13.01.2025Roman Blum, CAS in General Management

Roman Blum, 31, lives in Altendorf SZ and has been working for Swisscom as a DevOps Engineer and Product Owner for the blue TV app, since completing his Master's degree in Computer Science at Rapperswil University of Applied Sciences. What he particularly appreciates about his joe atb is the opportunity to help shape it and develop personally. In his free time, he pursues his passion for the world of wine. He can often be found at tastings, exploring wine regions or in his kitchen, where he prepares culinary creations with wine pairings. As a physical balance, he integrates jogging and strength training into his everyday life. Thanks to the CAS in General Management, he feels better equipped to bridge the gap between technology and management and also optimally prepared for future career steps.

My interest in management began when I realized that technical expertise alone was not enough to successfully lead teams and drive projects forward. Especially in my role as a product owner at Swisscom, I realized that I needed in-depth knowledge in areas such as strategy, marketing and finance in order to work effectively with different departments and stakeholders.

By researching the websites of universities and universities of applied sciences that offer further education in the field of management.

The modular structure of the program allows me to design my further education flexibly and to deepen exactly those topics that are relevant for my professional development. I find the opportunity to choose from various modules such as Strategic Management, Marketing Management, Leadership and Corporate Finance particularly interesting. Furthermore, UZH's reputation as one of the leading universities in Switzerland was a decisive factor for me.

My first impression of the CAS program and the first modules was consistently positive. I was particularly impressed by the first module Strategic Management. The practical orientation enabled me to link the theoretical concepts directly with real business situations. In the second module, Marketing Management, I was able to deepen my understanding of customer-oriented strategies. The content was very insightful for me as a software developer, as it gave me new perspectives on product development and market positioning. What particularly impressed me was the expertise of the lecturers. Their ability to convey a large amount of theoretical knowledge in the limited time available and at the same time back it up with practical examples was remarkable. This combination of theory and practice made what I learned particularly tangible for me.

Although nothing particularly surprised me, I was very impressed by the depth and quality of the teaching. The lecturers managed to present complex management concepts in a way that was easy to understand and relevant, even for someone like me with a technical background.

The knowledge I learned in the CAS program opens up new perspectives for my current position at Swisscom and for future career steps. I feel better equipped to bridge the gap between technological innovation and business value. I look forward to bringing these new perspectives to my daily work and contributing to both my personal development and the success of Swisscom.

I found the Corporate Finance module the most exciting, even though I have little direct contact with it in my current position at Swisscom. I am fascinated by the complexity and strategic importance of the topic. The insights into strategic financial decisions, company valuation and risk management as well as capital structure and financing options were particularly interesting. This knowledge complements my technical know-how and prepares me for possible future management roles. In addition, I can now better assess the financial impact of technology decisions and perhaps even come up with ideas that make technological and financial sense.

Working with my fellow students has been extremely enriching so far. I really like the diversity of backgrounds and expertise in our group. The mix of experienced managers and younger talents creates a dynamic learning environment in which we learn from and inspire each other. One particular moment that sticks in my mind was a group assignment in the Corporate Finance module. We had to carry out a company valuation as part of an M&A scenario. The discussions about synergy potentials and risk assessments were intense and showed me how complex such decisions are in practice.

Overall, I see the CAS as a crucial step in my development from a technical expert to a leader who successfully combines technology and management. This will expand my career opportunities and prepare me for future leadership roles, whether as a technical director or in a position that integrates technology and business decisions.

The biggest challenge is probably coping with the complexity and variety of topics covered in a relatively short time, as the course covers a wide range of business disciplines. Finally, the integrative approach of the program requires students to look beyond their previous professional expertise and develop a holistic understanding of business management.

I have high expectations of the upcoming modules. I am particularly looking forward to the practical content and the exchange with the lecturers and fellow students. I expect that the modules will deepen my understanding of modern leadership (Leadership), sustainable corporate management (Corporate Governance & Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Entrepreneurship) and digital transformation.

I am particularly looking forward to the Digital Transformation module. I expect the module to help me better understand the impact of digitalization on existing business models and to drive digital transformation in my area of work.

Yes, I would definitely recommend the CAS in General Management at the University of Zurich. It is particularly suitable for experts like me who want to expand their management skills and prepare themselves for leadership roles. The course is also valuable for people from different industries who are looking for a comprehensive overview of business management topics. The flexible, modular structure makes the program attractive for working professionals who need to combine study and work. Overall, the CAS is ideal for anyone who is looking for a practice-oriented further education program with academic standards and wants to take their career to the next level.

(Here you can find more information about the CAS in General Management.)

Text: Linda Betschart