Part-time Master's degree successfully completed
Julia, congratulations on successfully completing your master's degree! Would you like to introduce yourself?
My name is Julia, and I have been at csi since 2019. I started as a bachelor's student. I then became a permanent project engineer in project management. Currently, I primarily work with requirements management and FMEA.
What motivated you to enroll in a part-time master's degree program?
I had wanted to pursue a master's degree for some time. However, right after my bachelor's degree, it was more attractive to me to stay at csi full-time, gain work experience, and earn money. Then, in 2023, I was ready for a new challenge. Ultimately, our Managing Director, Mathias Leixner, encouraged me to pursue my studies alongside my job. I am grateful to him for that today.
How did you balance your studies with your job?
Honestly, I don't always know myself. It was an intense time, revolving almost exclusively around work and university, but I would do it again in a heartbeat (even though I've had enough of studying for now 😀).
It was important to be well organized. Write down tasks, prioritize them, and work through them step by step. I wasn't alone, though. My fellow students were a great support. We divided up projects and motivated each other. Sometimes, the thought alone was enough: Others have already done it, so I can do it, too!
What was the biggest challenge you faced during this time?
Clearly, it was the time. The lectures themselves were manageable, but some weeks, the workload for projects and assignments was enormous. It wasn't unusual for us to have team calls at 9 p.m. — I would fall straight into bed afterwards.
What strategies did you use to make everyday life easier?
My motto was often "Just do it." But with structure. Write down everything that needs to be done, sort the tasks, and then get started. Taking it step by step worked well.
How much support did you receive from csi during your studies?
I could always rely on my colleagues. I could reschedule customer appointments, and when that wasn't possible, my colleagues represented me well or prepared things for me in the background. Many colleagues also took the time to answer my questions during my study projects, whether during interviews or meetings. Once again, thank you all so much!
How did your colleagues and superiors react when they found out that you were pursuing a part-time master's degree?
Many were impressed, and the common reaction was: "Wow, you're doing that part-time? Hats off!" Needless to say, this provided additional motivation.
What are your key takeaways from this period, in terms of both your professional journey and personal growth?
From a technical point of view, it was a valuable exploration of the topics that interest me, in addition to requirements engineering: Leadership, motivation, employee development, and organizational culture. I was able to reflect on and apply much of what I learned directly to my day-to-day work.
Personally, I learned that you can often achieve more than you think, especially when working with the right people. Balancing my job, studies, and private life wasn't always easy, but it was enriching. I learned to structure my time more effectively and to take breaks intentionally.
What advice would you give to colleagues thinking about pursuing a part-time degree?
It's definitely not a walk in a park, but with good organization and clear priorities, it's absolutely doable. My advice is to talk to your line manager and your personal contacts well in advance so that everyone is informed and can provide support.
Also, plan breaks not only in your calendar but also in your head.