MSc in Management student Lukas Stangl reflects on competing in the Hyatt Student Prize in Paris
"It was such an honor to be chosen as the first Austrian finalist. I would encourage anyone looking for a new adventure in his or her academic career to apply"
FRIDAY 28th DECEMBER 2018 | READING TIME: 1 MINUTE
By Lukas Stangl
Student of the MSc in Management at MODUL University Vienna
The Hyatt Student Prize was an exceptional experience which helped me evolve in my career. I absolutely loved how the competition encouraged us 8 finalists from all around the world to become effective leaders by engaging in various challenges and interviews. Especially the pitch we had to present in front of twelve executives from various companies like Air France-KLM, Danone, or PwC was such a unique experience.
Not only was the competition itself exciting, but also meeting the other finalists and becoming friends with all of them was so great for me. It is so important to establish a global network of like-minded young professionals. I believe that an international network is one of the most important resources you can have.
The first round of the application process was a dossier together with a video where I had to discuss various topics from effective management to leadership. When I arrived in Paris, it started with individual interviews with Hyatt executives followed by a group challenge where we had different scenarios and had to present our concepts in front of the jury.
The second day started early with a special activity, a private boat tour on the beautiful Seine in front of the Eiffel Tower. Afterwards we prepared for the presentation in front of the grand jury which was followed by more interviews. The award ceremony took place on the same day, with International Football Manager Arsène Wenger as the honorary president of the Jury.
It was such an honor to be chosen as the first Austrian finalist in history, competing in the 11th edition of the Hyatt Student Prize. I would encourage anybody who is searching for a new adventure in his or her academic career to apply for the next edition, you will benefit from it in so many ways!
