Each year people from all over the world come to study the Bucerius Master of Law and Business. In the Meet interviews they tell their stories.
Education & Study
|
Where did you work before coming to Bucerius?
I worked primarily in the aviation industry, both in-house and as an external advisor. At Avianca S.A. - Colombia’s flag carrier - I worked, handling legal matters related to the acquisition, financing, administration, and return of the group’s aircraft fleet.
Later, I advised other stakeholders within the aviation sector and companies outside of it, by drafting and reviewing, contracts, assessing contractual risks, providing best-practice guidance and training while managing projects to improve contractual processes.
Why did you decide to study in Germany?
I chose Germany because I have always admired its sense of order, academic excellence, and cultural richness. This impression grew stronger through my professional interactions with German companies that showed great structure and reliability.
From a personal perspective, I also value the country’s sense of balance between professional and personal life. Hamburg, in particular, felt like the perfect match: vibrant, international, and closely linked to the aviation industry.
What makes the MLB Program so special in your opinion?
The MLB is special because it brings law and business together with a focus and depth that few programs in the world can offer. The program is very practice-oriented: the curriculum follows the life cycle of a company, so we see how legal and business decisions connect at every stage.
The internship gives us direct exposure to the German market and a better understanding of how companies operate. The visits we make to companies in other cities, along with the professionals who visit us on campus, make that connection to real life even stronger.
What also makes the experience truly meaningful is its diversity. Studying and sharing everyday life with classmates from many different countries, discovering their cultures, food, music, and ways of thinking, has been one of the most inspiring parts of this journey.
Carolina Fajardo, Class of 2026
What are the biggest differences between Germany and Colombia?
Both countries are beautiful and special in their own ways. In Germany, many things are already well organized for example public transport, safety, and everyday services work efficiently, which makes life easier once you are settled (even if at first, some processes can feel a bit complex). In Colombia, daily life is less predictable, and people often find creative ways to navigate daily challenges, something that naturally builds adaptability and resilience.
There is also a different rhythm in how things are approached: in Germany, people tend to plan ahead and follow clear processes, while in Colombia, flexibility and sometimes improvisation take the lead. Communication reflects this as well with Germans are usually more direct and reserved, whereas Colombians are more expressive and warm.
So far, living between both cultures has made me appreciate their differences and how each expresses structure, spontaneity, clarity, and warmth in its own unique way.
What’s an experience in Hamburg that is completely new to you?
Something that has felt completely new to me in Hamburg is how much is always happening. The city is full of cultural life - concerts, art exhibitions, food markets, and open-air events make it feel constantly alive and inspiring. Despite being Germany’s second largest city and offering all the advantages of a big city, it still feels calm, safe, and easy to enjoy.
I have also loved having the water so close.
Back home, I did not have many lakes or rivers nearby, so having the Alster and the Elbe right here, being able to run along them or simply enjoy their views has been one of the most beautiful parts of living here.
Another thing that has been completely new to me is the shorter store hours, especially on Sundays. I must admit that getting used to it took some adjustment at first, but it has helped me plan better and appreciate how this lifestyle highlights the importance of rest, balance, and personal time.
MEET OUR MLB STUDENTS
Each year people from all over the world come to study the Bucerius Master of Law and Business. In the Meet interviews they tell their stories. Click here to get to know the other students.
I truly enjoy living in Hamburg. The city is vibrant and full of life, offering a great mix of culture, energy, and opportunities to explore. I also love how easy it is to travel both within Germany and across Europe, which has made it even more exciting for me, as someone who is passionate about discovering new places.
I really like the neighborhood where I live and how I have been able to find everything I need close by. Little by little, I have started turning my apartment into a home, and living in the same building as some of my classmates has created a sense of community that has made life here not only easier, but also more fun and enjoyable.
You have experience in aviation – What are your future career plans?
Aviation has been my greatest passion so far, it is a field I truly love and the one that has shaped my career. I see myself continuing in this industry, ideally in Germany, applying the business perspective I am gaining through the MLB to expand into new areas of this industry, while contributing the experience and knowledge I have already built on the legal side.
Still, I like to keep an open mind; if Hamburg or Germany surprise me with something that captures my heart as much as aviation has so far, I would be happy to give myself the chance to explore it. One of the things I value most about this program especially through its internship and practical exposure, is that it allows us to explore new areas and maybe even discover new interests along the way. For me, it is essential to work on something I genuinely enjoy and find meaning in, so whichever path I follow, fulfillment will always be my main motivation.
What advice would you give to future students coming to Bucerius?
Come ready to embrace new challenges and to enjoy them! The MLB at Bucerius is more than a program; it’s an experience that invites you to grow in many ways. Be clear about why you chose to come, because that purpose will be your best guide along the way.
Try to find your own balance between everything that the university and the city/country have to offer, and focus on what truly matters to YOU. Everyone moves at a different pace and in different directions, (and that’s the beauty of it), so stay true to yourself while enjoying the wonderful company of those who share this journey with you.
The connections you build here become incredibly strong, because you grow together through similar experiences. Always keep in mind that you have an entire community behind you - classmates, alumni, and the university itself, with a truly special team like the MLB Office, whose care and support accompany you every step of the way.
