Marc Glawogger (MSc Strategic Marketing 2017) is very proud to be part of the Imperial alumni community as a member of the Imperial College Club of Germany.  Marc graduated from the Business School in 2017 and is now a Category Manager at Contorion, a Berlin-based tool marketplace. He explains what Imperial means to him and how it helped him get to where he is today, personally and professionally.

What did you learn during your time at Imperial, in class or out?

A Masters’s at Imperial was intellectually demanding as the pace of lecturing had been fast from the start. That required commitment for a sustained period of time. The course taught me to be self-driven and an independent learner. I learnt to be more organised, work independently and arrive at solutions for myself. Moreover, my time in London made me an attractive candidate for employers as I showed I could fulfil the College’s high academic standard and thrive under pressure. Now I feel very comfortable adapting to new environments at work.

Who did you find inspiring at Imperial and why?

I found the professors and guest lecturers to be the most inspiring. Their teaching style made the Master’s program stand out for me. The professors took time to answer any question I had and felt invested in my development. Many of them had managerial experience and used case studies to make concepts more tangible. The strength of the teaching is reflected by the high position in rankings as Imperial consistently ranks in the top ten worldwide.

What is your fondest memory of your time here?

The graduation ceremony is one of my fondest memories for two reasons: First, it was great to have my family and friends from the course with me on this special day. Many had secured their dream job or started their own business after leaving the College. Second, I could take the time to reflect on how much I have accomplished in one year at Imperial. Not only did I graduate from a prestigious institution, but I also grew as a person and built a network that will last a lifetime.

What is your favourite place at Imperial and why?

Prince’s Garden. It was a great place to hangout with my peers – especially on Tuesdays when we treated ourselves to the exotic dishes at the Farmer’s Market!

Tell us a bit about the work you’re doing now...

I work as a Category Manager in the Category Management & Purchasing Department of Contorion. Contorion is a Berlin-based online store for industrial and trade supply. It mainly targets B2B customers; from craftsmen to manufacturing SMEs looking for maintenance, repair and operations products. The assortment covers a wide range of product categories, from screws to electrical and hand tools to work clothes of many renowned manufacturers like Bosch, Makita or Metabo.

How has what you learnt at Imperial helped you in your career so far?

Imperial has made me appreciate working with people from different cultural backgrounds and across departments. The frameworks and case studies shown in class gave me the confidence and structure to decompose complex business challenges. The teaching style at the College – looking at marketing from a strategic perspective and conduct data-driven decision making – has been an integral part of my approach to work to date.

What would be your advice for current students?

I would encourage current students to enjoy every day at Imperial. You will be surprised how fast your time at Imperial passes. Embrace the group projects; they help you to become a greater team player. More importantly, make sure to get involved in extra-curricular activities, too. Imperial offers over 350 clubs and 90 sports clubs. I have met some of my closest friends there and they offer a meaningful break from your study routine. You will be able to pursue your interest – be it art, literature or learning a language – and you will also improve your time management skills.

What makes you proud to be an Imperial alumnus?

The Imperial brand carries prestige matched by few institutions worldwide. It is a place where I matured personally and professionally. I met and worked with some of the brightest minds in the marketing industry, built a network and learned to persevere through adversity. After graduation, it was a given to me, I want to be an active alumnus and give back. I am very proud to be part of the Imperial community.

What one word or phrase would you use to describe Imperial alumni?

‘Lifelong community.’ No matter where you are in the world, there are fellow alumni to reach out to for personal and career advice. Being an alumnus is give and take. Alumni support alumni, but can also encourage prospective or current students to make the most of their experience in London (through donations or networking events). This makes me really proud to stay in touch with the College.