Where did you work before coming to Bucerius?
I’m a qualified lawyer in Brazil. Before coming to Bucerius, I worked in Brazil in two capacities: I was a solo lawyer, practicing in corporate and commercial law and business structuring; I also worked as a corporate paralegal for a law firm based in Houston, Texas, where I managed cases on immigration and business law in the United States.
Why did you decide to study in Germany?
Studying abroad has always been both a professional goal and a dream for me. I decided to study in Germany because I have always been interested in learning the German language, and I wanted to have the chance to immerse myself in the German culture, while being able to thrive as an international student and professional in the German market.
What makes the MLB Program so special in your opinion?
My experience with the MLB Program so far has been extraordinary in every aspect. Speaking of course structure, the MLB Program combines law and business in a very precise manner, which cannot be easily found anywhere else.
The Program’s approach of structuring the courses based on the company lifecycle (from the inception of the business idea to its establishment in the market) is what fascinates me the most. While we dive deep in legal courses, I have been learning key aspects of a business that go beyond the legal aspects, such as notions of accounting, economics, and managerial finance, which are of utmost importance for a business to succeed in the market. To me, this approach is what makes this program so unique.
Additionally, the MLB Program is indeed international. I have the amazing experience to share my class with students from 23 countries and different professional backgrounds – this allows us to have an enriching professional and cultural exchange. Finally, the MLB Program and its management team strongly support us in our journey navigating the German marketplace and finding good job opportunities.
Drawing from my own experience, the MLB Program introduced me to a great job opportunity at a large corporation when I had not even arrived in Germany. I successfully got the position, and have since then been able to simultaneously apply all the knowledge learned in class to real cases in my field.
What are the biggest differences between Germany and Brazil?
Among all differences, I would focus on organizational aspects and on connecting to people. Brazil and its people have a high level of informality, which results in people being less strict towards some rules (i.e., being late is normal and acceptable), having a flexible behavior in their day-to-day lives. In Germany, on the other hand, everything is more orderly and stricter (i.e., punctuality), with clear guidelines for everything, while people value and maintain a more formal approach in their day-to-day activities.
In terms of connecting to others, in Brazil we are usually open and friendly to everybody, and very fast to make new friends, although this does not mean that we always build deep connections and long-lasting relationships. In Germany, on the other hand, people may be more reserved at the initial contacts, but after some time once the connection develops and trust is built, you can see that Germans are indeed true great friends and create long-lasting friendships.
Finally, I can’t fail to mention the biggest difference: the weather! While in Brazil we have a tropical weather having the sun all year round, in Germany I have been getting used to the cold temperatures during the autumn and the winter that is approaching.
What’s an experience in Hamburg that is completely new to you?
Having a fish sandwich by the harbor in the Saint Pauli area! This was completely new to me, and it is a very typical experience from Hamburg. It was a nice – and unforgettable – experience.
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.
ALL PORTRAITS
How do you like living in Hamburg?
It’s been only four months since I arrived, but Hamburg has already earned a special place in my heart. The city is beautiful, orderly and green, blending some modern landscapes while maintaining its historical charm. It’s both vibrant and laidback, offering something for everyone. My favorite spot is the Alster, a large green area surrounding the Alster lake, which offers some nice parks and walking paths with a stunning view to the lake.
You worked in corporate law - What are your future career plans?
My professional experience consists mostly of corporate and commercial law. When I look to the future, I see many plans in store. Firstly, I would like to initially secure a job in Germany in corporate or commercial law in a company or law firm. At the same time, I want to prepare myself to pursue a career at international organizations such as the World Trade Organization, the United Nations, or the World Bank. Secondly, in three to six years from now, I would like to pursue a doctorate degree to become a professor, which has always been my dream.
What advice would you give to future students coming to Bucerius?
I could give many pieces of advice, but I would like to only state the following: be open to live in the present. I believe this statement encapsulates very well the attitude that we must have while coming to Bucerius.
Firstly, you must be open to new experiences, new people, new language, new city, new learnings, both in the academic setting and in the routine setting, and so on and so forth. Everything is new and every new aspect of this whole experience has something great to offer you, which is why you must be open.
Secondly, live in the present. While in Hamburg and Bucerius, do not look back to the past nor be anxious about the future, just enjoy the moment, live in the present and benefit from every moment, every class, every new professor, or classmate that you meet, every class trip and event, every walk on the streets of Hamburg, and so on and so forth.
Time flies by so quick and I am sure that, by the end of the MLB Program, I will want to look back to the first day and tell myself: “I have enjoyed every second of this journey in full and I have made the most of it”.
Joao, Thanks for the interview!
