Interview with Nicole Osmenda

I'm Nicole, a 25-year-old MLI student with a passion for product development and the startup scene. All started during an internship at the startup incubator of Telekom, after which I (unsuccessfully) co-founded a startup for about a year and a half in the fintech area. Moreover, I worked at StartUpLab at Hochschule koblenz supporting students in the ideation process. Currently focusing on building a startup incubator for a “Mittelstand” in Remagen. When I'm not writing my thesis or working on startup ventures, you'll find me in nature (preferred in the mountains), reading or playing cards with my family.

We asked Nicole to answer some questions regarding her journey at MLI
 

1. How did you find out about the MLI program? / Why did you decide to study MLI?

At this point I’d like to thank my mother for two things: Firstly, she sent me the newspaper article back in 2017 detailing “the new study program MFI” for which I directly applied. Secondly, she motivated me to pull through my masters, for which I had limited motivation. In retrospect, both decisions had a great impact in my life. The undergraduate program perfectly aligned with my expectations, offering a mandatory year abroad, lots of practical insights and training, an agile and innovative focus, and countless career opportunities. Despite my initial hesitations, the graduate program provided the opportunity to deepen my existing knowledge.

2. How did MLI help you to found your start-up?

I believe the most valuable aspects were the agile focus, practical training, and the support of Prof. Dr. Mareike Heinzen, along with my peers.

3. Were your expectations of the MLI Master's program met and if so, why?

Absolutely, my expectations of the MLI Master's program were not only met but exceeded. I underestimated the impact of delving deeper into my field of study.

4. What were the three most memorable events during your Master's program in Remagen?

Reflecting on my time in Remagen, three events stand out vividly. Firstly, the opportunity to share my startup journey with Bachelor's students was a memorable experience. Secondly, the mental strain of balancing two master courses alongside the practical phase of founding a startup, which ended in dropping a course and learning the art of prioritization. Lastly, the diverse personalities within the Master's cohort made the courses engaging, enriching the overall experience.