Lucia Fuchs

Which “hashtag” best describes you?

#motivated

What could be a good headline for this interview with Zeppelin University (ZU)?

“From College to Startup”

Describe yourself in three words.

Loyal, ambitious, and creative.

What were your expectations for ZU?

ZU promotes its interdisciplinary approach a lot, so that’s exactly what I expected. I decided to study at ZU because I didn’t just want to major in business—I wanted to actively take courses from other programs, gain new perspectives, and avoid that typical business school vibe. I feel like that’s exactly what I’ve gotten so far. Another thing I expected from ZU—and this was the second reason I came here—was that the university provides a lot of support, especially when it comes to the startup center and the startup university. I’ve experienced exactly that kind of support here and learned a great deal from it. What really sets ZU apart is this special exchange and the inspiration you get from other students and faculty in the university’s many open spaces. You’re constantly striking up conversations with some truly fascinating people.

Could you say: small university, strong sense of community?

Yes, definitely.

For the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the entire world. How has this situation impacted ZU?

When I talk to friends who study at public universities, I feel that ZU has been very fortunate throughout this pandemic. The fact that we had small classes and so much in-person instruction was a huge advantage. Now that more is possible again, students are also really eager and working to revive that “ZU spirit” everyone always talks about. Events are being organized, and people are trying to make ZU the vibrant place it was before the pandemic. The students really missed that, and they’re actively working to ensure that community life at ZU returns to the way it was before the pandemic.

How are the students working to make things “like they used to be” again?

From what I’ve seen among my close circle of friends, a lot of things are being organized. For example, people are starting to party together and listen to music again. A lot of people here enjoy good music. There are a lot of DJs among us students. I think it’s really unique that you can throw cool parties at your university and actually look forward to coming to campus every day. I’m here almost every day, even when I don’t have classes. Most of the other students I know do the same. We come to ZU to work, to meet our friends, and to motivate each other to work. Being able to come back here and breathe new life into the building—that’s what I, and we, try to work toward every day. We want to rebuild that special, personal sense of community at ZU.

Are you involved in any student initiatives, and if so, which ones?

I’ve been involved with “Tatendrang Entrepreneurs Club e.V.” (Editor’s note: A student startup initiative at Zeppelin University and a volunteer-run association aimed at students and those interested in entrepreneurship who want to bring their own ideas to life, are looking for co-founders, or are seeking inspiration, a project, or the right network.) After joining “PioneerPort,” (Editor’s note: PioneerPort is ZU’s startup and innovation center. Here, students learn to think entrepreneurially, regardless of their major or startup idea. With ZU’s coaching programs and its highly competent network of alumni, leading figures in the startup scene, and industry experts, founders find an ideal environment. Special emphasis is placed on the concept of “value-added entrepreneurship.” Info: https://www.zu.de/studium-weiterbildung/weiterbildung-transfer/gruenderzentrum/ ) Unfortunately, I didn’t have any more time for it, as it would otherwise have become too much for me. But I definitely would have liked to continue. (Editor’s note: Lucia Fuchs founded Habitus GmbH together with her friend and fellow student Charlotte Schmid. Fuchs: “Habitus is the leading marketplace for curated upcycling labels in Germany. It brings together independent upcycling labels with customers:who choose conscious and sustainable consumption, while still placing great importance on aesthetics. For the company, upcycling is the most sustainable way to consume fashion, since no new materials are produced—instead, existing materials are given a new lease on life.”)

How do you rate the close 1:9 student-to-professor ratio?

It’s very special. I can always approach the professors, and they know me by name—that’s great! It reminds me a bit of school, and I really like that. It makes you feel very heard and seen at ZU. I benefit greatly from having such a close relationship with my professors.

How did you first hear about ZU? Why did you know that ZU was the university where you wanted to study?

Actually, I hadn’t even graduated from high school yet, but I’d already secured my spot at ZU. For me, it was just clear that I wanted to come here. We went to a college fair with my school—I went to school in Munich—and there, at the ZU booth, I picked up the catalog, which I looked through carefully. I knew right away that I wanted to study business, and I was really impressed by the design of the ZU brochure! At home, I went to the ZU website and signed up for an information session. At the fair, I’d also had some very interesting and informative conversations with ZU representatives, so right at the start of my senior year, I applied directly to ZU and was accepted. My start at ZU was therefore already set before I graduated from high school, so I was able to begin my studies at ZU just three months after graduation.

You’re studying CME—why did you choose this program?

Purely out of my interest in economics. It was clear to me that this is also the industry where I’d like to work later on. My interest is clearly focused on this area and, above all, on macroeconomics. How do economic structures and changes come about? How much does all of this influence our lives? That’s exactly the area that interests me the most. I’ve also noticed during my studies at ZU that degree programs like SPE really appeal to me as well. But if, like me, you’re most interested in “Economics,” I think it makes the most sense to study CME. Especially since I’ve always known that I want to start my own business.

What advice would you give to students starting their studies at ZU?

I’d approach ZU with an open mind and check out the other degree programs as well. Above all, though, I’d talk to faculty and students—including upperclassmen. One of ZU’s unique features is that you can easily switch your major and change your mind again up until the second semester. It often helps to just look around, including at the many student initiatives. And then, in the second semester, take some time to reflect and ask yourself: “Is this really what I want to do, or do I want to switch again?”

Please complete the following sentences. At ZU, you can…

… reinvent yourself.

ZU stands for…

…diversity.

I thank ZU for…

… endless support and lots of inspiration.

What was your best experience at ZU?

My first summer festival. I’d only been here for two weeks, and on that day I already noticed how and what was blossoming here. Those inspiring people, that rooftop terrace, the whole atmosphere, beautiful weather, the music, people dancing, everyone chatting—it was just great! That’s when I first felt what an incredible community we have here at ZU and that I’d truly found my place here.

What are your plans for your last two semesters at ZU?

I’ve decided to spend as much time as possible at the university and enjoy the time with my friends and the new people I’m still getting to know. And since I’m in my fifth semester, I’d also like to get a taste of the other degree programs again and actively take other courses.

Thank you so much for the candid conversation.

ZU Interview: Elena Francomano