"I am an Ambassador of the HHL M.Sc. Programs”

[HHL gGmbH - 12.03.2013] Young and innovative: That's how Prof. Dr. Henning Zülch presented himself in the interview with HHL news. After his studies and the conferral of his doctorate at the University of Münster, the born Dortmunder and passionate fan of Borussia Dortmund led the department of accounting at the Technical University of Clausthal from 2002 to 2006. Prof. Dr. Zülch, now 39 years old, was one of the first junior professors in Germany. Together with others he had defended the construct of "junior professorship” very early in administration and politics and had therefore supported the breakthrough of an innovation in the German university landscape. The father of two children has been the Chair of Accounting and Auditing at HHL since Sept. 1, 2006, and the Academic Director of the M.Sc. Programs since September 1, 2011.

How do you distinguish yourself from other Academic Directors at HHL?

In comparison, I distinguish myself due to my (still) young age and the program I am in charge of. Students are probably less hesitant to approach me than my colleagues due to my young age. I am convinced that the M.Sc. Program as the successor of the Diploma Program is the core of HHL. This is where our expertise lies and here we are an innovator. We were the first in Germany to successfully establish the part-time version of the M.Sc. Program from its start in 2011.

What is important to you with regard to the M.Sc. Programs?

The already excellent quality of these programs should be continuously optimized. I am constantly discussing these matters with the Program Management and the Student Affairs department. Additionally, the General Management approach as a USP for HHL will be strengthened and established in the market. Regardless of that, topics such as innovation, entrepreneurship, strategy, accounting and finance will continue to be specific to HHL.

With regards to the "Bridge to Practice” - How do you accommodate the students' demands and those of companies for an M.Sc. Program?

We accommodate both the interests of companies and those of the students with regard to the part-time M.Sc. Program. Companies are actively looking for a program to provide their bachelor graduates with further qualifications. They do not want to lose good young employees but at the same time want to offer them an opportunity to develop. We also closely cooperate with companies within the full-time M.Sc. Program. For example, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants: The diverse involvement of the consultancy company at HHL builds a bridge between teaching and corporate practice for the fulltime M.Sc.Program and its students.

According to the innovate125 HHL Future Concept, HHL's M.Sc. which is already positioned amongst the Top 10 in Europe shall be positioned amongst the Top 10 worldwide as well by 2023. A noble ambition?

In my view this is clearly an ambitious objective, which does not appear impossible. However, as a German business school we see our market to be in Europe first of all. We need to satisfy the needs on this market first. In this context I see myself not only as the Academic Director of the Program but also as its active ambassador. I will continue to go out as an advocate of the M.Sc. Program and convince interested students: "Opt for HHL.”

***The Master Program in Management (M.Sc., full-time or part-time) at HHL

Both in its part-time and full-time version, HHL's English-language Master Program in Management (M.Sc.) covers a broad scope of economic topics and builds on a Bachelor's degree in Economics. HHL attaches particular importance to teaching soft skills. Courses such as Problem Solving & Communication, Negotiation or International Management Competencies represent an inherent part of the training. The 21 to 24-month full-time program (as well as the 24-month part-time program) offers eight fields of specialization, i.e. Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship, Advanced Economics and Advanced General Management. By choosing four electives the students can set a topical focus for the career to which they are aspiring. In addition to a term abroad at one over 100 universities partnered with HHL, the curriculum of the full-time program also encompasses an internship. Excellent business contacts as well as a professional Career Service provide top career opportunities for the alumni. Further information: www.hhl.de/msc or www.hhl.de/part-time-msc

***HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

HHL is a university-level institution and ranks amongst the leading international business schools. The goal of the oldest business school in German-speaking Europe is to educate effective, responsible and entrepreneurially minded leaders. In addition to HHL's international focus, the combination of theory and practice plays a key role. HHL stands out for its excellent teaching, its clear research focus, its effective knowledge transfer into practice as well as its outstanding student services. www.hhl.de