Cathrin Kratzla
Thomas Weber

Senior Relationship Manager, LGT Bank
Managing Partner, LGT Capital Partners

Career Starter Week

Namibia University of Science and Technology

October 17 - October 28, 2022

Cooperation with university staff:

The cooperation with Nico Smit and the team at the International Relations Office at NUST was excellent. We were personally welcomed and everything was well prepared from accommodation over course logistics to even providing us with a personal hotspot.  

During the courses we could rely on fast and uncomplicated support when for example Namibian professionals had to cancel on short notice, Nico would step in.  

The presence of local professionals was very much appreciated in particular during the job search and entrepreneur/business case sessions. Also the Human Resources professionals who helped with the mock interviews were bombarded with interest and questions.  

Finally, Nico organized a public lecture at NUST and a know-how exchange with a large bank in Windhoek during our stay which bode for interesting professional and personal exchanges.  

Thanks a lot for the support to all involved people in the International Relations Office, eg Nico, Theodora, Chriszelda and John as well as the excellent B360 support. 

cooperation with students

We had an interesting and diverse mix of participants some of whom were still students up to mature and sometimes unemployed graduates. In particular the first group started quiet and somewhat sceptical and we were wondering whether our interactive and demanding teaching style did overwhelm the students.  

After countless "elevator pitches" and the intensive interview trainings, the ice finally broke and the students were fully engaged. The business case presentation on the last day was further proof of how the students opened up and developed.  

The absolute highlight, however, was the students' final feedback round. It was night and day to the quiet almost intimidated introductory round. At the end of the week, they sat relaxed and with big smiles and gave feedback. All students gained a great deal of self-confidence and expressed it joyfully and proudly. More than once we heard, "come back and do this to more students”.

Impact and win-win

To see each individual student develop and grow confidence over the course of the week was very rewarding. To sense that they feel ready and self-assured to actively pursue job interviews or other plans and objectives was overwhelming.  

This was topped with a feedback via WhatsApp, in which a graduate told us that she was able to successfully use the Elevator Pitch already on Friday afternoon! 

memorable event

A particularly memorable event was our dinner in Windhoek with former CSW participants which had participated in the last two virtual CSW courses. It was great to see and experience them in person and in their home-country.

personal message

It was very touching and humbling to learn about the individual backgrounds and needs of our students. To see how they manage to get a university education (often the first person in their family) and go their way with determination and energy was very motivating. We will not forget the big smiles and pride on their faces at the end of the course. Thanks B360.