The first-year students kicked off the 2025 summer semester with a lecture from the "VIA Impulse" series in the Audimax on March 5, 2025. This year's guest speaker was Annette Schwarz, who graduated with an MBA from Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences in 2011 after completing her dual studies at Stuttgart University of Cooperative Education. The current Head of Human Resources and Labor Director at SSB AG in Stuttgart can look back on an eventful career spanning the energy industry and stints in the world of professional soccer and had plenty of tips for the new Bachelor students.

„Make the most of your student years.“
Professor Dr. Markus-Oliver Schwaab, the event host, warmly welcomed the new students and introduced them to the concept of VIA Impulse. In this lecture series, VIA stands for Very Important Alumni and aims to provide first-semester students—and anyone interested—with valuable insights into their studies and the career paths of successful graduates. The event includes a lecture followed by a roundtable discussion, where participants can engage in career-related conversations and gain insider knowledge on studying and working. At this session, Very Important Alumna Annette Schwarz shared her inspiring career journey with the new students, offering practical advice and personal experiences. She emphasized the importance of exploring diverse fields during one’s studies—even those that may not seem appealing at first. By doing so, students can better understand their interests and refine their career goals. Schwarz illustrated this point with her own experience at EnBW AG, where, during her dual studies, she had the opportunity to learn about nuclear power plant operations—despite it not being her primary area of interest.
 

„Stay connected. Keep doors open.“
Annette Schwarz shared that she remained with her former employer, EnBW AG, after completing her dual studies, cherishing her time there. In 2012, she faced a challenging period due to the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the resulting shifts in Germany’s energy supply. Her career took a significant turn shortly after when a headhunter contacted her about a board advisor position for a mid-sized company. Despite not knowing which company it was, Annette persevered through several rounds of interviews. A pivotal moment came when she was asked about her interest in soccer, which revealed her future employer: VfB Stuttgart. Annette had a strong connection to soccer, having played as a child and being a fan of Fredi Bobic, who later became her boss.
While her time at EnBW ended, the professional relationship remained intact. Between 2013 and 2016, Annette rebuilt the entire HR department at VfB Stuttgart, working as a consultant to the president and managing the challenges of eleven head coach dismissals and three near-relegations. In the meantime, she returned to EnBW but soon faced new milestones in the world of professional soccer. From 2016 to 2022, she worked for the German Football Association (DFB), overseeing HR management and handling responsibilities such as coaches' contracts. In 2021, Annette moved to UEFA Event SA, where she was the HR expert for the UEFA Euro 2021 and 2024 tournaments. Her goal was to revive "soccer pride" in Germany and inspire children to take an interest in the sport. "Soccer creates connections," she explained.
After a decade in the soccer industry, Annette decided to pursue a new challenge. In 2023, a headhunter reached out again, offering her the position of Head of Human Resources and Labor Director at Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG (SSB). Reflecting on her career, she described it as a shift "from the second row to the front row." However, she now faced the task of proving herself in a male-dominated environment.
 

„Success doesn't happen by itself.“
Following Annette Schwarz’s insightful presentation, the students' curiosity was clearly sparked. During the subsequent panel discussion, Professor Dr. Markus-Oliver Schwaab encouraged the new students to ask any questions on their minds. The questions ranged from personal goals and character traits of the speaker to what fascinated Annette Schwarz about HR management. However, one question stood out and deeply moved the speaker: “What is it like to stand up for yourself as a woman?”
Annette Schwarz shared two key factors that had helped her: first, in male-dominated environments, one must accept that the rules differ from those in female-dominated or mixed settings. Secondly, she emphasized the importance of setting boundaries, explaining that she no longer accepts tasks like fetching coffee. "‘No’ is a complete sentence," she added with a smile.
As a young woman, Annette Schwarz fought hard to assert herself and build a successful career. Her message reinforced her belief that nothing is achieved without hard work. However, she also shared an important piece of advice with the first-year students: "Despite all your hard work, love what you do. Always."