Partnership: CUAS partnered with FERCAM Logistics & Transport in 2023. This partnership is about building a future together, linking HR company needs with international graduates, and ensuring our student-alumni community thrives on a global scale. By bridging the gap between higher education and real-world industry needs, we're not only fostering exceptional talent management but also retaining it in Carinthia.  

Dr. Colin Heller, head of the ICM program, and logistics expert initiated this partnership, stressing the importance of competencies in cross-border trade: “International logistics involves managing the movement of goods, information, and finances across international borders. Understanding how to optimize and streamline global supply chains is essential for international management students who will be dealing with the complexities of operating in multiple countries. ICM often involves dealing with the challenges and opportunities of cross-border trade. International logistics often requires interaction with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Understanding cultural nuances and communication styles is vital for effective collaboration in a globalized business environment. Students in ICM can benefit from exposure to the cultural aspects inherent in international logistics.”

We have developed a 3-level partnership model. With this model, we are building a better future together with retaining international talent in Carinthia, linking HR company needs to international graduates.

Level 1: Internships: Our students delve into real-world international logistics markets, mastering intercultural communication, as they tackle cross-border work. This experience uniquely positions them for internships in their 6th semester.

Zheleznova Daria, 4th semester students shares her internship experience as a transport manager at FERCAM Logistics & Transport: „I work as a Transport Manager for the Great Britain - Netherlands direction. What I enjoy the most about my job? First of all, it is of course, my colleagues. We have a super multicultural atmosphere in the office and during the day I constantly hear around 6 different languages around me. And the people there are super friendly, supportive, and interesting. Sometimes it looks like a bigger version of our ICM group. And the second aspect, which is really important for me as a student is flexible hours. I can comfortably combine my study and work schedules and keep the balance between these two parts of my life. Finally, it is global team spirit and company culture in Fercam.”  

Level 2: Collaborative projects: in the 4th semester BA level business students have a module “Project Management”, as an integral practice-oriented part of the curriculum. Students are divided in groups and work directly with the company on the practical projects. A group of four students joined FERCAM HR department this spring: Nabil Nisrine (Morocco) Kulcsár Anett (Hungary) Fürst Thomas Jonathan (Brazil) Grivneva Radina (Bulgaria) Zheleznova Daria (Russia).  

"The FERCAM team is incredibly diverse and dynamic, which makes every day feel like a new adventure. Being able to communicate in French adds an extra layer of excitement, and I'm eager to contribute to exploring new horizons for the company in untapped markets." - Nabil Nisrine, international ICM student from Morocco.

Level 3: Bachelor's Papers Research:our students leverage their expertise in international logistics by conducting BA-level research, helping the company to tackle internal data for better decision-making.

Dr. Colin Heller and CUAS graduate Ms. Sabina Memic have presented a paper in Napoli, Italy, at the International Conference of IACCM - International Association of Cross-Cultural Management and Competence (IACCM):  

Heller C., Memic S. (2024) “The role of language training in the curriculum for international business students in a regional border context: improving talent retention and integration into the Carinthia economy using the example of CUAS and company FERCAM Logistics & Transport”, DISAQ Publication on Responsible Management: Social Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion. Napoli, Italy, 2024; ISBN 979-12-80655-20-8; pp. 361-389.

Interview: Ms. Sabina Memic, ICM alumna from Slovenia: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gas1dLZQJ1E

This innovative 3-level partnership model of Carinthia University of Applied Sciences and FERCAM Logistics & Transport is bridging the gap between academia and industry, shaping the next generation of multilingual business leaders in the field of international logistics. It is a good fit for students of ICM because it provides practical insights into the complexities of managing global supply chains, helps in developing skills essential for cross-border trade, and enhances their ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the global business landscape.

Learn more about our international jobs in Carinthia and innovative recruitment of international talent in the interview with FERCAM Logistics & Transport FH Ms. Nina Feiersinger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm8BG-bSeE8&t=144s

Internships and BA coordinator for ICM: FH-prof. Dr. Colin Heller
Project Management and Research Coordinator for ICM: FH-prof. Dr. Svetlana Buko