FH Dortmund is home to many talented students who demonstrate remarkable commitment to their academic and professional growth. Among them are the recipients of the prestigious Deutschlandstipendium, a scholarship that offers both financial and networking support to students with outstanding achievements. We had the pleasure of meeting three current scholarship holders from the European Master in Project Management programme to hear about their experiences and future aspirations.
The scholarship holders are:
- Minh Chau Do, European Master in Project Management, 4th Semester
- Sarah Moradi, European Master in Project Management, 4th Semester
- Blend Gashi, European Master in Project Management, 4th Semester
The Interview
Question 1: What motivated you to apply for the Deutschlandstipendium, and how has it influenced your academic journey in the European Master in Project Management program so far?
Minh Chau Do:
“At first I saw Deutschlandstipendium simply as a means of financial assistance, as I need the money to continue financing my master study here in Germany. This scholarship has eventually helped me lessen the financial burden and also allowing me to invest more time and energy in my studies. However, what is most valuable to me is the networking opportunities during the Stipendienfeier, where I got to know my sponsor and established first impression and connection. This event has directly enabled me to get a working student job offer in their institute. Therefore, in the end, Deutschlandstipendium is more than just a means of financial assistance but a big contribution to my personal and career development.”
Sarah Moradi:
“Receiving the Deutschlandstipendium was an exciting moment for me. It not only boosted my confidence but also relieved me a bit from financial concerns, especially since I hadn’t found a job at that time. This support gave me the freedom to focus more on my studies and personal growth without added stress.”
Blend Gashi:
“It’s a great support that helps me focus on my studies without financial stress.”
Question 2: What specific challenges do you see in the field of project management, and how does the scholarship help you to focus on your studies and overcome these challenges?
Minh Chau Do:
“I chose the master program Project Management IT since I already had some experience in managing different types of projects and it occurs to me that I like working in project teams, planning, delegating tasks and enjoy the foreseeable project’s outcomes. Moreover, I love working with people worldwide, and diverse project teams are very common in the project environment nowadays.”
Sarah Moradi:
“My background is in Industrial Engineering and Financial Engineering, where I learned how to approach technical challenges and optimize processes. However, I wanted to expand my perspective and focus on the bigger picture, managing projects from different aspects, not just the engineering side. Project Management, especially in the IT field, caught my attention because it combines structure with creativity and offers endless opportunities for innovation.
Deciding to study in a different country with a completely different culture and language was a big risk and challenge for me. But I chose to take that step because I didn’t want to look back one day and regret not pursuing my dreams. It was a tough journey, especially adapting to new environments and overcoming language barriers. But now, when I reflect on my path, I see a stronger Sarah that I didn’t even know existed before. This experience has given me the confidence to push my limits even further.
My goal is to find a position in an international well-known company where I can manage projects for different businesses. And maybe in the future, I will be able to run my own company, offering project management services and helping others achieve their goals.”
Blend Gashi:
“I’m interested in project management because it’s practical and impactful. I plan to work in international project management, integrating AI into processes.”
Question 3: Where do you see yourself in five years, and how will the Deutschlandstipendium and the European Master in Project Management program contribute to achieving your career goals?
Minh Chau Do:
“My advice to future students who are considering applying for the Deutschlandstipendium is “Just do it!” the application would surely need your time investment, especially the motivation letter, but the rewards worth it since you would receive so much more in returns, in forms of financial assistance and valuable networking opportunities. Also remember to attend the Stipendienfeier!”
Sarah Moradi:
“I focused on getting good grades during my first two semesters and worked on my projects with all my passion because the main topics truly interested me. Honestly, I didn’t think I would get this opportunity among so many other talented students who applied. But I knew I had done everything I could and that’s what matters. My advice is to stay committed, pursue what you’re passionate about, and give your best effort. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve! It might not be exactly what you expect at the first step, but it would definitely surprise you at the end!”
Blend Gashi:
“Just apply. It’s a good opportunity, and you never know until you try.”
The stories of these students highlight the significant impact of the Deutschlandstipendium on their academic and career journeys. The scholarship allows them to focus on their studies, gain invaluable experience, and pursue their future goals in the field of project management. FH Dortmund is proud to support these exceptional students as they continue their journey toward success.
We wish them every success for the rest of their studies and future careers.
