They say that education is the key to success in life.
We tell children – by way of Howard Gardner – that there are multiple types of intelligence, so surely there are various ways to go about being educated?
Heralding the importance of relationship-based learning, Dublin-native Dr Susan Walsh is fostering Irish-Bavarian business relations one golden ticket at a time.
The Globe Business College in Munich is a privately-run, fully accredited Irish business college with a revolutionary interest in relationship-based learning.
Its vision is to combine the brilliant logic of Germanic education with Irish people skills and flexibility to produce classes of fully-rounded individuals, fully equipped to take on the working world today.
"The idea is to create a third level business college in Munich that combines the Irish and German approaches to education," Dr Walsh says.
"Irish people and Germans are, in a way, diametrically opposed, and we thought that combining the two would prove hugely valuable not only academically, but in providing a range of skills and competence."
Dr Walsh completed full schooling in Ireland – including a PhD in Marketing in Banking from Jordanstown, Belfast – before moving to Munich with Bavarian husband in tow in 2004.
It was two years after that when she founded the college and hasn't looked back since.
"Due to the relationship-based concept, we keep it bespoke with small numbers. Saying that we have a fantastic networking system with past students and their families."
The course itself is practically-oriented, internationally-focused, centred on the individual learner and conducted completely in the English language.
Privately housed in an art deco building, the institution has become a fixture of business and political life in the booming Bavarian capital.
Its summer school is similarly international, with Dr Walsh and team inviting students by way of 'golden tickets' for those looking to sample college life.
"So, it's actually a little-known fact that Munich is the home of the golden ticket – as the original Willy Wonka was filmed here! So, we decided to give a nod to that with our workshops, which allows us to personally invite students to explore the college and business as a whole, without signing up to attend a full course."
The 'golden ticket' business workshops are run over four weekends a year as part of the assessment process for joining the college. These include a jam-packed schedule full of presentations, meetings and marketing lunches.
For her, the week-long summer course isn’t a recruitment drive for her college but an attempt to open young Irish eyes to the opportunities Germany offers.
"It's all part of the relationship-based model. Meeting new people, partaking in exchanges and networking all play into this very interesting education system."
The college, Dr Walsh says, is constantly developing.
"We're still working on this education concept, creating a network around the world.
"A model like this one – providing bespoke, individualised learning – could work anywhere in the world.
"And we would love to see that happen."
And as for herself (despite sounding like the busiest woman on Earth), Dr Walsh is fully appreciative of the work/play philosophy, heralding the importance of a little time off, too.
"It can't just be work, work, work – you lose your creativity! Because we live in the magical city of Munich, Italy is just a four-hour drive away. So at least two weeks of August will be spent on holidays somewhere there – we're just not quite sure where yet!"
Those interested in a Golden Ticket can contact [email protected] for more information.
READ MORE: Women Think About Quitting Work 17 Times a Year, But How Do You Know When It's Really Time to Go?
