Cedric, Tourism & Event Management (B.A.)

Congratulations on your successful bachelor's thesis. Please tell us briefly what your thesis was about and why you chose this topic.

My bachelor's thesis was about examining and evaluating the digital maturity of tourism service providers in Upper Lusatia. In addition to the necessary theoretical foundations, I developed my own framework, which collects a digitalisation index in the form of a questionnaire. A total of 15 tourism companies from various sectors in the region were recruited and ultimately completed the questionnaire. This revealed the deficits and potential of the respondents in the area of digitalisation.

I decided to do this because I wanted to do something for and with my home region, where development and the current state of affairs are very close to my heart. And digitalisation is an exciting, forward-looking topic that will continue to gain enormous relevance in the medium term.

Where will your career take you after your studies? What aspect of your future job excites you the most?

I will be taking up a full-time position. I haven't made a final decision yet, but I have several offers, both in marketing and tourism. Ultimately, the most important aspects for me are proximity to home, innovation in my job, personal responsibility and personal development. I will take the offer that comes closest to this.

Did you imagine yourself doing this kind of work when you started your studies?

At the beginning, I had absolutely no idea what would fulfil me professionally, and my studies were actually a lucky coincidence. I always wanted to do something where I could work with exciting personalities and networks and create something creative with my own ideas. During my studies, I realised that what I was doing was exactly that.

What were your expectations of your studies and were they fulfilled?

I wasn't very demanding at first because, at 18 and fresh out of school, I knew even less about life than I do today. Originally, I just wanted to avoid having to sit through boring lectures and theoretical content at a boring school desk. I think the FHD did a very good job of that. 

What do you think you need to study in this field?

Definitely an interest in cultures, languages, PEOPLE, methods and practical research. You should enjoy finding solutions to other people's problems and creating cool products with creative, innovative approaches. And very importantly, you should strive to always learn new things and leave your comfort zone.

What is the most valuable experience from your time as a student?

Life is a game: nothing can really go wrong as long as you try to find solutions. Obstacles arise, but they can just as easily be overcome. If you work hard and develop a passion for your subjects, you will automatically continue to develop yourself. Hurdles such as your bachelor's thesis no longer seem so unrealistic when you are actually faced with them. You can do it. 

What did you enjoy the most – which moments have stayed with you?

I really enjoyed the practical projects because you learned a lot about methodology and were able to let your creativity run wild. You also got to know a lot of enriching people from whom you could learn a great deal and with whom it is worth staying in touch beyond your studies.