Column "Uni live": Visit each other!

The FAZ column "Uni live" illuminates how student life is shaped by self-discovery and often hidden backgrounds. A visit to the hometown of fellow students fosters a deeper understanding of personality and career path, which is also relevant for aspiring MBA graduates.

Published: October 9, 2026

In the latest "Uni live" column of the FAZ, which deals with the multifaceted aspects of student life, a remarkable observation is shared: during their studies, fellow students often encounter each other in a phase of intense self-discovery. Origins and formative environments often remain hidden. The column highlights how a visit to a fellow student's hometown not only opens up new perspectives but can also contribute to a deeper understanding of their personality and career path. This insight is not only relevant for Bachelor's or Master's students but also holds important implications for prospective MBA graduates.

The university environment, whether in an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate program like an MBA, is a melting pot of different biographies. People from different regions, cultures, and social contexts come together. In the lecture hall or project group, the focus is on academic content and shared goals, which often causes individual backgrounds to fade into the background. The column argues convincingly that these unseen origins play a key role in how a person develops and which values shape them. A visit to a personal environment allows a look behind the facade of everyday academic life and can reveal which experiences and socializations have shaped the individual identity.

This insight gains particular relevance in the context of an MBA program. MBA programs attract a heterogeneous group of professionals whose diverse backgrounds and perspectives constitute a significant part of the learning success. Participants often bring several years of professional experience and come from different industries and countries. While technical and professional approaches are exchanged in case studies and discussion rounds, personal life worlds and respective origins usually remain unexplored. However, a deeper understanding of colleagues—beyond their professional roles—can strengthen teamwork and sustainably solidify the network.

Understanding individual influences can be of invaluable value in an MBA context. It promotes empathy, intercultural competence, and the ability to anticipate and integrate different ways of thinking. These so-called soft skills are crucial for leaders in today's globalized business world. Those who better understand the motivations, values, and cultural frameworks of their colleagues and future business partners can communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and build relationships based on trust. This applies particularly to international MBA programs, where cultural exchange plays a central role.