Guido Quelle studied computer science at TU Dortmund University in the 1980s and then made a postgraduate degree in engineering. A professional for corporate development, he is handling director and majority shareholder of Mandat Managementberatung, lecturer for tactical management at the International School of Management in Dortmund, honorary professor at the SRH University of Applied Sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia in Hamm, and author of many books. In this interview, he discusses his preferred moments at what was then called the University of Dortmund, how his research studies formed him and what benefits he sees in networking within the alumni network.
Mr. Quelle, why did you study at TU Dortmund University– at that time still the University of Dortmund?
Do you want a sincere answer or a courteous one?
An honest one, of course.
The truthful answer is– it was my second option. Although I’m from Dortmund, in reality I wished to study medical informatics in Heilbronn because it was the only location in the mid-1980s to provide that degree program. Unfortunately, the entry requirements were too high, however I however still wanted to study computer technology. Because the University of Dortmund currently had an excellent credibility in this topic at that time, I enrolled there in 1986. And thankfully, thanks to its partnership with Ruhr University Bochum, I could even pick medicine as my small topic.
What was different at that time in comparison to today?
Studying was still characterized by an excellent deal of flexibility. At that time, there were basically just oral examinations in computer technology and no compulsory presence. To put it candidly: I ‘d state the heat was off. And I actually delighted in having the time to find more about myself. That likewise shapes you, when you don’t spend all your time simply studying however likewise broadening your horizons.
How did your research studies form your life and your profession path?
Accepting that university is entirely various than school had been, that it takes a great deal of personal effort– this was a procedure. I discovered during that time how to manage this freedom, how to get myself arranged and how to reconcile my studies with my work and my leisure time.
I also had a stroke of luck: In 1990, I saw an advert on South Campus that had actually been posted by Mandat management consultants, who were looking for a student to join them. I started working there, 20 hours a week. Later, after I ‘d ended up university, I got a long-term task there. At that time, I would never ever have guessed that Mandat would be the business where I would one day end up being handling director, co-partner and sole owner. In the meantime, I have actually sold 20 percent to coworkers, however I’m still the majority investor. That did undoubtedly form my life and my profession course.
Do you have any other extremely unique memories of your time at the University of Dortmund?
The very best days were certainly my exams. In computer science these were above all oral ones. It was always great when the inspectors said: “You’ve passed”. I likewise did my postgraduate degree there, in logistics at the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The best moment was on 8 August 2003, when I effectively defended my argumentation.
Do you have a preferred put on school?
I constantly liked the mathematics building. Up on the tenth floor we had the broadcasting station of the University of Dortmund’s amateur radio club. At that time, there was a gigantic antenna on the roofing system that permitted us to communicate with the whole world.
How do you feel about Dortmund as a city?
Among other things, I’m actively involved as chairman of the board of the Dortmund Structure, which undertakings to cultivate understanding and abilities amongst youths in Dortmund. For this, you need creative task partners– and Dortmund is really strong here: We’re good at pursuing objectives together and across party lines in organization, politics and administration. We’re good at improvising– after all, Dortmund has needed to do this considering that the 1980s– and at transforming ourselves now that the key markets of steel, coal and beer have vanished. Lake Phoenix, for instance, which celebrated its tenth anniversary on 9 Might 2021, is a turning point here.
You’re a member of TU Dortmund University’s alumni network. What do you particularly appreciate about it?
I discover an alumni association that covers the whole university amazing– and important. Whether aid with a master’s thesis, task suggestions or exchanging news on research projects: A wide and differed alumni network can produce extremely various projects and connections. At the very same time, it reinforces a sense of community, and you have a long-lasting accessory to your university– that’s fantastic. I think that we can also learn a lot here from the U.S.A., where such networks are properly nurtured and utilized more than they are here in Germany. Personally, I’m anticipating future activities within TU Dortmund University’s alumni network.
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