From working as a medical assistant during the pandemic to launching a career in the European tech scene – Katharina Stöckl’s journey is a testament to global ambition, courage, and personal growth. Today, she lives in Amsterdam and works as a Sales Development Representative at Atlassian, one of the world’s leading software companies. Her story shows how IMC Krems prepares students for international careers through practical experience and global exposure.
Story
From rural Austria to the heart of European tech
From a spontaneous application to a dream offer
Shortly after submitting her bachelor thesis in the International Business Management bachelor degree programme, Katharina found herself wondering what life would look like after graduation. On a spontaneous impulse, she applied for a few so-called “dream jobs” – roles that felt well out of reach for someone just finishing university.
To her surprise, she was invited to an interview the very next day. What followed were five interview rounds, several feedback calls, and two intense but exciting weeks. Then came the offer: a position as Sales Development Representative at Atlassian. Before even holding her diploma in hand, she had secured a job she was genuinely excited about at a company she admired.
The bigger challenge? Finding a flat in Amsterdam
What Katharina hadn’t anticipated: finding a place to live in Amsterdam would turn out to be even harder than landing the job. “From windowless rooms to flats with no bathrooms, and apartments that looked like prison cells – I saw it all,” she recalls.
In the end, fate had something better in store. She found a room in a shared flat with a woman who, like her, had moved to Amsterdam to work in tech sales. “She told me my message resonated with her – she saw her own story reflected in mine.”
That’s how Katharina ended up living with her flatmate – and her cat – right in the heart of Amsterdam, ready to begin her next chapter.
From IMC Krems to Barcelona to Amsterdam
Katharina’s academic journey at IMC Krems began after working in a doctor’s office during the pandemic. Enrolling in the International Business Management bachelor degree programme opened more doors than she ever imagined. She studied alongside fellow students from across the globe, was selected for the university’s exchange programme, and spent a semester abroad in Barcelona – a big leap for someone from a small Austrian town.
Later, she moved to Amsterdam for her internship at an international trading company specialising in organic bulk ingredients. There, she was responsible for the DACH, Benelux, and UK markets – and closed her first major deal within the first month. That early success led to her first business trip to a trade fair in London, a personal milestone and professional highlight.
Shaped by international learning, prepared for global success
Katharina looks back on her time at IMC Krems with gratitude: “I’m thankful for the international orientation, the inspiring professors, and all the opportunities I was given along the way.”
With her new role at Atlassian, she is beginning an exciting career in tech – internationally minded, well prepared, and with a strong foundation built at IMC Krems.