Guido Quelle studied computer science at TU Dortmund University in the 1980s and after that made a postgraduate degree in engineering. A professional for business growth, he is managing director and majority shareholder of Mandat Managementberatung, lecturer for tactical management at the International School of Management in Dortmund, honorary teacher at the SRH University of Applied Sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia in Hamm, and author of numerous books. In this interview, he talks about his favorite minutes at what was then called the University of Dortmund, how his research studies shaped him and what benefits he sees in networking within the alumni network.
Mr. Quelle, why did you study at TU Dortmund University– at that time still the University of Dortmund?
Do you desire a truthful response or a courteous one?
A sincere one, naturally.
The honest answer is– it was my 2nd choice. Although I’m from Dortmund, in reality I wanted to study medical informatics in Heilbronn due to the fact that it was the only place in the mid-1980s to provide that degree program. Regrettably, the entry requirements were too high, but I however still wanted to study computer science. Since the University of Dortmund already had a good reputation in this subject at that time, I registered there in 1986. And fortunately, thanks to its collaboration with Ruhr University Bochum, I might even pick medicine as my minor topic.
What was various back then in comparison to today?
Studying was still defined by an excellent deal of flexibility. At that time, there were more or less just oral tests in computer science and no compulsory attendance. To put it candidly: I ‘d state the heat was off. And I actually enjoyed having the time to discover more about myself. That also shapes you, when you don’t invest all your time simply studying but also widening your horizons.
How did your research studies shape your life and your career course?
Accepting that university is entirely different than school had been, that it takes a lot of personal initiative– this was a procedure. I discovered during that time how to handle this liberty, how to get myself arranged and how to reconcile my research studies with my work and my spare time.
I also had a stroke of luck: In 1990, I saw an advert on South Campus that had actually been posted by Mandat management experts, who were trying to find a trainee to join them. I started working there, 20 hours a week. Later on, after I ‘d completed university, I got a long-term task there. At that time, I would never ever have thought that Mandat would be the business where I would one day become handling director, co-partner and sole owner. In the meantime, I’ve offered 20 percent to colleagues, but I’m still the bulk investor. That did indeed form my life and my profession course.
Do you have any other really special memories of your time at the University of Dortmund?
The best days were certainly my tests. In computer science these were above all oral ones. It was always terrific when the examiners stated: “You have actually passed”. I likewise did my doctoral degree there, in logistics at the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The best moment was on 8 August 2003, when I effectively defended my dissertation.
Do you have a preferred put on campus?
I always liked the math building. Up on the tenth floor we had the broadcasting station of the University of Dortmund’s amateur radio club. At that time, there was an enormous antenna on the roofing system that permitted us to interact with the entire world.
How do you feel about Dortmund as a city?
Among other things, I’m actively involved as chairman of the board of the Dortmund Structure, which undertakings to promote understanding and skills among young people in Dortmund. For this, you need innovative job partners– and Dortmund is really strong here: We’re good at pursuing objectives together and across celebration lines in service, politics and administration. We’re good at improvising– after all, Dortmund has actually needed to do this considering that the 1980s– and at transforming ourselves now that the key industries of steel, coal and beer have actually vanished. Lake Phoenix, for instance, which celebrated its tenth anniversary on 9 Might 2021, is a milestone here.
You belong to TU Dortmund University’s alumni network. What do you particularly appreciate about it?
I discover an alumni association that covers the entire university interesting– and crucial. Whether assist with a master’s thesis, job suggestions or exchanging news on research projects: A large and differed alumni network can create very different tasks and connections. At the same time, it reinforces a sense of community, and you have a long-lasting accessory to your alma mater– that’s wonderful. I think that we can likewise find out a lot here from the USA, where such networks are appropriately nurtured and used more than they are here in Germany. Personally, I’m eagerly anticipating future activities within TU Dortmund University’s alumni network.
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