Rensselaer at Hartford Students Gain Real-World Perspective During an International Experience in Germany

Twenty Rensselaer graduate students, guided by Dr. David Rainey, Acting Dean and Professor of Practice, Rensselaer at Hartford, and Dr. Sudhangshu Bose, Professor of Practice, traveled to Munich, Germany, in May, to engage in discussions with executives from some of the most successful European corporations. 

The purpose of the week-long trip was to have a truly interactive learning experience and obtain insights and knowledge from cutting-edge leaders in high-tech businesses. The international trip is an integral component of Rensselaer’s M.S. in Management degree program with a concentration in Sustainability and Clean Energy Management, and the M.S. in Engineering Science with a concentration in Environmental and Energy Engineering. The coursework focuses on sustainability and how strategic and technical leaders create innovative solutions and robust systems. Classroom sessions were held at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). TUM is one of the top-ranked universities in Germany. 

Students visited: (1) Siemens’ Energy Sector transformer business unit in Nurnberg. Large 800kV to 1200kV power transformers that weigh as much as 400 tons are produced at this plant. Vice President Robert Stuerzebecher presented Siemens’ strategies, solutions, and the challenges facing its global business. (2) OSRAM Opto Semiconductor facility in Regensburg, which produces state-of-the-art LEDs that provide energy-efficient lighting solutions. Vice President Alfred Haas detailed the technical developments and the process requirements for producing high-tech products. (3) The MAN Truck and Bus operation in Munich is a top-ranked international supplier of commercial vehicles and transport solutions. CEO Anders Nielsen advocates that, “Sustainability is our worldwide responsibility towards society and environment.” (4) The Audi A4 assembly plant in Ingolstadt, where Dr. Antonia Wade, head of Corporate Responsibility, presented a compelling picture of Audi’s sustainability initiatives. (5) BMW’s WELT in Munich showcased their advanced designs such as an e-vehicle and hydrogen car. (6) President Johannes Winklhofer of IWIS Systems, a producer of specialty components in Munich, told the students, “With standard machines you only get standard parts; IWIS modifies machines to make them one of a kind to produce better parts that no one can copy.” And, (7) Porsche’s manufacturing facility in Stuttgart.   

View photos at: www.ewp.rpi.edu/academics/study_abroad/munich05_2013/index.html