'As a career changer (BW/Human Resource Management at HSPF) studying computer science, the Master's in Information Systems opened up completely new perspectives for me. This was mainly due to the high degree of freedom and individually tailored support; the opportunity to specialise through freely selectable specialisations, to combine my studies with my working student job and to complete a semester abroad contributed enormously to my personal and professional development.'

'During my studies for a B.Sc. in Business Administration/Marketing Communication and Advertising at HSPF, I became particularly aware, especially during my mandatory internship, of the role that IT already plays and the role it will play in every industry in the near future. Both my interest in looking behind the scenes and the career opportunities that studying in this field offers today led me to look for a master's programme that offers ‘non-specialists’ the opportunity to enter the world of IT without having to complete another bachelor's degree in computer science first. The fact that I found what I was looking for in Pforzheim and was also admitted was not only practical from an organisational point of view, but also, in retrospect, a very good decision overall. With its numerous electives, the Master's programme in Information Systems offers the opportunity to specialise in content that, in the best case scenario, bridges the gap between IT and the subject area of the bachelor's degree, while the compulsory courses provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in the IT world. The interactive concept, which focuses on group work, prepares students very well for the realities of everyday working life and generates a motivation and momentum that is often lacking in a ‘traditional’ degree programme. Another clear advantage is the individual support with very short communication channels, where great importance is attached to the individual support and development of each student.

Since the effective lecture period is usually limited to only two semesters (the maximum duration of study is six semesters), you save valuable time on the one hand, but on the other hand, the two semesters can definitely be described as (work) intensive. It is therefore all the more gratifying to see that this work pays off and that you have a very good chance of writing your Master's thesis at the company of your choice. As part of my Master's thesis at SAP SE, I am also fortunate to be able to apply my experience in marketing and IT to an exciting and innovative topic.

Working in an international team with regular new input and challenges motivates me every day and makes me look forward to my graduation and the next chapter. Since the current chapter has been significantly and positively influenced by MIS, I can recommend it with a clear conscience. It is a manageable investment with excellent prospects. What more could you want?'  

'Even while studying business administration with a focus on logistics and supply chain management, I noticed how closely economic processes are linked to IT systems today – and how important it is to understand both worlds. I wanted to delve deeper, understand how systems work in the background, how data is controlled and how to set up processes digitally in a meaningful way. As a long-time SAP user, I found it particularly exciting that the master's programme also covers current developments such as SAP S/4HANA, SAP Business Technology Platform and GenAI-based solutions – this immediately sparked my interest and showed me that I could learn at the cutting edge here.

What was particularly important to me was that I didn't have to catch up on computer science studies, but could build directly on my existing knowledge – and at the same time gain technical expertise. The programme offered me exactly the right framework for this. I was able to set my own priorities, e.g. in the area of process digitalisation or data management, and directly link much of the content to my previous focus. I found it particularly helpful that 24 of the 60 ECTS credits can be freely chosen – this gives a lot of scope for individual development depending on your interests and goals.

What I particularly liked was the practical focus. Group work, case studies, specific project examples – the whole thing is structured in a very realistic way. You work closely with the lecturers, receive feedback quickly, and the small cohort means you get to know each other really well.

The international focus was also a real plus for me – not only professionally, but also personally. You work in a team, exchange perspectives and learn a lot about yourself and working on digital projects.

Looking back on the last few months, the Master's programme was a really good decision. I was able to deepen my interests, develop new skills and now have a much clearer idea of where my career path can take me. If you're interested in business, IT and digitalisation but don't have a traditional technical background, I can really recommend this programme.'

'During my studies in purchasing and logistics, I dealt extensively with the challenges of modern value chains. My thesis, in which I addressed the topic of ‘Digital and transparent value chains in the context of Industry 4.0,’ sparked my lasting interest in information technology and digitalisation. I realised how important IT skills are for the future of logistics processes and economic development as a whole.

For this reason, I decided to deepen my knowledge in the field of business informatics. The programme offers an enormous variety of specialisation options: from IT consulting and digital transformation to topics such as machine learning and classic software development. This flexibility allows students to pursue their individual interests in a targeted manner and develop in a future-oriented way.

A real highlight of my studies was the opportunity to complete a double degree through the partnership with the University of Ljubljana. This international experience broadened my horizons both professionally and personally. I had the opportunity to study in both Germany and Slovenia, and both stages were characterised by valuable encounters, intercultural exchange and academic depth.

