Strategic partnership with Austrian Airlines: a focus on practical experience, research and career opportunities

During a joint meeting, Bernhard Dollensky, COO of IMC Krems, presented the partnership plaque for the strategic partnership to Lena Sophie Wasserbacher of Austrian Airlines. Contact with the airline was established through the IMC Krems alumni network. Together with Tina Weiss, Nicolas Aron and Claudia Bauer-Krösbacher initiated the dialogue with the Austrian airline’s management.

Focus: Transfer of knowledge to practice

The partnership encompasses numerous activities in the fields of teaching, research and knowledge transfer. Plans include joint research projects in the field of experience design, guest lectures by experts from the industry, as well as excursions and company visits. This gives students the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into current developments and challenges within the sector and to supplement their theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
A recent module in the Bachelor's programme in Tourism and Leisure Management demonstrated exactly what this transfer of practical knowledge looks like in practice. As part of Denise Kleiss’s ‘Communication Mastery’ course, Lena Sophie Wasserbacher, Employer Branding Specialist at Austrian Airlines, provided fascinating insights into the topic of personal branding. Together with the students, she explored how those starting their careers can highlight their strengths and position themselves successfully in the labour market. At the same time, the session explored how companies shape their employer brand to attract suitable talent and retain them in the long term.
Such guest lectures facilitate direct exchange with industry experts and bring current corporate perspectives into the lecture theatre. Students benefit from practical insights, whilst Austrian Airlines is able to establish contact with potential future employees at an early stage. In this way, the partnership creates added value for both sides and promotes exchange between academia and industry.
“In IMC Krems, we have found a partner that combines academic excellence with a strong practical focus. The collaboration opens up new perspectives for innovation, talent development and the exchange of knowledge. Both the students and our company benefit from this in the long term,” emphasises Markus Christl, Head of Human Resources at Austrian Airlines. 
“We greatly value this collaboration and look forward to continuing to create meaningful research and learning opportunities together,” explains Claudia Bauer-Krösbacher, Head of the Institute of Tourism and Marketing and Programme Director of Tourism and Leisure Management at IMC Krems, with pride.
The partnership, which has its origins in the IMC Krems alumni network, impressively demonstrates how sustainable collaborations between the university and businesses enable innovative teaching, research and practical projects, and optimally prepare students for their future career paths.

Strategic Partnerships

Strategic partnerships at IMC Krems represent long-term collaboration with selected companies. Together, they pursue a clear vision: to sustainably integrate research, teaching and practice.