Benjamin Fischer

Interview with Benjamin Fischer

What were the highlights during your studies? 

Definitely, my exchange semester abroad with other students (in Moscow), where I studied International Economics (at the Plekhanov Russian) University of Economics.

Connecting to so many new friends in a cozy atmosphere in Steyr, working on projects together at night in our student residences (with pizza and beer).

What was your best moment during your studies?

FH Steyr Ball Night. ;)

Why did you actually decide to study at the Steyr campus at that time?

A well-known University (of Applied Sciences) with strong connections to successful Upper-Austrian based companies with domestic roots and international activities.

Intercultural Sales Management skills with highly interesting “Doing business in export countries” lectures.

International Sales and Key Account Management lectures.

Which parts/knowledge from your studies have particularly supported you in achieving your career plans?

Real-life university projects combined with Austrian companies. Exchange semester abroad. English and Cyrillic language.

What tips can you give current students for their future life?

Combine business intelligence with fundamental technical expertise. The best mix is a combination of economic and technical know-how. (There are so many labors who are either good in technical deep-dive or pure economical graduates with no technical understanding at all.)

Human to Human selling.

Be optimistic, human, realistic, be yourself.

3 Key words of success: TUN! or Just do it!

Handshake quality!

Humanity and honesty last the longest!

Build trust and long-term commercial relationships.

Value based selling. Know in detail your company and product USPs.

Remain consistent!

Strengthen your strengths!

Word Rap

Your favourite place at Campus Steyr: Outdoor lessons next to the “Steyr” river.

Describe your studies in three words: Challenging, Inspiring, Practical, Eye-Opening

Career aspirations as a child: Sales Management

What do you expect from an excellent university: Get to know inspiring new people and learning from their strengths! Get to know top managers and their lessons learned. Listen to top managers and their key findings/motivations.

Favourite professor: The combination was perfect, inspiring and educative.

Favourite study moment: So many funny moments with my study colleagues in and outside the university.

Coffee or tea: Depending in which country I am doing sales. Get to know the culture and adapt to it.

Favourite course: Guest lectures of managers with real life experiences from e.g. “Doing business in …”

I would like to work with: characters who love to think outside the box to be more creative.

If I could start studying again right now, it would be: Global Sales Management.

Favourite food: Traditional Viennese Schnitzel.

Favourite invention: Skiing

Sunrise or sunset: Both nice and motivating.

Headline for my life: Think in Solutions, Not in Problems!