Ahmad Barakat studied International Business at our university from 2019 to 2022. He has been working as an Assurance/Audit Consultant at the management consultancy Ernst & Young (EY) since 2023. In the latest alumni story, the economics graduate tells us how he mastered his job entry and what experience he gained during his studies.

Which company do you work for and what do you particularly like about your current job?
Ernst & Young is one of the four largest providers of financial services in the areas of consulting, auditing, tax and transaction services. Our goal is to help our clients find solutions to their challenges. Working in audit gives me the opportunity to work with clients from different industries and with different problem areas, which makes my job very interesting and varied. What I like most is working in a team and the learning and development opportunities that are available to me.

What memories do you have of your studies at HTW Dresden?
I have so many fond memories of my time at HTWD. What I appreciated most was the friendly atmosphere with the lecturers and the relaxed atmosphere with my fellow students. I always enjoyed attending lectures and having stimulating discussions. I also miss the Faranto activities and the long walks along the Elbe.

To what extent did your degree programme prepare you for your career?
The Master's programme in International Management was not directly related to auditing, but I have a Bachelor's degree in accounting, which was helpful. But you also can't audit a company without having a deep understanding of its business and risks and being able to think holistically. The modules I studied during my degree at HTWD helped me a lot with this, especially the specialisms in strategy and sustainability. The opportunity to work on various projects in a multicultural team and to spend a semester abroad was also a great advantage.

What tips can you give current students to help them on their way?
That's a difficult question. I believe that everyone is different and has their own challenges and stories. All I can say is: be curious, don't be afraid to try new things and have fun!