Anja Balanchevska is a young and ambitious student at Heidelberg Faculty in Skopje, who will start her second year of studies in Business Administration: Banking, Insurance, and Controlling this October.
We talk with her about the reasons why she decided to study at this prestigious higher education institution, as well as about the opportunities and advantages that Heidelberg Faculty offers in building her future career.
How did you decide that Heidelberg Faculty would be the place to continue your education?
Anja: I decided to continue my education at Heidelberg Faculty because the program offers a unique opportunity to combine academic knowledge with practical work already during the studies. This approach allows me not only to learn theoretical concepts but also to apply them immediately in real working environments, building skills and gaining professional experience that will give me a significant advantage after graduation.
You probably have friends studying at other higher education institutions. Based on your shared experiences, what sets Heidelberg apart from other faculties?
Anja: Heidelberg Faculty stands out from other higher education institutions in several key aspects. First, students have the opportunity for organized internships during their studies, which allows them to gain real work experience and develop practical skills. Second, professors are fully dedicated to students, actively working to share their knowledge and provide support at every step of the educational process. Additionally, the faculty offers a double degree – from Macedonia and Germany – which significantly increases international competitiveness and opens broader career opportunities.
What does a typical day at Heidelberg look like? Do you have an internship?
Anja: A typical day at Heidelberg Faculty starts with dynamic and interactive lectures, including interesting activities, practical exercises, and tasks designed to deliver knowledge in an understandable and applicable way. After lectures, students continue with their internships, each at their chosen workplace, where they apply the theoretical knowledge in real working conditions. This balance between learning and practical application allows for a deep understanding of the material and the development of professional skills already during the studies.
The end of your studies will take place in Germany. Can you tell us more about how that process will work?
Anja: The final part of the studies will take place in Germany, where we will continue attending lectures at the partner German faculty. This period will allow us to meet colleagues and professors there, engage in the academic environment, and exchange experiences in an international context. In cooperation with our mentors, we will work on preparing the thesis, combining the knowledge gained from both educational institutions.
How and where do you see yourself in the future? What do you want to work on, and do you plan to stay in Macedonia?
Anja: I have not yet fully defined the exact direction in which I want to steer my career, but I am sure my goal is to build it on solid foundations and achieve significant professional success. As for whether I will stay in Macedonia or continue abroad, I keep the option open, as I believe future decisions should be based on the best opportunities for growth and advancement.
Starting in October, Anja will begin her second year of studies, while in the meantime 60 freshmen will be able to enroll at Heidelberg Faculty in the accredited undergraduate programs with a double degree (German and Macedonian), in two student programs – Business Administration: Banking, Insurance, and Controlling (30 students) and Data and Computer Sciences (30 students).
