tells us in an interview how her experiences abroad, resilience and passion for emotional intelligence led her to become an entrepreneur.
Story
From Krems to Barcelona
The first step abroad
After high school, I thought I had had enough of studying and went to the US as an au pair. Returning to Austria, I realised I did want to pursue higher education - but it had to be international, with the chance to go abroad again. IMC Krems offered exactly that.
A life-changing semester in Asia
During my exchange semester in Kuala Lumpur, I learned how to solve problems more effectively, adapt to new cultures, and become resourceful and self-reliant. The culture and customs in Asia are very different from Europe, and without my two amazing IMC friends by my side, the experience would not have been the same.
Internship in the US – and a turning point
For my internship in 2020, I returned to the US. When the pandemic hit and most interns had to return home, I stayed and completed my placement in Property Management. At the same time, I took an extensive EQ & Leadership course in Las Vegas, a chance I simply couldn’t pass up. This course turned out to be a tipping point: it inspired me to start my first business and a podcast as a creative outlet, while finishing my degree online in Austria.
From corporate to entrepreneurship
After graduating, I joined a real estate firm in Vienna and rose from intern to strategy associate within two years. I managed projects, closed contracts, hosted workshops—and yet I quickly realised: office life was not for me. The entrepreneurial spirit that had awakened in the US never left me, and eventually I decided to follow that call.
Taking the leap
Burnt out from chasing someone else’s dream, I quit my job without a proper plan B but with a clear goal: to create experiences and serve others by sharing. I had always been passionate about people, psychology, writing, and creativity. Having already written about Emotional Intelligence in my thesis, I decided to build on it.
I travelled solo through Asia for six months, became a certified trainer and facilitator specialising in Emotional Intelligence and Mental Fitness, and even started officiating weddings with unique, personalised ceremonies.
Life today in Barcelona
Today I live in Barcelona, building two businesses and a life that feels fully aligned with who I am. Looking back, the EQ & Leadership course during my internship was one of the decisive turning points. It expanded my horizons and showed me that careers don’t have to be linear. Success isn’t about fitting into the norm—it’s about defining it for us, and then relentlessly pursuing it.
The IMC Krems impact
IMC Krems had a huge impact on my journey: it not only equipped me with intercultural competence and business know-how but also with the soft skills needed to navigate challenges. Most importantly, it gave me lifelong friendships - a network of support that is more valuable than any job title could ever be.