The professors at both universities are not only highly competent in their fields, but also willing to engage in personal dialogue. This proximity has made everyday student life noticeably easier, whether it be for consultations, questions or even finding solutions to problems that arise. You feel taken seriously and supported.

In addition, you benefit greatly from the universities' network: cooperation with companies and close collaboration with lecturers regularly result in exciting project work and also provide starting points for final theses or later career prospects. Personally, I was able to establish valuable contacts in the field.

Looking back, I am very happy with my decision to take this path. The programme not only expanded my professional skills, but also opened up new perspectives for my professional future, especially at the interface between logistics, digitalisation and IT.'

'I already completed my bachelor's degree in Digital Enterprise Management (now Digital Business Management) at Pforzheim University. Even back then, I was impressed by the practical content, the good contact with the professors and the collaboration with other students. It quickly became clear to me that I wanted to do my master's degree here too.

The Master's programme in Information Systems offers a wide range of modules in the fields of IT and management, allowing students to set their own study priorities and thus pursue and develop their individual interests. The practical projects enable students to apply what they have learned directly and at the same time benefit from the experiences and perspectives of their fellow students.

Current topics such as artificial intelligence, business intelligence and process automation are covered. This is supported by the use of modern tools that are also used in companies, such as Celonis, SAP Build and SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC). This allows you to gain valuable practical experience at an early stage.

The support from the professors is excellent. There is a pleasant, open atmosphere. Communication channels are short, you receive quick feedback and are given individual support in projects. This promotes an intensive but highly motivating learning environment.

My conclusion: I would choose this master's programme again anytime. It is practical, up-to-date and perfectly combines technology and management – ideal for anyone who wants to play an active role in shaping digitalisation.'

'My name is Chanti and I study Information Systems at Pforzheim University. From September 2024 to February 2025, I had the opportunity to spend a semester at the University of Ljubljana as part of the double degree programme – and to obtain my second master's degree in Business Informatics there. The programme comprises two semesters: first, you study on site in Slovenia, followed by a joint Master's thesis that is recognised for both degree programmes. At the end, you have two full degrees – a real highlight of my academic career.

My motivation was clear: get out of my comfort zone and into new perspectives. And Ljubljana was the perfect place for that. To be honest, I hadn't even considered Slovenia before, but I was pleasantly surprised from day one. The city is compact, yet incredibly lively, friendly, safe and inspiring. I was particularly impressed by how warmly we were welcomed – both by the university and by the people in the city.

The programme itself was demanding, especially in the areas of research, analysis and methodology – but that's exactly what prepared me well for my Master's thesis. All classes are held in English, which was a definite plus for me as an international student from South Africa. Of course, the schedule was tight, and it wasn't always easy to balance university, group projects, new friendships and excursions. But that's exactly what made it so special. With openness, curiosity and support from the ESN network, I quickly settled in. I will always remember our Christmas party at ‘Holidays’ with karaoke.

I can highly recommend this double degree to all MIS students who are open to new experiences and want to develop personally and professionally. You learn so much – about other cultures, about teamwork, about yourself. For me, this semester was not just an academic project, but a journey that shaped and inspired me. I would do it again anytime.'

'While studying for my bachelor's degree in business informatics at Pforzheim University, I realised how valuable the close connection between IT and business processes is – whether in analysis, in the implementation of digital solutions or in everyday practical projects. The practical teaching, the exchange with lecturers and the collaboration with other students convinced me back then. So it quickly became clear to me that I wanted to do my master's degree at Pforzheim University as well – and deepen my knowledge there in a targeted manner. The Master's in Information Systems offers exactly the combination I was looking for: on the one hand, deeper technical insights, e.g. in data science, RPA or process mining – and on the other hand, strategic and entrepreneurial perspectives, such as IT management or digitalisation concepts. I find it particularly positive that you can apply the content directly in practical projects. For example, I worked on a real project to develop an AI-supported fault assistant – including LLM integration, Celonis analyses and web prototyping. For me, it was particularly valuable that I was able to combine the knowledge I gained during my internship semester and my work as a student trainee with the content of my studies. Many of the concepts I learned about in theory are directly applicable in business practice, which creates a real understanding of how things fit together. The exchange with the lecturers is also intensive and takes place on an equal footing. You receive quick feedback, can ask individual questions at any time and receive targeted support in your own areas of focus – whether that be data analytics, automation or IT project management. My conclusion: the Master's programme in Information Systems is just right for anyone who not only wants to understand IT, but also wants to actively shape it. If you want to combine economic thinking with technological know-how and are enthusiastic about digital solutions, you will find the ideal conditions here for the next step in your career.'