- Name
- Fabian Girschick
- Faculty/Department
- Team InnoPROF
- Purpose
- Erasmus+ Staff Moblility
- Host Institution
- Vienna University of Economics and Business (opens in a new window)
- Location
- Vienna, Austria
- Period
- May 2026
What was your main motivation to go abroad?
In marketing, it is essential to regularly gather new external insights and to pay close attention to what competitors are doing. This is not about simply copying others, but about understanding what works particularly well—or less well—elsewhere, and then considering how these findings can be transferred to one’s own organisation or, in my case, to one’s own university, or reinterpreted in a meaningful way. For a job shadowing placement, the Vienna University of Economics and Business seemed to me the ideal place for this. It is one of Europe’s most renowned universities, not least due to its Triple Crown accreditation, and thus offers an inspiring environment in which to experience best practices in higher education marketing at first hand. In fact, my connection to WU goes back some time: during my two-month internship at Revo Foods in Vienna in 2021, I happened to walk past the campus and was immediately impressed by its size and modern architecture. Even then, I made a mental note to one day take a closer look at this world.
Don’t limit yourself to just one person, but be open to approaching different people instead. This not only broadens your horizons, but also leads to significant professional and personal growth.
Did you have any concerns?
I had no concerns prior to my Staff Mobility. Having already spent some time living in Vienna, I knew exactly what I could look forward to: a beautiful city full of friendly people and countless opportunities. And best of all, an inspiring working environment that could hardly have been more impressive. After all, one of the central buildings—the Library & Learning Center (LLC)—was designed by star architect Zaha Hadid and is truly a masterpiece. But the rest of the campus is equally remarkable and simply a dream. In addition, my contact person Gabriel at WU gave me a very good feeling in advance, as he continuously provided me with all the essential information about my stay. Even before arriving on site, I already felt welcome, which I really appreciated and which further increased my motivation.
Would you recommend going abroad? Why?
I would recommend a period abroad at any time, as it offers not only valuable professional learning opportunities but also significant personal development. You meet new people, gain meaningful insights, and, in a sense, take on the role of representing your own institution externally. This is something you can grow tremendously from, while at the same time experiencing an unforgettable time. There were many enjoyable and light-hearted moments that enriched everyday working life and made it feel particularly easy and rewarding. And yes, in the end it is, of course, work—but work that is worthwhile in every respect.
Fun Fact
The buildings on the WU campus are in fact all very different in appearance, so much so that one might assume they were built in entirely different eras. In reality, however, they were all constructed more or less at the same time, albeit by different architects. It is precisely this diversity that makes the campus so fascinating and gives it its distinctive character.
What did you learn form your stay abroad?
From a professional perspective, I was able to take away, among other things, that the WU has implemented a newsroom concept for some time now, which significantly simplifies the distribution of information across various channels. I also gained valuable insights into which social media channels work particularly well there and how events are used to showcase the university and its key topics externally. I definitely see potential for transfer to the HNU, and since my return I have already discussed some of these insights with colleagues. One professor also showed me how classic Excel spreadsheets can be used to create prompts, which I found particularly interesting. Beyond the professional aspects, it was equally fascinating to rediscover the campus from a new perspective. For instance, the library houses books from past centuries that require special storage conditions. And right in the middle of the campus there are supermarkets, bars, and restaurants—it’s quite extraordinary!
Were your expectations met?
My expectations were definitely met, if not exceeded. On business trips, one sometimes leaves with the feeling of not having taken away all that much, at least nothing that can be directly applied within one’s own organisation. This time, however, it was entirely different. I returned to HNU with a wealth of ideas and a thoroughly inspired feeling. It was a wonderful stay that I will not forget. What made it even more special was the opportunity to reconnect with my circle of friends in Vienna after work and to spend time on the Danube Island or in the city. These moments further enriched the experience.
Is there anything you would like to highlight about your experience abroad?
I found it very helpful to speak to as many people at WU as possible, as everyone is able to share their own unique experiences. In the end, this gives you a wide variety of impressions and impulses to take home with you. This is also my key piece of advice for anyone considering a Staff Mobility: don’t limit yourself to just one person, but be open to approaching different people instead. This not only broadens your horizons, but also leads to significant professional and personal growth.
Impressions of Austria
