Pauline Baumberger started the part-time Master's program at Weincampus Neustadt in the winter semester 2018/19. The interview was conducted in February 2019.

Why did you decide to study part-time?

The part-time model allows me to continue my education on a scientific level without giving up working in my dream job. The combination of practice and theory is the optimal form of study for me, because it gives me the opportunity to apply newly learned knowledge and fresh input directly in practice, and real life provides me with questions and perspectives to understand and interpret theories. In addition, the exchange with fellow students from a wide variety of working fields and countries and their perspective on the wine world and wine business is incredibly valuable.

Why did you choose this program of all programs?

The MBA program combines all the main areas in which I would like to expand and deepen my knowledge: Wine, Sustainability and Sales. I grew up in the small wine village of Mandel in my family's winery, and after graduating with a bachelor's degree in communication design, I quickly realized that wine is also what excites me the most. In my job as a wine and communication manager at a wine online store, I was able to combine my two greatest passions. Studying at the Weincampus in Neustadt builds on my current level of knowledge, shows me new perspectives and gives me strategic thinking and methods that enable me to rethink situations in the family business, check them for sustainability and make sound decisions.

How do you manage to balance your job and studies?

It does take a certain amount of self-discipline and research drive to create enough space for studying while working full time. The big advantage is that I can manage myself and my time. The attendance phases give the opportunity to be completely focused on the studies and content for six days and provide an incredible amount of input. The study content and exam requirements are structured in such a way that you constantly stay on top of the study content in your life and professional life, researching a wide variety of topics. It's definitely intense and requires some time management, which is good.

What's next for you after the master's?

I have made the decision to work with my family in our winery. My focus is on the marketing and distribution of our wines. Currently, our family winery is run by my parents. My brother is studying viticulture and oenology in the Rheingau, and I am studying Wine, Sustainability & Sales in Neustadt. Together we have a great basis to continue and develop our winery. After my studies, I'm looking forward to putting what I've learned into practice at the winery. That will be exciting!