How Big the World Feels While Studying at RWTH Business School | Jihong Song

Studying at RWTH Business School and living in Aachen...

is truly an incredible and enjoyable experience! Aachen is a historic city with a rich past, highlighted by the iconic Aachener Dom and many other remarkable buildings scattered throughout the city. Despite its historical charm, Aachen is also a vibrant and dynamic place, bustling with students from across Germany and around the globe who come here to study and engage in groundbreaking scientific research.

The blend of modern life with historic allure makes living here uniquely exciting. Every journey through the city—whether heading to campus or returning to my apartment—offers fresh perspectives on life and sparks new thoughts. I’d like to share three key aspects of my experience with you.

Module Insights: Super enjoyable and inspiring courses

One of the key reasons I chose RWTH Business School was its forward-looking courses, which captivated me right from the start. I still vividly remember how inspired I felt when Julia first introduced them to me during our consultation meeting. Attending these courses in the classroom has given me fresh perspectives and deeper insights.

The first course, Technology for a Future Tomorrow, began by tackling profound questions about life and the universe. From there, we delved into topics like energy and civilization, global risks, the great stagnation, and intriguing concepts such as Fermi’s Paradox, the Great Filter, existential optimism, and transhumanism. This journey greatly expanded my worldview and solidified my understanding of why sustainability is crucial for humanity’s future. I’ve come to appreciate the vital role technology and business play in shaping modern life. They hold immense potential to positively impact our daily lives and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Personal Development and Leadership in the Digital Age is undoubtedly one of my favorite courses! This course stands out for its impressive lineup of guest speakers, including world-renowned experts, top management leaders from prominent companies, and distinguished research professors. These interactions offer us invaluable opportunities to engage with thought leaders as we explore key topics such as leadership skills, personality dynamics, essential tools for success, the impact of digital transformation on leadership, and the development of visionary thinking. The inclusion of mini-case studies adds a practical dimension, allowing us to apply what we’ve learned in real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach has significantly enhanced my understanding and skills, making the learning experience even more impactful.

Another thought-provoking course is Strategic Management, which is exceptionally well-structured and offers a research- and practice-oriented introduction to the process, content, and context of strategic management. Through a combination of preparatory videos, case studies, readings, and interactive class discussions, we thoroughly engage with the learning material. The course seamlessly integrates theory with practical applications, providing a holistic approach to understanding strategic management. Working closely with classmates in interactive sessions has been invaluable, as it not only deepened our knowledge but also taught us how to think strategically and apply these insights to real-world business scenarios.

Extra-Curricular Activities at the Business School and RWTH

As a Business School student, you get the chance to be part of an exclusive community while also benefiting from the wider RWTH network and getting involved in various student initiatives. With the great support of the RWTH Business School staff, we’ve enjoyed numerous parties and activities from the very beginning of our journey and throughout our time here.

The Welcome Weekat RWTH Business School was a fantastic start to our journey. After participating in various activities throughout the week, the Welcome Week Day served as the grand finale, officially marking the beginning of the semester. It was an exciting opportunity to meet most of our fellow students across all programs and start building connections. I was especially delighted to meet some of the previous student ambassadors for the first time.

Soon after, we had the Innovative Tuesday event, which combined insightful speeches with interactive sessions. This gathering brought students together once again and gave us a fascinating look into the advanced practice of battery passports at Bosch Connected Industry. The event was filled with friendly interactions, and everyone was thrilled to reconnect in such a welcoming atmosphere.

After settling into classes and experiencing life in Aachen for a month, we celebrated with the fantastic Meet & Eat party on October 25th. This event provided the perfect opportunity to connect with our seniors, all while enjoying free food, drinks, and a fun photo booth. It was a night filled with laughter and unforgettable memories.

The festive season brought even more joy on December 12th, as we ventured out to Brand town for the RWTH Business School community Christmas Party. Along with conversations, delicious food, and drinks, ice skating added an extra layer of excitement, making the celebration even more thrilling. It was a wonderful way to embrace the holiday spirit together.

Engaging in conversations with students from other programs and interacting closely with professors has allowed me to fully experience the international atmosphere and the enriching exchange of diverse cultural perspectives. This vibrant environment has fostered my personal growth in meaningful and tangible ways.

With 260 institutes across nine faculties, RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe’s leading institutions for science and research. As of the winter semester 2024/25, the university has welcomed 44,892 students, including 15,270 international students from 137 countries, making up an impressive 34 % of the student body. (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rwth-aachen-university_rwth-aachen-university-activity-7270336921132843008-WD_B)

That means the university offers extensive resources, not only for academic success but also for extracurricular and leisure activities. Whether you’re passionate about advanced technology, sports, or meeting people from around the world, there’s something for everyone. Exploring these opportunities has made my university life dynamic and enriching.

With a large and diverse student body, it’s easy to meet individuals from various faculties, including chemical engineering, material sciences, and mechanical engineering. These interactions have allowed me to expand my network and learn from peers in different disciplines.

Returning to campus life after working can be a unique experience, and RWTH Aachen’s student initiatives offer the perfect opportunity to make the most of it. Joining these initiatives has not only been fun but also a chance to meet new people, contribute to meaningful projects, and deepen my expertise in areas of interest.