Karl Achleitner

What was your dream job as a child, and what is your dream job now?

Then – attendant at a petrol station (fill up your car, check the oil and clean the windscreen). Seemed a cool idea at the time. Now – I'm into old cars, I'd like to run a small business looking after vintage cars. Come to think of it, my dream job hasn’t really changed that much over the years.

Why did you choose the Kent Business School?

I liked the modular concept, taking weeks off from work instead of using up all my weekends. Plus the people I had met from KBS were competent, inspiring and keen to get me on the programme. I had two other options on the other side of London (in a town starting with O) – at the end the people at KBS made the difference for me.

What are your favourite memories from your time at Kent?

I was doing my last few exams and working on my thesis at KBS while starting up a new business, having moved to Sydney with two kids under two. The people at KBS were great in accommodating my situation. Great teamwork, lots of flexibility.

What have you been up to since graduating?

I have led the business I had started up in Sydney as a GM for a few years. In 2018 the family decided to go back to Europe to be closer to family. Since then I live and work in Berlin.

What does your role involve?

There is no such thing as luck in the operation of a business. My role is to get the business to “make its own luck” – through development of people, leadership, engagement and through asking the right technical questions every now and then. I love working with a team of talented and enthusiastic people.

How do you apply the knowledge and skills you gained during your studies in your job and what advice would you give to students and fellow alumni?

The lectures have allowed me to broaden my view on business. If you are, like me, going back to the same industry after you finish your degree, try to keep a broad view as long as you can. Keep reading the relevant literature, stay informed and connected with the people you meet at KBS and keep challenging the norm.

What are your future plans / aspirations?

Work less, travel more, have a sailing boat, and develop that petrol station idea from earlier… 

What advice would you give to current students doing your course? 

Soak up as much learning as you can, especially from your fellow students. Don’t see it as a degree, see it as an opportunity to broaden your view.