As a consultant in the country support team at the international Lidl headquarters, Daniel Eichholz needs three things above all else: International experience, problem-solving competence, and technical know-how. A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Economics and a double Master's degree in Economics prepared him well for his job.
His Tips
Do not necessarily choose the degree program according to your career prospects - instead follow your own interests.
Always do what you enjoy doing - it's easier to learn that way.
Expand your own horizon and try something new.
Country Support Consultant, Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG, Neckarsulm
Studies at the University of Hohenheim 2007-2013
Business Administration and Economics B.Sc.
Economics M. Sc.
Job
What are typical activities for you in your job?
I work at the intersection between the international Lidl headquarters and the 30 Lidl national companies. My most important task is to support the countries in mastering the challenges of the operative business and, for example, to develop standardized processes on an international level. That's why many meetings are part of our daily business. I sometimes also take trips in order to be able to speak with the local employees personally. I attach great importance to that.
And what is the best thing about the job?
The variety of work and the many different topics. I might have to deal with tax issues in the morning, but in the afternoon I have something completely different. My resume shows that I have always enjoyed taking on new tasks. So the "red thread" in my case is variety. A large company like Lidl offers plenty of room for new challenges.
"The red thread in my resume is variety."
Studies
Why the University of Hohenheim? And why Business Administration and Economics?
Back then, I just didn't know exactly what I wanted to study. Business administration and economics are very broad. You can specialize during your studies - and then take very different paths. I see the same with my fellow students, who now do very different things professionally. I chose the University of Hohenheim because it was recommended to me by friends.
What were your studies like?
In my Bachelor's degree I focused on economics and international affairs, so I was particularly interested in those topics. In my profile areas, my professors were very motivated, which in turn got me excited about the material.
"I had very motivated professors who got me excited about the stuff."
What about experiences outside of the classroom?
I think that's very important! I spent one semester abroad, in Canada, and did many internships, e.g. at Bosch and at the Ministry of Economics in Baden-Württemberg. And I had various working student positions, including with a controlling consulting firm. At the University I also wrote articles for the Hohenheim Online Courier, but spent most of my time at the Club of Hohenheim. That is a student group that focuses on international politics and economics.
Why the Master's program?
At the end of my Bachelor's degree, I wanted to immerse myself a little more deeply in the subject - and to position myself a little more internationally. That's why I opted for a double Master’s program. This means that you study one year in Hohenheim and one year at a partner university abroad. I went to Belgium.
What competences from your studies are important in your job today?
Especially the problem-solving skills. No matter which problem you face, you are able to develop an approach to find a solution. So you become very flexible in the way that you think and act. Added to this is the willingness to learn new things.
"The university teaches flexibility - in thought and action."
