Modern architecture on campus. Photo: © Boanet
E DU C ATIO N OF TH E MONTH
Austria’s only business and economics university The world needs more young people who are willing and able to take on responsibility in business and society. A degree from the renowned Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU) helps to transform today’s business students into tomorrow’s decision-makers. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF
WU was founded on 1 October 1898, over 100 years ago, and innovation has been a tradition there ever since. Today, WU is Austria’s only business and economics university, giving it a very important role. With its future-orientated expertise and a focus on responsibility and sustainability, the university prepares its students for important roles in economics and society. “WU’s diverse programme portfolio is characterised by high-quality teaching, internationality, and close ties to the 80 | Issue 74 | May 2019
business community,” explains Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger, WU’s rector. Future-orientated education WU offers an excellent, diversified business education, and its programmes prepare students for the requirements of today’s and tomorrow’s labour market. A survey of around 1,347 bachelor’s and master’s graduates revealed that one of the most important things they learned at WU, besides acquiring expertise in
economic sciences, is the ability to work independently. Respondents also praised the technical skills and soft skills like time management, team work, critical thinking, and intercultural skills that they took away from their programmes. These skills perfectly equip graduates for the labour market. “WU graduates are in great demand in Austria and abroad and work in many different sectors. Companies often tell us that WU graduates make ideal additions to their organisations because they are well educated and have excellent critical thinking skills,” says Hanappi-Egger. Innovative programmes A faculty of 1,500 researchers and teachers ensure academic diversity at WU. Disciplines range from business man-