Silke Spandl, a 23-year-old student who has just completed her first semester of the Tourism and Leisure Management degree programme, consciously chose to take a new academic path and broaden her horizon.
Story
Rethinking your path – discovering new perspectives and pursuing international dreams
International experience as a formative foundation
After completing her secondary education, Silke spent one and a half years in the United States, living in California and Virginia while working as an au pair. During this time, she gained valuable intercultural experience and significantly improved her English skills. “This time showed me how much I love living abroad, discovering new cultures and expanding my horizon.”
Open to change and new directions
After returning from the US, Silke gained further professional experience as an early childhood educator in her original field of training. This phase made her realise that career paths do not always have to be linear and that it is possible to change direction and continue developing personally and professionally.
This openness to change eventually led her to the Tourism and Leisure Management degree programme. In particular, the international focus of the curriculum and English as the language of instruction was appealing to her. “I learned that it’s completely okay to take new paths,” she explains.
Interest in tourism, events and marketing
At an early stage, Silke developed a strong interest in events and everything related to their organisation. Marketing, especially destination marketing, is another area of the tourism industry that fascinates her.
Alongside her studies, she currently supports the IMC Krems marketing team, gaining practical experience in digital communication and content creation. She is planning to complete her Practical Training Semester in the fourth semester in one of these fields.
Growing in Krems and thinking internationally
Choosing to study at IMC Krems was an important step for Silke’s future. The international environment, practice-oriented education and wide range of opportunities have encouraged her to follow her own path. In the long term, she would like to keep the option open to work abroad after completing her bachelor’s degree.
Her advice for new students: “Be open and try new things. Great opportunities often arise when you dare to grow and embrace new challenges.”