Alumnus

Abhiraj Dayal

Abhiraj Dayal

"Try to be open to new experiences, enjoy with your classmates, actively participate in the lectures and if you are an international student, then learn German ;). Use this opportunity to make amazing friends and start building up your professional network, these 2 will help you a lot in the future."

Interview

Where do you work today and what is your job title there?

I work for “Socialbakers” as a Junior Regional Marketing Manager, DACH.

What does your current role entail?

1. Acquire New Target Buyers in the Region
2. Developing Interest & Brand Awareness in the region.
3. Acquiring knowledge, alignment & coordination between HQ Marketing teams and Regional sales teams to identify new opportunities, challenges & improvement areas.

Why did you choose this job and what excites you about it?

I have a passion for software marketing & sales and I am able to understand tech aspects easily, hence this industry and role are a good fit for me. I like to be in roles where I can have a strategic contribution for the organization’s growth and success.

Did you imagine you’d be doing this kind of work before you started your studies?

No. Before I started at Macromedia, I did not have a clear idea in which direction I wanted to go.

How did the teachers and projects at the university prepare you for what you're doing today?

The practical projects especially helped me in understanding the liking I have towards the industry I am currently working in. The teachers were a crucial part in connecting me with various decision makers from different industries and strengthening my network.

Where did you do your internship semester and how would you evaluate your experiences?

I did my internship at Alteryx (in Munich). I loved this experience, I believe without this experience I would not have landed my current job. I learned very important skills.

How was your contact with your fellow students? Are you still in touch today?

We as a class were close knit and I think I found friends which have now become my family. Yes, we meet every weekend!

When you think back to your studies, what really stands out?

Hands down, my friends. The experience would have not been the same without them. Also, I really loved the practical projects with companies such as Mercedes Benz Consulting & Tolino.

How important do you consider "openness to change" to be in the modern, digitally driven world of work today and tomorrow?

Well, in simple words: Extremely important. I am an advocate of digitalization and I think with openness to change, ability to adapt is equally important. Covid-19 in my opinion is the biggest sign that a digital world is the way forward. All of us globally adapted to the new digital ways of not just working but also maintaining personal relationships. I really hope once we are back to the “old normal”, we still work towards enhancing our digital capacities so we can be more connected and efficient.

Do you know where you want to be in 10 years time?

Professionally, I know I want to be in a leadership position. If that’s in the same industry or not, I cannot say.