Gisma Concludes Thrilling Skills Sprint Week 2024
Gisma University of Applied Sciences successfully concluded its annual Skills Sprint Week (SSW) last week, offering students a dynamic programme packed with enriching activities designed to enhance their professional development and industry knowledge.
Kicking Off with Industry Insights:
The week kicked off with a thought-provoking session led by Nirav Vidwans, Director at PwC India. Mr. Vidwans navigated the complexities of the evolving business landscape, highlighting the crucial skills students need to excel in today’s competitive environment. Students actively participated in an interactive Q&A session, gaining valuable insights into the world of consulting and the practical steps they can take to hone the skills necessary for success in the sector.
Deep Dives into Specific Industries:
Following Mr. Vidwans’ session, students had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Volker Friedrich MD, GBP International, Chairman of Foreign Trade and Investment Committee of BWA, and Mentor to German Entrepreneurship Asia. Dr. Friedrich’s discussion centered on “Opportunities and Challenges for the German Industries in Implementing a Sustainable Green Economy.” Students actively participated in a stimulating conversation, exploring the competitiveness and various challenges German industries face due to macroeconomic factors, the green transition, the circular economy, and the need to adapt to advancements in technology and business models.
In another session, Aleksei Bondarenko, former UN/UNCEFACT vice chair, led a discussion on “Cross-border Trade and Digitalisation – Trends and Perspectives.” This insightful session explored key topics like digital trade evolution, technological frontiers, and the challenges of harmonizing electronic standards.
Global Collaboration and Diverse Perspectives:
Gisma co-hosted a global event during the week, the International Symposium on “The Art and Science of Managing Performance,” with the Ascencia Center for Applied Business and Management Research (CABMR) in France. The symposium, held in a hybrid format, fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and best practices in performance management, featuring presentations from distinguished speakers, engaging roundtable discussions, and a captivating keynote address. Participants from across the globe, including France, Germany, Sweden, and beyond, contributed their diverse perspectives, enriching the overall experience.
Beyond the Classroom: Building Well-rounded Individuals:
SSW wasn’t confined to the classroom, offering students a variety of extracurricular activities to foster well-rounded development. A friendly table tennis competition provided a welcome break from academics, encouraging teamwork and a spirit of healthy competition. Culturally, a trip to the Potsdam Museum immersed students in the rich history and heritage of the region, offering a deeper understanding of Prussian history and its lasting impact.
Industry Exposure and Skill Development:
The week concluded with industry leader SAP for an engaging company visit at the Berlin campus. Students gained firsthand exposure to SAP’s cutting-edge innovations during an introductory session. This was followed by a dynamic workshop simulating real-life investment scenarios, where students formed teams and pitched their chosen startups to a panel, showcasing their business acumen and decision-making skills. The visit culminated in a thought-provoking discussion on social entrepreneurship, exploring its impact on the world and the differences in investment considerations compared to traditional ventures.
SSW: A Resounding Success
SSW 2024 proved to be a resounding success, equipping Gisma students with not only the theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills and real-world experiences needed to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape with confidence. Through engaging sessions, industry exposure, and diverse activities, SSW provided students with a valuable platform to hone their critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills, all while fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Thank you once again to all involved for making SSW 2024 a resounding success!
